ECJ's Germany decision delayed until October
Major decision from European Court of Justice which could force a reform of Germany's regulatory framework is pushed back
A crucial European Court of Justice (ECJ) judgment which many expected would to bring to an end Germany’s heavily criticised sports betting licensing procedure has been delayed, eGaming Review has learnt.
An opinion from the advocate general of the European Court of Justice on case C-335/14, more commonly known as the “Ince” case, had been expected to be delivered next week.
But the ECJ has now said the opinion will not be published until 22 October, with an official ECJ decision – likely to closely match the opinion – not likely for a further two to three months.
The delay will further frustrate operators and industry stakeholders who have been awaiting a decision in a case which could see Europe rule against the legality of Germany’s Interstate Treaty.
The decision will pertain to whether or not Germany’s sports betting licensing procedure, introduced by the 2012 Interstate Treaty, fulfils the EU’s transparency requirements.
If the ECJ decides it does not then Germany might finally be forced to reform a licensing procedure which most politicians have chosen to steer well clear of in recent months.