There is no doubt the European Commission has stepped up its pressure on the gambling monopolies of several European Union member states, including France, Sweden and Greece. Following the news of today's final warning given by the European Commission to France and Sweden, several online gaming operators have expressed their pleasure and support, and are further encouraging the Commission to step up even more pressure.

Speaking about the Commission's ultimatum, Chief Executive of Unibet online sports betting site, Petter Nylander, said it represented the need and calling for a more responsible, fair and modernized gambling industry in Sweden and Europe. Nylander said his company is looking forward to more responsible gambling regulation within the Swedish sector, which Unibet happens to derive a large portion of their business from. Being one of the largest private gambling operators in all of Sweden, Unibet certainly has plenty to be hopeful about.

UK all-in-one gambling site, Ladbrokes, which offers an online casino, sportsbook, poker room and online bingo room, was also pleased with the warning, yet openly called for the Commission to not cease in pressuring France. Ladbrokes Managing Director, John O'Reilly, brought up a good point in regards to France, referring to the French gambling monopoly, Euro Millions Lottery, which is allowed to sell tickets in the UK, yet is sequestered against competition from other gambling companies seeking to do business in France.

Ladbrokes argument is the same as that of several other online betting sites who are licensed to do business in other European Union member states, yet are prohibited from competing against state-run gambling monopolies. O'Reilly brought up a good point in saying that online betting was no different than other business sectors embracing cross-border competition.

Apparently, the European Commission sees the issue in the same way. Having considered France and Sweden's defenses in response to letters issued in 2006, the European Commission has issued its final warning, requesting both countries to amend their gambling laws and/or provide satisfactory replies to the final warning, or else the matter could be passed into the hands of the European Court of Justice. The goal for France and Sweden now will be to get their gambling regulations in line with Article 49 of the EC Treaty, which guarantees free movement of trade and services. Greece's fate is yet to be determined, although it looks like they will get the same verdict as Sweden and France.