The online gambling industry has received some of the most propitious news since the disheartening unfolding of events in the attempted ban against online casinos in the U.S. In a court ruling that will certainly aid in dismantling and taking power away from state-run gambling monopolies in Europe, the European Court of Justice has ruled against the Italian government, stating their attempts to criminally prosecute three individuals for collecting internet bets on behalf of Stanley Leisure, run "contrary to community law" and are in violation against fundamental principles of the freedom to provide services across country borders.

While the ruling states that Italian authorities were neglectful in that they did not have the necessary authorization to impose criminal charges on Mr. Placanica, Palazzese and Soricchio, the undercurrents of the ruling in regards to the current gambling monopoly epidemic in Europe are far reaching. Going against Italian authorities claim they are simply taking the required steps to keep criminal activities out of the betting industry, the ECJ said the blanket exclusion of online operators and withholding of casino gaming licenses goes beyond the prevention of fraud and crime.

It will be interesting to see how repercussions of the ruling will affect other casino gambling and sports betting monopolies in Europe. One case in particular is that of Turkey, who is on tap to become the latest member of the European Union. Having just passed legislation to ban online gambling and criminally target foreign online casino gaming operators providing services to Turkish citizens, the government of Turkey could and should face a similar ruling that Italian authorities are now facing. What makes this particular case most noteworthy is the fact that unlike other EU members whose gambling monopolies were not in the position they are now in at the time of joining the EU, Turkey has all of their cards already laid on the table.