The European Court of Justice has upheld regulations liberalizing online gambling by handing down a ruling favorable to British bookmakers who had been banned from operating in Italy. Meanwhile, the Polish government is planning to introduce regulations similar to those in Italy.

"National regulations that prohibit the acceptance of bets unless one has a license issued by the relevant member state restrict the freedom of services," said the court in substantiating its decision. The court ruled that an operator who holds a license issued in one EU member state has the right to provide similar services throughout the European Union. The court's ruling concerns three bookmakers who had accepted bets in Italy on behalf of British-based firm Stanley International Betting (SIB). SIB had no license to conduct bookmaking business in Italy.

In Poland, a dozen or so foreign online bookmakers operate without any regulations. The finance ministry is working to amend the gambling law.