888 Holdings Threatens To Leave German Markets
888 Holdings has expressed its anger after an online gaming ban swept through Baden-Württemberg. 888 Holdings released an announcement and claimed that it would be willing to leave German markets if the gaming ban is not reversed soon. 888 Holdings also filed a German constitutional complaint with the German Federal Constitutional Court. The complaint talks about several laws, specifically one of the freedom rights mentioned in an EU Law, suggesting that the ban could be overturned by the court.
The Chairman of 888 Holdings, Brian Mattingley, released a statement emphasizing his concern on the issue. His comments suggest that his company could entirely leave the German market if things do not change in a timely manner. He claimed the regulations are already squeezing his company in that particular market, and if things continue to spiral out of control, he would guarantee that this threat would come true.
It is possible that the German Federal Constitutional Court could overturn the ban to try and protect its operators, rather than running them out of the German gaming industry. However, the Chairman of 888 Holdings, Brian Mattingley did not express optimism over the issue.
Other gaming companies have already left the German gaming markets due to similar issues and complaints. Earnings have significantly dropped for gaming companies ever since the gaming industry has been suffocated in several tax brackets. Brian Mattingley talked about the drop in core earnings, and why he is close to completely leaving the German gaming markets for good.
It is currently unclear what the future holds for the German gaming industry, as well as Brian Mattingley’s 888 Holdings. He emphasized that he would stay in the market if he believed he had a choice, but with tighter regulations than ever before, he believes his operation would be better off leaving the market until genuine solutions are presented, whether that means the ban being overturned or the tax situation being resolved.
Over the next several months, it should be clear as to whether or not any significant changes will take place in regards to the gaming ban. The German Federal Constitutional Court has several options and will likely follow a timely process in order to find a solution for everyone. 888 Holdings will likely not wait along for too long however, and could leave markets very soon. All parties involved in the gaming industry are hoping for a solution so that gaming services in Germany can prosper once again.
