EU online gambling may be left in the countries' hands

 Ministers of the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in support of a report, which aims to leave the question of legalization of online gambling in the hands of the individual countries. The vote is seen as a major setback for the supporters of unified online gambling in the European Union. Critics of the report expressed disappointment over the news. The vote comes amid the growing concerns over sports betting and match-fixing, but it will ultimately have effect on the online casino industry, as well. Naturally, state lotteries and other gambling monopolies in the EU member countries welcomes the report, while the online gambling industry took another shot from the lawmakers. "Parliament is well aware that gambling is a sensitive area and that lifting well-founded restrictions would create issues with regard to consumer protection and public order," the president of European Lotteries was quoted.