In a significant ruling, EU courts may compel operators without a local license to refund players their lost funds. This conclusion comes from the Advocate General of the EU Court, Nicholas Emiliou, regarding case C53024 (DK v. Tipico) dated March 19.
The case originated from a German player's lawsuit against the Maltese operator Tipico, seeking the return of €3,700 lost in sports betting while the operator operated without a German license.
Emiliou stated that a license from one EU member state does not exempt an operator from obtaining a license in the country where services are provided. An exception can only be made if government authorities have given the operator precise, unconditional, and consistent guarantees regarding the non-application of licensing requirements. This conclusion is advisory, with the final decision resting with the EU Court.