At the behest of Minister of Justice Ernst Hirsch Ballin, the Dutch Senate on Tuesday delayed a vote that could have seen the state's gambling monopoly holder, Holland Casino, receive approval to set up an Internet gambling site.
The Dutch government reiterated in September 2007 that it would allow Internet gambling in the country beginning in 2008, but only through the state-run casino. At the time, Ballin felt that the state would be able to regulate poker in this manner.
The Netherlands has been under investigation for possible violations of EU trade law since April 2006, when it received a letter of formal notice from the European Commission. It is thought that the ongoing investigation and pressure from the commission may be the cause of the postponement.
Nevertheless, Dutch news agency ANP reported that a majority of Dutch senators would have likely voted against the plan.
Meanwhile, new regulations being proposed in the Netherlands would reportedly hold banks and credit card companies criminally liable for processing transactions between Dutch citizens and foreign online casinos.
Under the proposal, the government plans to circulate an online gambling company blacklist to banks and payment processors.