TRIS Procedure Takes Center Stage
The European Betting & Gaming Association (EGBA) has reinforced its stance on the critical importance of EU-wide transparency when it comes to amending gambling legislation. In a recent legal face-off between Lithuania and operator Unigames, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that the country’s law changes were unenforceable due to non-compliance with the TRIS notification process.
Under Directive 2015/1535, EU nations are required to notify the European Commission of any proposed changes to national gambling frameworks. Lithuania’s failure to do so in this case was a major misstep, resulting in a regulatory black eye.
Why TRIS Matters More Than Ever
The ruling underscores how vital TRIS is to ensuring a level playing field for operators across the EU. Without it, member states could introduce stealth regulations that discriminate or confuse, destabilizing the very market the EU aims to unify. By spotlighting this issue, the EGBA is calling for more consistent enforcement—not just from national governments, but from the European Commission itself.
EGBA Calls for Accountability from Brussels
While the court’s decision sends a strong message, the EGBA isn’t stopping there. It’s pushing the Commission to take its role seriously and scrutinize all national gambling regulations that cross its desk. Otherwise, the result is chaos—regulatory uncertainty that damages businesses and erodes consumer trust.
Personal Perspective: Consistency Is the Backbone of Progress
When different EU countries enforce gambling laws with varying levels of oversight, it creates confusion and undermines market confidence. The TRIS process isn’t just red tape—it’s a vital tool for protecting fair competition and consumer trust across borders. Inconsistent enforcement could cost the EU more than legal headaches—it risks losing the confidence of the very industry it aims to regulate.
