Within the European Union, a new legal opinion could significantly increase pressure on foreign casino operators who have financial assets within the bloc.
Advocate General Rimvydas Norkus recently stated that European courts may freeze bank accounts belonging to gambling operators even if the companies are undergoing insolvency proceedings outside the EU.
According to the opinion, insolvency processes launched in offshore jurisdictions such as Curaçao should not prevent courts in EU member states from freezing funds located within the bloc. The measure could be enforced through the European Account Preservation Order, a legal tool designed to secure cross-border claims within the EU.
The issue emerged from a consumer lawsuit in Germany involving a Curaçao-licensed online gambling operator. A player successfully sued the company and obtained a court ruling ordering the operator to repay €57,000 in gambling losses.
During the legal process, the operator entered insolvency proceedings in Curaçao, raising questions about whether such proceedings should prevent asset freezes in Europe. Traditionally, EU rules limit enforcement actions while a company is undergoing insolvency within the bloc.
While the opinion is not legally binding, the Court of Justice of the European Union frequently follows recommendations issued by its Advocate Generals when delivering final rulings. The case highlights growing efforts by European authorities to strengthen enforcement against offshore gambling companies targeting EU players without proper regulatory oversight.
