The Dutch Justice Ministry has decided to take on casino gambling online UIGEA style, calling on all banks to discontinue business operations with a list of casino gambling websites. The news was revealed by a Justice Ministry spokeswoman, who explained that despite that the action is not mandatory for all banks, it has been requested in an attempt to further crack down on internet casino gambling.

Reminiscent of the USA’s UIGEA, several poker and casino gambling sites located in the European Union have been blacklisted, among them Unibet and the independent casino gambling website Oranje. Although the spokeswoman refused to elaborate to press, there are approximately 30-50 sites in total that have been listed for banks to refuse doing business with.

Currently, it is illegal to offer online casino gambling services in the Netherlads without first obtaining a permit. Those who offer such services to Dutch players without a permit or from outside the country’s borders are considered to be breaking the law. The only company at present with a permit is the Dutch state lottery.

The Dutch Government is hopeful that all requested banks will cooperate with their efforts, despite that they are aware that it is impossible to block all transactions in this way. Furthermore, the spokeswoman for the Justice Ministry explained that because the law applies only to Dutch banks, only Dutch banks have been turned to for help; “This is a Dutch issue,” she said.

The move is expected to elicit a fierce response from the European Commission, who have acted harshly to similar cases in Holland. After issuing a final warning, all that will be left for them to do is take the case to the European Court of Justice.