Yves Bot, an advocate-general at the European Court of Justice said that the Netherlands can take any measures necessary in order to protect consumers against gambling addiction. For that purpose, a country can offer a betting license to a single operator, in this case being the betting operator De Lotto.

He continued by saying that member states do not have to recognize gambling licenses which operators have obtained in other European Union countries.

Opinions made by advocate-generals at the European Court of Justice are not binding, but they are followed in the majority of the cases.

A spokesperson for London based Betfair declined to comment and a Ladbrokes representative said they would be issuing a statement later on. Officials at the Dutch Ministry of Justice had no comment.

The European Court usually rules within six months after an opinion by an advocate general.

The move was announced by Ladbrokes back in August and the reason behind it was so that they could compete with the likes of William Hill and other offshore based rivals.

By operating its sportsbooks from the UK, Ladbrokes was put under immense financial pressure as they are subject to 15% Gross Profits Tax, a 15% VAT on input costs as well as Horserace Betting Levy at 10% of profits on British horseracing.

The relocation will help Ladbrokes save considerable sums in tax but they will still continue to pay corporation tax on profits in the UK.

“Competing from the UK against operators with significant tax advantages became unsustainable. We are pleased to have completed the move ahead of schedule and with a minimal impact on jobs” said Christopher Bell, Chief Executive Officer of Ladbrokes Plc.