bwin.party's CEO escorted to police interview

bwin.party digital entertainment has been forced to confirm that its Chief Executive Officer, Norbert Teufelberger, has agreed to attend an interview with the Belgium authorities.

It was reported earlier on Tuesday that the CEO was detained by police during the Responsible Gaming Day conference in Brussels, although naturally the company gave no information regarding this.

It is believed that the interview is in relation to unlicensed online gambling in the country.

A reported 50 bwin websites have been blacklisted in Belgium, with the company claiming that the online gambling laws in Belgium are contrary to the European Union rules which allow free e-commerce among its members.

In a statement the company said: "He complied voluntarily with this request and is co-operating fully with the authorities. We will issue further details in due course."

Bwin.party's share price had dropped 2.71% in the minutes immediately following the announcement.

NR