BRUSSELS, April 4 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission (EC) on Tuesday announced to take legal action against several European Union (EU) countries on preventing foreign firms from entering sports gambling.

    In a press release, the EU's executive said it has decided to send official requests to Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy,the Netherlands and Sweden for information on national legislation restricting the supply of sport betting services.

    According to the EU rules, the above countries in question have two months in which to respond.

    "The (European) Commission has an obligation under the Treatiesto ensure that Member States' legislation is fully compatible with EU law," said EC Internal Market and Services Commissioner Charlie McCreevy.

    "In sending these letters, we are not seeking to liberalize the market in any way. Rather, we are seeking reassurance that whatever measures Member States have in place are fully compatible with existing EU law, or have been brought fully into line," he added.

    The European Court of Justice has previously stated that any restrictions which seek to protect general interest objectives, such as the protection of consumers, must be "consistent and systematic" in how they seek to limit betting activities.

    A EU Member State cannot invoke the need to restrict its citizens' access to betting services if at the same time it incites and encourages them to participate in state lotteries, games of chance or betting which benefits the state's Finances, said the EC. Enditem