The European Parliament has intensified its work for a streamlined European online gambling model, according to a press release this week.

The Parliament on Tuesday voted to call on the European Commission to explore possibilities to fight illegal online gambling and protect consumers, aiming at creating common standards and stronger cooperation between member states.

The motion was put forward by German MEP Jürgen Creutzman, whose home country is among the many member states working on a streamlined, national model in accordance with EU guidelines.

"Member States must work closer together on this issue. However, this will not suffice to solve the problems outlined. In the future, the EU will also have to play a stronger role," the rapporteur said in the debate prior to the vote.

The resolution suggests that member states introduce a licensing model to provide security for gamblers and ensure that operators meet standards outlined by the state in question.

This is the model which has been introduced in a number of member states in recent years, with Denmark being the most recent member state looking to introduce the system per January 1st 2012.

The call also recommends the possibility of blocking financial transactions between banks and credit card issuers and blacklisted gambling operators.

To protect children and vulnerable adults, the MEPs also called on the Commission to explore common standards for operators, saying that a European code of conduct could be a first step.

It is estimated that about 10% of all gambling in Europe, with a market volume of more than €10 billion, is done online, via mobile phones or on interactive platforms.