| France to open online gambling markets by 2009 |
Following a meeting with Internal Markets Commissioner Charlie McCreevy last week, France's Budget Minister Eric Woerth said on Friday that the French government it will open up its online gambling market to private operators next year.
Mr. Woerth said that the French government would also seek to preserve its share of the gambling revenues, estimated at €5.3 billion from its two state-owned monopolies, PMU and Française des Jeux, according to Reuters.
Private operators would need to apply for a licence to operate in France, which would require them to adhere to strict controls to prevent young people from betting, and also to limit opportunities for money laundering and problem gambling.
Regarding horse racing, Mr. Woerth confirmed that only pari-mutual would maintain its monopoly on this sport, while fixed odds betting would be allowed for other forms of sports betting. Casino games including roulette and blackjack, as well as poker, will also be opened up to operators.
Mr. Woerth said that the laws would be presented in parliament following the summer break with a regulatory authority established by the start of 2009. Approvals will be issued in the second half of 2009.
The European Commission has taken action to put an end to obstacles to the free movement of sports betting services in France, formally requesting the country to amend their laws, or be taken to the European Court of Justice.
Last year Unibet's CEO Petter Nylander was taken into custody on allegations of violating French betting laws. He was later released on bail. The European Commission will want to see any more repeats of this hostile behaviour over gaming rights.
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