The Ball is In the Prime Minister's Office

According to a report this week by the Dow Jones business news service, the French government is still considering the implications of legalizing online gambling but under strict controlling measures.  According to the report Prime Minister Francois Fillon's office is currently handling the issue and is busy considering a study commissioned last November and handed in recently to the government. 

At present all internet-based games involving money are outlawed in France, except for the state monopolies Francaise des Jeux and pari-mutuel (or pool betting) horse betting PMU. However, the French have come under increasing pressure from the European Commission to comply with the European Union treaty regarding free competition with other members.

Sources report that the study does not seem to envision wide-open Internet gambling in France. The study apparently claims that the legalization of online slot machines would run contrary to France's “objectives of common interest,” including the protection of gamers against addiction and the prevention of fraud and money laundering.

The study identifies possibilities for opening up the presently exclusive French market: issuing licenses limiting online betting to sporting events. This would include betting on card games or licensing all games except lotteries.

Back to Online Gambling News - May 2008
Online Casino Latest News
Online Casino News Archive