With an online population of over 26 million (source: Comscore), France is being considered a considerable fat slice of a potential online audience. In this case, their “snobby” gambling actions have been eagerly watched by industry insiders.
However, online gambling stuff is not doing so great on their ground, as France has been engaged in direct confrontation with the EU, ever since last year, when it introduced new laws to remove non state-run online gambling operations from the market. With this rather silly policy, it was in breach of article 49 of the European Treaty, which allows a free market in the service sector within the EU, allowing competition in the sector.
Ever since, a considerable number of French casinos have fight for possible legalization and won the approval of eCogra, the industry standards body. Since then, online casino was operating under high standards of safety and security for players. Nevertheless, this action was as a proactive and positive move, considering that the French authorities have threatened to levy ISPs with a massive 675,000 Euro fine, for not warning their users that they were entering an illegal website.
Afterwards, French authorities decided to go from a bad gambling approach to a more positive way of dealing with it. Recently, the French newspapers have speculate all sorts of optimistic plans, as a report of the Sarkozy administration has shown intentions to liberalize the French internet gambling operations, by applying a more open regulatory structure.
Consequently, the France parts already talks with the European Commission officials regarding its protectionist policies. Sadly, they only got some warnings from that EU enforcement body as a response.
However, it seems that a fresh change in presidency and an open optimistic approach could be ‘the trigger’ for some real French change. All these are strategies to bring France into compliance with EU requirements of free trade and services between EU member nations regarding the online gambling regulation. Furthermore, the European Commission has not commented on the media reports, yet, as they were only regarded as pure speculations notes.
As expected, the French monopoly ‘Francaise des Jeux’ is going to prepare serious attacks to delay this action for as much as possible. According to the French press, the Budget Minister, Mr. Eric Woerth has told the media that he will advise President Sarkozy to proceed with a ‘controlled opening’ of France’s online gambling market to private operators.
As for the online casino games, betting on sports events and the existing pari-mutuel horserace betting system, they have to be answered by officials. Some experts believe that the French government is keen to formulate a clear course of action before the summer.
Overall, if these speculations turn out to true, both online bingo industry and online bingo games operators will start to live the days of their life. Let’s not forget, France is already under pressure from the European Commission (EC) which has listed it amongst those nations it may have to take action against due to protectionist policies.
There seems to be no better way to satisfy both EC and French gamblers, than realizing that the ‘online casino globalization’ will happen! It’s just a matter of time!
Powered by: www.casinodiario.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment