Earlier this week, Bill 1248, which could officially legalize online casinos in France, was presented by Democratic Movement Party member Philippe Latombe and is currently awaiting review by the French National Assembly.
Paving the way for the opening of a regulated online casino market in France
With the submission of Bill 1248, preparations have already begun for the official opening of the regulated online casino market in France.Moreover, the bill's main proposal is a “five-year moratorium,” which would legalize online casino gambling for five years, but limit it to “state actors.”
However, Article 2 of the bill emphasizes that the measure will last until January 2030, 1.After this period, the market will be expanded beyond existing casino license holders to other operators who wish to offer an online casino experience to their players.
The bill would also "enable existing licensees to develop in calm economic conditions before the market is fully opened."If it were to be fully and immediately opened, it would shake the regulatory framework and weaken the economic balance of the domestic casino industry and local governments.And it can have a devastating impact on employment in this sector.
” Regarding Article 1, it refers to allowing operators to offer online casino games similar to those offered in land-based casinos. Subject to the same levies as other forms of gambling run by state or local governments.”
Players want to switch to online gambling
Currently, no form of online casino is legal in France.However, online sports betting and horse racing betting is allowed through licensed operators, and licensed land-based casinos are also officially legal.
However, the aforementioned Bill 1248 states that “changes in player habits now favor online gambling,” and this is not the case.However, illegal online casinos force players to gamble on offshore, unlicensed sites, exposing them to risk.
In this regard, the bill states that
“Legalizing online casinos and issuing licenses to licensed operators will create a safer environment for players.The market will also help generate additional tax revenue for the country. The ban on online casinos has reached its limits, even as authorities attempt to identify and block illegal sites with court orders. This seems to provide little protection for the French legal framework, which justifies raising questions about its evolution in order to adapt it to new practices.”
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