This week the European Commission announced the closure of its French online gambling infringement proceedings.
This follows changes made to France’s gambling laws earlier this year. Remote Gambling Association chief executive Clive Hawkswood commented: "The RGA welcomed the original action taken by the Commission because the French gambling laws were clearly in breach of EU law. However, while France may now have an online licensing system in place it is very limited in scope with, for instance, no online casinos and the retention of a privileged position in the horserace betting market for PMU, the previous monopoly supplier.
"We are hopeful that significant improvements to the regime will be made when the promised review takes place, but currently the system could not possibly be seen as a model which promotes innovation, competition and consumer value and choice."
Highlighting the realities of the situation, Hawkswood said: "French consumers have access to a limited online gambling marketplace, with very few new operators deciding to enter the French market due to the excessive fiscal burden on operators. This is especially true in relation to sports betting where conditions make it extremely difficult to operate a viable business. The RGA predicted in October 2009 that France’s proposed regulatory and taxation regime would be unattractive and that has unfortunately proved to be the case.
"Against this background, we are rather surprised that the European Commission has so readily welcomed the changes that have been made in France. We will await with interest their decisions on the outstanding infringements involving other countries such as Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Sweden and the Netherlands."
