The European Gaming and Betting Association applauded the European Commission’s detailed opinion against the French proposal to regulate both online and land-based gaming and betting.

While the legislation was supposed to help open up the French market, opponents say it does little more than protect the French
monopolies Française Des Jeux and PMU.

“The action by the commission underlines that online gaming and betting is a cross-border economic activity where EC legal requirements prevail,” said Maarten Haijer, EGBA director for regulatory affairs. “It makes no sense to create a local internet market in France. We welcome the commission’s action and are confident that France will reconsider its proposal to avoid litigation.”

Offending provisions in the draft include
limiting the opening of the gaming market to the online segment only, limiting the opening of horse betting to pool betting only and limiting the average payback ratio to the same level of those currently applied by historical operators.

Additionally, the proposed licensing system fails to take into account securities and controls already offered by other EU jurisdictions.

This is the third attempt to obtain approval for the draft legislation.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.

Comments(1):

1. Besides France, there are still several other gambling monopolies operating in Europe; Finland, Holland, Portugal, Greece. More and more consumers claim for an EU-wide system of regulation and this should apply to all sectors, gambling included. Consumers should be able to bet freely, wherever they like, within a fairly regulated system. The campaign at www.right2bet.net promotes a petition that is fighting for a single and open European gambling market.

   Monday, November 23, 2009 Segoviano