The bill put forward by France to allow competition from private online gaming operators has drawn requests for a degree of revision and clarification from the European Commission.

According to GamblingLaw.eu, the French are being asked to “clarify and amend” certain aspects of the proposed law to bring it into compliance with European law.

Requested clarifications and points subject to amendment include:

• more detail on the amount of consideration that will be given to the legal system of the jurisdiction where the operator is licensed;

• the obligation of an operator to receive the consent of the rights owner of a sporting event;

• the provision of a maximum payback ratio; and

• the obligation to establish a fiscal representative in France.

The E.C. opinion gives France another month to submit its proposal for a bill, moving the deadline to July 8. If the government refuses to modify the bill by that time, or ignores the E.C. opinion, the E.C. could choose to start an infringement procedure.

By GGB Staff

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