French lawmakers are considering a bill that could ultimately legalize online casinos, according to CDC Gaming Reports. The only kind of online gambling legal in France is internet sports betting and betting on horse races.
Bill 1248 was introduced in the National Assembly by Philippe Latombe. It proposes to open a regulated online market in France.
The main proposal would create a “five year moratorium” when only “national actors” would be able to have licenses for online casinos. However, after January 1, 2030 the market would be open to other operators interested in online gaming. Existing licensees would be able to develop in a “serene” market for the first five years.
The bill explains its rationale for the moratorium: “If the opening were to be total and immediate, it would upset our regulatory frameworks, weaken the national casino industry and the economic balance of the municipalities where it is located.” It adds, “This could then lead to potentially devastating consequences for employment in this sector.”
It justifies legalizing online casinos by noting the changing habits of players, who spend more time online and prefer to gamble that way as well. This has siphoned French players into illegal online and unlicensed sites that do not protect consumers.
According to the bill, “The ban in force against online casinos is reaching its limits, even if the authorities try to identify and block illegal sites using court orders” and adds, “it appears that the absolute prohibition regime is de facto not very protective for consumers.”
The bill would subject online casino games to the same taxes and fees imposed on brick-and-mortar operations by national and local authorities.
