France Reignites iGaming Debate as Lawmakers Meet with Key Gambling Stakeholders
Following a controversial decision to withdraw proposed iGaming legislation, French lawmakers are now set to discuss potential solutions with major gambling stakeholders. The discussions come amid ongoing debates between online and land-based operators, highlighting France’s complex approach to iGaming regulation.
France’s Reluctance to Legalize iGaming
France and Cyprus remain the only EU member states that prohibit iGaming. The recent withdrawal of a government amendment proposing regulated online casino operations stemmed from substantial opposition, particularly from land-based casinos and local government officials.
Concerns centered on economic impacts and the potential dominance of well-established online operators, leading to a call for an alternative approach.
Stakeholders Convene for Solutions
On November 6, government officials are meeting with representatives from major French gambling entities to explore possible ways forward.
Participants include prominent brick-and-mortar casinos like Partouche, Barrière, and Circus, as well as their industry group, Casinos de France (CdF). Online operators Betclic, Winamax, and Unibet will also join the talks.
While the original proposal offered a competitive model favoring online operators, land-based casino stakeholders argued for a period of exclusivity to protect their interests.
The Push for Exclusivity
Fabrice Paire, Vice President of CdF and board member of Partouche, articulated the concerns of land-based casinos.
He noted that the model used in France’s 2010 online sports betting (OSB) and poker regulations led to dominant market positions for established online operators, which is a scenario land-based casinos aim to avoid.
To address these concerns, CdF advocates for a system that would initially restrict online casino operations to its members.
A Compromise in Sight?
A proposed compromise involves AFJEL, the trade body for regulated online betting operators, which could partner with land-based casinos to manage their digital offerings.
This solution would allow physical casinos to share in online market revenues without directly handling online operations.
However, specifics on potential exclusivity periods and operational roles remain under discussion.
Pressure for Regulatory Change Mounts
As time constraints loom, both CdF and AFJEL are pushing for a resolution before the current parliamentary session concludes.
Regulatory shifts seem unavoidable, especially with the influence of Française des Jeux (FDJ), France’s national lottery operator, which is actively lobbying through its ownership of Kindred Group.
