The French rules for online gambling differ by have always been quite peculiar leading to the EU to question its practices that work strictly in favor of the government. Each country in the European Union has its own laws and regulations on the online gambling industry; however, it is France that is known to have the most peculiar laws to prevent international companies form participating in the online gambling sector as well as controlling the type of gambling involved.
The French permit online casinos to only allow what by definition is a game of skill as opposed to a game of luck and these include games such as poker, sports better, and horseracing. Games of luck include casino games such as blackjack,
roulette, Land-based casinos that are licensed can offer full casino gambling, but they can not take part in online services.
The gambling industry in France is predominantly monopolized by Française des Jeux, a state-run group where the government holds 72 percent of ownership. This ensures the economy is internalized by having tax dollars and gambling profits go directly back into the government. International and local businesses find it very difficult to sustain a business because of the crippling rules that prevent companies creating a financially stable system.
There is also a clear distinction between
online casinos and land-based casinos as the land based ones can offer full casino gambling, but they cannot take part in online services. There are only about 100 licenses available for online casinos and they can only be received if the operators have established a presence both physically and financially within the country. Online operators can are allowed to host games that require skill as opposed to luck and these include games such as poker, sports betting, and horseracing.
Land-based casinos offer full service games that include casino games such as blackjack, roulette, and lotto. French officials say that the online casino industry and English bookmarkers are twisting the law to force their rules on EU nations but France wants to say clear of them when it comes to their gambling laws. Française des Jeux will continue to thrive under the new government regulations as it has gaming stations set up in most of France’s numerous cafes and tobacco shops that allow tax dollars to be recycled. Players have the option of doing casual gambling at these locations as a way of relaxation as opposed to gambling with larger amounts at casinos.
The omission of casino games such as
roulette, blackjack, and lotto from may be affecting the business plan for foreign operators that want to get licenses in France; however, it still works in favor of the monopoly. These unusual rules still let players enjoy the benefits of online gambling regardless of the operator that they go to. The introduction of new companies in the French market will bring with it more choice for the players and diversify the number and types of games available online.
