Gambling online illegal in France?
Background to Gambling in France
The French have a culture of gambling that stretches back for centuries. According to their historians (who are by no means unchallenged), the French invented some of the most significant gambling games still played today.
Allegedly today's poker is based on the French game of poque; they also invented the Roulette wheel, and their aristocracy gave the game of Baccarat its air of exclusivity – the game is based on Chemin de Fer.
All of this points to a rich gambling heritage, and it is no surprise that gambling is as popular in France today is it has ever been. Gambling is currently a US$50bn industry, and shows no signs of a slowdown in growth.
France is home to some of the world's most famous casinos, and betting on horse racing is a national French pastime.
Allegedly today's poker is based on the French game of poque; they also invented the Roulette wheel, and their aristocracy gave the game of Baccarat its air of exclusivity – the game is based on Chemin de Fer.
All of this points to a rich gambling heritage, and it is no surprise that gambling is as popular in France today is it has ever been. Gambling is currently a US$50bn industry, and shows no signs of a slowdown in growth.
France is home to some of the world's most famous casinos, and betting on horse racing is a national French pastime.
Gambling Legislation in France
Currently all gambling in France is a state controlled monopoly, with the government's slice of all betting running to huge 25%. However, many French citizens perceive this to be a "moral" situation, as funds accrued from gambling taxes are channelled towards issues of public interest.
For example, tax from gambling revenue is assigned to subsidize many national sports initiatives. It also funds programmes to breed better horses, which is of national interest in a nation passionate about betting on horse racing.
However, online betting is strictly prohibited, which has brought France up against the European Commission.
For example, tax from gambling revenue is assigned to subsidize many national sports initiatives. It also funds programmes to breed better horses, which is of national interest in a nation passionate about betting on horse racing.
However, online betting is strictly prohibited, which has brought France up against the European Commission.
Current Online Legislation
While all forms of online gambling is illegal in France, the European Union has rules of free competition which require it to open its borders to member states. Therefore forbidding French citizens to gamble over the internet is in direct violation of this EU directive.
In fact, the French laws forbidding online play are under constant challenge. France has defended its legal position vigorously, and has a track record of arresting the executives of foreign online gambling companies when they visit the country.
However, France cannot remain in contravention of EU law indefinitely, and in November 2007 they commissioned a study to investigate ways in which they could safely open up the Internet gambling market in their country.
It seems that change is imminent. In April 2008 France announced that it was working on new legislation to finally allow French citizens to gamble online.
The law is still a work in progress, and will likely require vendors to acquire licenses to operate within France. Casino operators will also have to follow practices of extreme transparency that include making information about their stock options available to ensure that no insider trading takes place.
The law will also require strict controls to make sure that no under-age players are allowed to gamble. It is expected to take effect at some point in 2008.
In fact, the French laws forbidding online play are under constant challenge. France has defended its legal position vigorously, and has a track record of arresting the executives of foreign online gambling companies when they visit the country.
However, France cannot remain in contravention of EU law indefinitely, and in November 2007 they commissioned a study to investigate ways in which they could safely open up the Internet gambling market in their country.
It seems that change is imminent. In April 2008 France announced that it was working on new legislation to finally allow French citizens to gamble online.
The law is still a work in progress, and will likely require vendors to acquire licenses to operate within France. Casino operators will also have to follow practices of extreme transparency that include making information about their stock options available to ensure that no insider trading takes place.
The law will also require strict controls to make sure that no under-age players are allowed to gamble. It is expected to take effect at some point in 2008.
