France is facing economic difficulties and a growing financial burden. In this regard, the country’s government is considering various options for filling the treasury. Experts see the opening of the domestic iGaming niche as the most promising variant.
Current Situation in France’s Gambling Sector
The bill on legalising the segment was initially submitted as part of a large-scale budget proposal by the state’s Ministry of Economy and Finance.
The main goal was to organise a transparent online vertical, which would lead to a surge in tax revenues and limit the activities of shadow brands. Nevertheless, the document was withdrawn due to pressure from land-based casinos.
Currently, only 2 types of digital entertainment are allowed in the country: sportsbooks and online poker.
Legalising the iGaming Niche: Preparations
The regulatory proposal is in a very early stage of development. After the document’s official publication, a period of consideration and consultation will begin. Experts believe that discussions and amendments can take place throughout 2025.
Such a large-scale preparatory program aims to create the most comfortable, transparent and safe conditions for all interested parties. Additionally, gaming legislation must comply with many international standards.
The leading European jurisdictions that the French government looks up to are:
- Great Britain;
- Germany;
- Italy.
The trend of officialising internet gambling markets is rapidly gaining momentum. For instance, relevant laws were recently introduced in the Netherlands and Sweden.
The launch of the domestic iGaming niche will not only allow France to fill the budget quickly but will also solve the problem of the shadow sector’s growth. According to statistics published by the local regulator ANJ, black-market gambling websites generated revenues of up to € 1.5 billion in Q1 2023.
One of the French lawmakers noted that the development of uncertified platforms across the country entails a loss of profits for the country and significant risks for players. Legalisation will help limit these services and offer the population a safe alternative.
Challenges in the Local Gaming Segment
Not all industry members are interested in officialising web gambling. The state’s physical entertainment halls and Casinos de France vehemently oppose the regulatory initiative.
Instead of fully opening the market, representatives of land-based establishments have proposed granting them exclusive rights to manage digital platforms for a certain period. Only after that phase can other operators be granted access. They believe such an approach will prevent a monopoly and allow local brands to adapt to the new environment easily and quickly.
Fabrice Paire, Partouche’s board member, warned the government against repeating the regulatory mistake of 2010 when the web sportsbook and poker sector was launched. Operators who had been preparing for this event for years began working with already-formed client bases, instantly winning key market shares.
Despite the resistance, the initiative’s supporters are convinced that the key priority is quickly filling the country's budget. Public consultations are expected to begin in 2025.
The following sides will take part in the discussions:
- advocacy agencies;
- healthcare service providers;
- operators represented in the region.
The document with all the amendments will form a bill to be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration. According to some forecasts, the decision to officialise the iGaming niche in France may be made by the end of 2025.
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