Casino Choice UK News Archive
International Operators Await Opening of French Internet Casino Market
Tomorrow, the French online gambling industry will present a bill to parliament that would allow international operators to offer online poker and sports betting to French customers. After previous bills were rejected by the European Union for maintaining France’s monopoly on the industry, the newest bill was revised to give international operators access to France’s market. As the state lottery and horse race betting are currently the only two forms of online gambling permitted, the new bill would also make all forms of online gambling legal, including online casinos.
France is expected to open its market in 2010, and international operators are preparing for the occasion. The French market could boost revenue for operators by millions of dollars. Currently, UK gambling operators are struggling due to the recession, as industry profits dropped by 26% during the first half of 2009. The opening of the American market was predicted to be the solution to their problems, but the process seems stagnant. As UK operators grow tired of waiting for the American market to open, France presents a lucrative alternative.
Consulting Firm H2 Gambling Capital predicts that sales from online gambling will double to €671 million in 2010, if the rules are enacted by mid-2010. By 2011, the firm estimates that the French online gambling market will be worth over €1 billion.
France is expected to open its market in 2010, and international operators are preparing for the occasion. The French market could boost revenue for operators by millions of dollars. Currently, UK gambling operators are struggling due to the recession, as industry profits dropped by 26% during the first half of 2009. The opening of the American market was predicted to be the solution to their problems, but the process seems stagnant. As UK operators grow tired of waiting for the American market to open, France presents a lucrative alternative.
Consulting Firm H2 Gambling Capital predicts that sales from online gambling will double to €671 million in 2010, if the rules are enacted by mid-2010. By 2011, the firm estimates that the French online gambling market will be worth over €1 billion.
Submitted: 2009/10/06 at 09:35:28
