Proposed Legislation Aims to Establish Legal Online Casino Market in France

Presented by Philippe Latombe of the Democratic Movement party, the bill, known as Bill 1248, outlines a comprehensive plan to introduce a controlled online casino industry in the country.

At its core, Bill 1248 suggests implementing a five-year period, referred to as a “moratorium,” during which online casino activities would be legalized exclusively for domestic entities. This initial phase is slated to extend until January 1, 2030, after which the scope of the market would expand beyond the confines of existing casino license holders. This gradual approach is designed to provide current licensees with stable economic conditions for growth before allowing entry to other potential online casino operators.

The bill underscores that a sudden and complete market opening could disrupt established regulatory structures, potentially weakening the national casino sector and adversely affecting local economies. This, in turn, could have detrimental implications for employment within the industry.

Article 1 of the proposal focuses on granting authorization for operators to deliver online casino games, akin to those already accessible within physical casinos. Furthermore, Article 3 outlines that these online casino activities would be subject to the same taxation system employed by the state and local authorities for other forms of gambling.

Presently, all forms of online casino gambling remain unlawful in France. While online sports betting and horse racing are permissible through approved channels, legally licensed land-based casinos also exist.

Bill 1248 underscores that shifting player preferences towards online gambling have led to an increased demand for legal online casino options. In the absence of regulated domestic platforms, consumers have resorted to unlicensed offshore websites, lacking proper safeguards. Legalizing and regulating online casinos, according to the proposal, would not only enhance player safety but also contribute additional tax revenues to the nation.

The bill acknowledges the limitations of the current ban on online casinos, even as authorities attempt to combat illegal sites through legal measures. As trends in consumer behavior evolve, the proposal argues that a more adaptable legal framework is warranted to better align with contemporary practices.