France is considering iGaming legislation, but may create a monopoly
With the fast expansion of the number of participants in online gambling, nations worldwide have seen themselves in challenging positions about its legalization. Some have chosen to legalize it, while others have banned it completely, leaving gamblers no choice but to play on illegal sites. France may be ready to take the first option.
Rumors are that France is considering the possibility of iGaming legalization in early 2024. While those rumors haven’t yet been verified, it’s assumed that gaming operator Française des Jeux (FDJ) could be given the complete online casino market.
Another explanation for why these speculations are thought to be more than just rumors is that the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) suggested that France regulate online casinos to discourage people from playing games on the black market.
Statistics show that over one million people access offshore gambling platforms monthly, putting themselves at risk using unsafe sites, which is one reason EGBA advised France to concentrate more on iGaming regulation.
In addition, it’s estimated that legal online gambling could generate up to €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in yearly gross gaming revenue (GGR). Also, 50% of France’s offshore website traffic visits were to online casinos, with 3 million monthly users accessing the sites.
The FDJ was run by the state before the government made it public while maintaining about 25% of the company. Assigning the agency to regulate the online gambling market would ensure the government has a more considerable revenue source.
Earnings would be even higher if the government decided to ban illegal gambling sites, which the local regulator, the National Gambling Authority (ANJ), is already working on. The agency’s goal is to divert this traffic to FDJ.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
