French iGaming Regulation Talks to Begin on the 2nd of December
The French government is set to begin discussions on regulating online casinos, with the first working group meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 2.
French flags in the wind. France to launch iGaming regulation talks in December.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:This first session will focus on how regulation could address gambling addiction and other public health concerns.
The meeting comes after a stakeholder meeting earlier this month, organized by Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, and the government’s decision to conduct a six-month consultation. The consultation involves three working groups that have been tasked with evaluating public health implications, consumer protection measures, and the economic impact on physical casinos in France.
Each group will be led by a ministry aligned with its specific focus area, including the ministries of Budget, Interior, Health, Culture, or Sport.
Key Political Challenges
The process is being complicated by political tensions within the government. Ministries such as Health and Culture are reportedly hesitant about legalization, while the Budget Ministry supports the idea due to the potential tax revenue it could generate. The Interior Ministry, which oversees land-based casinos, is also likely to have competing views, particularly in regard to the structure of future regulation.
Taxation rates and projected fiscal revenues will be major points of discussion where the different priorities are likely to be a source of tension.
Beyond the regulatory discussions, the government is dealing with broader political instability. Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s administration risks being toppled by a no-confidence vote that is tied to the approval of the 2025 budget.
The outcome of this vote may depend on Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right Rassemblement National party. Her decision on whether to support the budget may depend on the outcome of her trial, which is scheduled for March next year.
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Potential Impact on iGaming Regulation
If the government falls, the regulation of online casinos could face significant delays as the committees’ work may end early and a new government may not prioritize the issue.
While the industry is sure to argue for continuing the work, there would be no guarantee of swift progress. However, it has been suggested that a future administration might reconsider the issue due to the revenue potential of regulated iGaming.
There are three possible models for online casino regulation being considered. The first is a fully open market, as outlined in the October government amendment. The second it a hybrid model that would see licensed online operators managing the digital offerings of land-based casinos. The final option is a monopoly model, which would grant Française des Jeux exclusive rights to operate online casinos.
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