Brussels, 24/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - French citizens will have access to a wider choice of duly authorised on-line gambling services as a result of the changes made to France's laws on on-line gambling. The Commission therefore closed existing proceedings against France on Wednesday 24 November.
Before France changed its law, French residents who wished to engage in on-line gambling and betting activities could only choose between two incumbent operators that offered a limited selection of such services, Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), for horse racing, and the Français de Jeux, for all other forms of sports betting. Both enjoyed exclusive rights to organise certain forms of sports betting on-line (and in shops). As a result, no other European gambling operator could offer its online services in France. The new on-line gambling law has introduced a national licensing system that allows for the cross border provision of sports betting on a non-discriminatory basis while providing strict controls on gaming. The European Commission has therefore decided to conclude proceedings against France. (O.L./transl.fl)