French Government Continues Push for Legalized Online Gambling

Gambling News - October 15th, 2009 - Written by Glen

Online Gambling has not had the easiest life, being banned or otherwise thrown out in many nations. This week, the French National Assembly approved a bill that legalizes the regulation of online sports betting, poker, horse racing, sending the bill forward to the Senate.

Under this Bill, gamblers will be entitled to a handful of games, delivered over the Internet by French companies receiving the license. Protections will be added as well, keeping games that are based purely on chance, such as slot machines, out of the reaches of the players.

The European Union has taken a positive stance on online gambling as a whole, even going as far as filing a complaint against the United States for the ban imposed on the processing of gambling payments. Though they are supportive of Internet gambling, the Bill has been met with some opposition.

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has expressed their contempt over possible financial issues. The lack of transparency, they claim, could be damaging to to other European online gambling operators. The Remote Gambling Association also commented on their disdain for this change.

"In its current form, the planned French legislation will simply not be viable for the vast majority of private sector operators and France will miss out on the opportunity to share in the growth and associated benefits of having its own thriving, regulated online gambling industry," said RGA Chief Executive, Clive Hawkswood, in a statement.

While the global economy continues to be punished, online gambling ventures continue to thrive. Thriving as it is, the industry may take a harsh blow in December, when the UIGEA finally hits the ground running. With any luck, it will have been over turned by then.

Pokerpages.com contributed to this article

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