French Online Gambling Laws Regarded as Unfair

Francaise des Jeux, the state gambling monopoly, and Lucien Barriere, the land-based casino group, have reportedly teamed up to release an online poker room. As French internet gambling slowly becomes a reality the online gambling industry is watching with great interest as various scenes unfold. This particular partnership between these companies is getting a lot of attention. The pre-existing software agreements, that Francaise des Jeux has with Cyberarts, a U.S.A. based poker software provider may be looked at by corporate lawyers in search of infringement suits. It is suggested that the French government has encouraged Francaise des Jeux, to partner with Barriere in order to take advantage of new legislation. Barriere launched a 3D casino last year called LeCroupier at considerable expense. The Cyberarts contract will be watched intensely by Intralot, a large Greek lottery company that holds a 35% stake in Cyberarts. With the play already in motion it won't take long for the legal eagles to crunch the words and look for problems. Cyberarts has a proven track record for successful poker software applications where as the Barriere has no experience in the field.

The European Gambling and Betting Association and the Remote Gaming Association of the U.K. are definitely not happy with the French situation. Both organizations are watching with an intense gaze the unfolding of the French legislation on online gambling. Existing online poker operators are concerned with the partnership as it poses a serious threat to their offerings. The partnership deal represents a very large consumer base that could spell a competitive advantage over smaller operations in France. The French Senate Finance Committee’s legislation is controversial in so much as the representative gambling groups don't think that the rules that are coming provide fair, free and open markets for E.U. member states. The RGA has even threatened to take legal action if the present law is implemented and Stanleybet has already initiated legal action with regards to the new French law. The RGA has stated that the bill is “disproportionately restrictive and anti-competitive”