SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
France’s online gambling trade body Association Française du Jeu en Ligne (AFJEL) has stated that the country’s regulatory framework is in need of urgent review in order to create better market conditions for business.
Following a release of a 5 year market assessment, AFJEL stated that the performance of the French igaming sector had been “mixed” at best, and that the market conditions remain uncertain for operators participating since the regulation of the market in 2010.
AFJEL whose members include Betclic, France Pari, Everest and Unibet, stated that the French government needed to overhaul legislations relating to operator taxation and game/product restrictions.
The trade body further noted that only half of the licensed approved in 2010 (total 62) remain active within the French market. New market entry by international operators has been downcast due to high taxes which target operator turnover over gross revenues.
The slow progress of France’s online gambling re-structure has Irritated AFJEL members, who have been critical of French regulators for not listening to business requests. Trade body members have stated numerous times that France, should look to bring its industry taxation level in-line with other European Union member states.
In its 5 year assessment, AFJEL warns the government that by not creating the appropriate market conditions, France risks losing the potential to create up to 2000 new jobs
