French Gamblers to be Liberated

France, it appears, is edging closer to permitting non-French online gambling companies to provide their gaming services on its once-forbidden soil. The change in attitude among French government officials comes as a result of the growing pressure exerted on Paris to open up its Internet gambling market to other European Union states, in accordance with EU guidelines mandating free trade between EU members.

The French government has announced that, beginning in the middle of 2009, it will permit online gambling companies operating from other EU countries to offer their gaming services to French residents. This new permission will apply to online casinos, poker rooms, as well as other types of betting services already available to most EU residents.

Persistent complaints by other EU members regarding France's stance on the issue are believed to be the reason behind France‘s change of heart. What ultimately forced the French to alter their position was the prospect of facing court actions for their reluctance to fall in line with EU guidelines.

In an attempt to prevent imminent court procedures, Eric Woerth, France‘s Finance Minister, agreed to the settlement during negotiations with Charlie McCreevy, Europe's Commissioner for Internal Markets & Services.

Woerth's plan involves providing access by French players to online casinos and poker sites, albeit on a careful and measured basis. Additional details surrounding the ‘deal' are expected to be released in the coming days.

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