The French have been implementing a new set of laws to open up the country's market for foreign online gambling operators. Together with this law the French government introduced a law that offers French citizens the chance to opt for a three-year online and live casino ban.
French Gambling Law
The French Government has been considering and planning the legalization of online gambling ever since the beginning of 2009, but in the beginning of this month the necessary laws were finally approved and published in the Official Gazette.
Self-Protection - Casino Ban
According to the new French gambling law French citizens can protect themselves from the dangers of online and live gambling. They can do so by applying in person to the French Ministry of Internal Affairs, thereby opting for a three-year casino ban.
If the gambling fanatic in question chooses to do so, he or she must be absolutely sure about the necessity of this decision. As when the ban is official, there will be no gambling possible for a period of three years and the decision can and will not be reviewed.
Just the Beginning
The new gambling laws currently only apply to sports betting, yet online poker is the next in line and is expected to be legalized any time soon. Although the laws are a step in the right direction, many gambling operators complain about the stringent rules and high tax rate.
As a result the British betting provider William Hill already pulled the plug out of its French gambling operations.
