French Senate Clears Online Gambling Bill
The legislation seeking to liberalize and regulate online gambling in France has moved one step further after a year filled with controversy. The French Senate has voted in favor of the legislation on a first reading. The margin of the vote was 181 in favor to 140 against. Though this did not show an overwhelming support for online gambling, it was nevertheless a comfortable margin.
There are still several steps to be taken before the bill is converted into law. On March 30 the bill will return to the National Assembly for a second reading. If it clears that hurdle then the bill will be referred to the European Union, the French Supreme Court and the French Constitutional Council. On clearance from all three the bill will be signed by the President converting it into law.
French Budget Minister Eric Woerth informed the French media that the law will be in place by June 1. The date is crucial because the football World Cup will commence in South Africa later in June. This is one of the biggest events for online gambling operators and punters alike. If the legislation is not in place by then the financial opportunity losses will be immense.
Though one would like to share the optimism of the French Minister, there are impediments in the smooth passing of the legislation. The European Union had pointed out several lacunae in the draft presented to them last year. It is not known whether these have been addressed to the satisfaction of the European Union, but considering the attitude of the French authorities it is unlikely that the new legislation will fully comply with the European Union requirements. Opposition is also expected from French land-based gambling operators who will try their best to prevent overseas online gambling firms from entering their turf.
