Jake Pollard
**Focus on Problem Gambling and Addiction in France**
A specialized committee will soon address addiction and problem gambling among French players, amidst ongoing governmental challenges. Commencing on Tuesday, December 2, the group’s initial meeting will explore how introducing regulations for online casinos might mitigate these issues.
Originating from a stakeholder meeting organized by Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin earlier this month, the French government has initiated a six-month consultation through three separate working groups. These groups will concentrate on public health, consumer protection, and the economic implications that regulated online casinos may have on traditional casinos in France. Each group will be spearheaded by the relevant governmental department, such as Budget, Interior, Health, Culture, or Sport.
**Political Dynamics**
Politics play a pivotal role in shaping these discussions. The Health and Culture ministries appear either opposed or indifferent to legalization, while Budget officials focus on potential tax benefits and the impact on national debt reduction. Key considerations include tax rates and potential fiscal gains, yet tension may arise between the Interior Ministry, overseeing physical casinos, and the Budget Ministry, with differing regulatory visions.
**Governmental Instability**
A significant political risk looms, as Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government may face a confidence vote due to opposition to the 2025 budget. A source mentioned to G&C that political credibility is at stake, with some factions possibly forced to oppose the government’s Finance Bill.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the Rassemblement National, holds critical influence over the budget’s passage. Her decision may be swayed by the outcome of her upcoming trial, scheduled for March next year.
**Potential Impact on Legalization**
The fall of the current administration could significantly hinder the legalization process for online casinos. According to an insider, if the government collapses, committee efforts could be derailed, and a new government might not prioritize this issue as the current one does. Stakeholders might push to revive the topic, but swift progress would be uncertain, marking a major setback for the industry.
However, considering France’s budget situation, a subsequent government might pursue legalization anew for the tax revenue prospects it offers.
As stated in prior G&C and SBC articles, three frameworks are under consideration: a competitive approach, as proposed in a recent online casino amendment; a hybrid model where licensed online operators manage digital ventures for brick-and-mortar casinos; or a less likely but possible scenario, granting Française des Jeux a monopoly over iCasino operations.
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This article is published by SBCNews in collaboration with Gaming&Co.