Doing It the French Way

The French policy regarding opening their online gambling market to competition has been in the spotlight recently. A week ago, Unibet's CEO Petter Nylander was arrested in Amsterdam following an arrest warrant issued by the French.

Persecuting industry executives has not been looked favorably upon. In fact, the French have pretty much regretted the incident and released Mr. Nylander on bail.

But would France go the next step - the obvious step - of opening up the market and letting go of their firm hold on the local market? Think again.

Speaking on the topic a few days after the release on bail, Budget Minister Eric Woerth said France is not ready to change its rules regarding online gambling. Only a little. It may consider loosening the monopoly on horse racing.

"We are not opposed to a certain opening but we will remain firm on certain points," Woerth added. His comments precede a high profile and much anticipated meeting with European Union officials on this matter.

France presents its policy as protecting its industry and the gambling community. Mutual recognition does not suffice, Mr. Woerth said. "Just because an operator is recognized in a foreign country is no reason for us to have to open our gates to them in France."

Stubborn? Out of sync with the current and future trends? Anti-EU at heart? It is not our guess what stands behind the French policy. But we do promise to keep following its travails.