French Online Gamblers Must Be Patient

France's betting authorities are just months from launching a long-awaited race between private online gambling companies for the country's horse racing, sport and poker markets. It's no surprise that domestic and international gambling competitors are already poised on the starting line. In fact, some of them appear to have jumped the gun.

France's gamblers have waited years for a better variety of gambling options, payouts and bonuses. So much so that private gaming companies have been prematurely promoting themselves in an attempt to snap up a piece of this ready and willing market.  One such competitor, ZEturf, recently published a promotional "press release" in the major French daily, "Metro."

The move triggered a stark warning from France's budget minister, Eric Woerth, who said private online gambling companies must wait until the designated date (the beginning of 2010) before they begin operations. Those who don't will risk compromising their gambling licenses.

Good News for Players
Although players have a few months to wait before reaping the benefits of this market expansion, those benefits will be significant. Competition for customers is already fierce, meaning that gambling companies will have to be creative in offering the best deals.

One drawback is that only sport and poker betting will be moving into the private online arena - lotteries and slot machines will remain under state control. Still, France has taken a massive step forward. Not so long ago, heads of online gaming companies were being arrested for violating the country's betting regulations.

In Eric Woerth's own words, as quoted in March 2009 by FT.com, there is "no use denying the reality of online gambling and the expectations of French people." We agree wholeheartedly. We hope that France's online casino slot market will eventually follow in the footsteps of sport and poker.