Online gambling regulator recognized need to make some regulatory changes.
French online gambling regulator ARJEL is considering a change in its own regulations, after its annual report revealed that the number of operators dropped and the amount of revenues shrank in 2012.
Shared player pools
ARJEL President Jean Francois Vilotte argued in favor of pooling cash poker tables to allow French players to play with foreign players, where regulations in other European Union member states are deemed compatible with France's own online gambling regulations.
Spain and Italy, the two European countries who moved ahead with online poker liberalization last year, are in discussions to form player pools. The Spanish gaming regulatory authority has stated that it sees French participation in player pools in a positive light, but doubts that country's willingness to act.
Click here for more about online gambling in French.
French poker revenues down
France's total gaming revenues increased 19 percent in 2012, but poker revenue fell 5% as taxes encouraged players to participate in tournaments instead. Cash game activity decreased 5%, tournament registration increased 21%, but the number of licensed online poker operators fell from 23 to 16.
The number of online poker players who were registered at regulated sites during 2012 increased by 2% to a little over 1.7 million people. However, given the global decline in online poker play in 2012 as a result of financial crises, poker remains strong in France and just needs the right outlet - something player pools could correct.
Blackjack
Slots
Roulette
Baccarat
Craps
Poker
