French Charter Issued to Help Promote Online Gambling

by Mira Patel, News Staff Writer

June 9, 2009

As the French government makes preparations for regulating online gambling, albeit to a limited extent, the online media group known as "Geste" has released two charters calling for responsible gaming practices. Stemming from a study that began earlier this year, the charters seek to give European online gambling operators an accepted standard by which to follow, thus ensuring the online gambling industry in France is viewed as a socially responsible and legitimate industry in the "trying" years to come.

Indeed, the immediate years to come will be a time in which all eyes will be closely set on France's online gambling industry. As the French government is expected to open their internet gaming market to outside operators one year from now, a surge of gambling activity is likewise expected. Just how much of a surge will help regulators and analysts gauge the impacts of regulation, including it's efficacy at preventing problem and underage gambling.

No country knows this better than the UK, which passed the UK Gambling Act of 2005 and has since seen an increase in problem gambling and gambling debt. However, this wasn't because of the internet. The UK Gambling Act of 2005 also called for an increase in land-based betting destinations, which have proven to be the culprit for gambling related negative impacts since 2005. Overall, the UK is in good shape though, and is making swift motions to better treat problem gamblers.

In the case of France, which is strictly opening up the online sector, a more accurate determinant on the effects of regulated online wagering is expected. And while some are secretly hoping regulating fails in France, many others like Geste, are doing all they can to ensure the online sector remains a favorable environment for both consumers and businesses. If online casino operators, or more precisely, internet sports betting empires, seek to thrive in France, they will be wise to adopt best practice charters like those being promulgated by Geste.

Back to CASINO NEWS