Micrograming Joins French Poker Market

The French online gambling market continues to attract new operators. The latest player to enter the market is a joint venture between Microgaming and 888, which joins operators such as iPoker, PokerStars, PartyGaming, Everest Poker and bwin in the newly opened French sector. Full Tilt Poker is also expected to apply for a license, as it has already blocked French players from its main .com poker room.

The French government recently legalized online gambling in an attempt to provide a legal option that would end black market gambling by French citizens. Online gambling is also expected to create significant tax revenue for France, as online poker is taxed at 2%, while sports betting will be taxed at 7.5%.

Microgaming CEO Roger Raatgever said that the French market –  as well as his company’s partnership with 888 – is a sign of where the industry is headed in Europe.

“Today’s announcement represents an important step in the development of the industry and marks the start of European regulated companies, collaborating in the online sphere to increase their competitiveness,” said Raatgever.

“Microgaming’s partnership with Prima Networks and its joint venture with 888, will allow us to combine our wealth of knowledge and experience with a leading operator, to bring the highest global standards to local markets,” he continued. “We are very optimistic that this new French Poker Network will enjoy huge levels of success in this new market.”

While many groups have jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the newly regulated French online gambling scene, others have not been so receptive to the move. The regulations have caused some companies, such as William Hill and Betfair, to leave the French market rather than compete with the new influx of companies that will be licensed by the French government.

The new gambling legislation did have its detractors, and the French government has taken some steps to ease their concerns. There is now a system available in the country that will allow gamblers to apply for a three-year ban from all casinos, including both online casinos and the brick and mortar variety. Once a French citizen applies for such a ban, it cannot be lifted until the three-year term is up.