The French government has initiated a six-month public consultation to explore the future of online casino gambling regulation. Initially, France had planned to introduce a competitive online casino market by 2025. However, after facing criticism from local officials and land-based casino operators, the government has stepped back from these plans, opting for a thorough review instead.
The decision to open consultation followed a recent meeting led by Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin. Attended by stakeholders from the casino, horse racing, and online gambling sectors, as well as associations representing French mayors, the meeting outlined a formal consultation process. This will run for up to six months, split into two distinct phases.
For the first three months, the consultation will focus on whether France should regulate online casinos at all. If the consensus favors regulation, the remaining three months will consider the potential structure of these regulations. To support the process, the government will establish three working groups to assess key issues and provide recommendations.
At the recent meeting, Grégory Rabuel and Fabrice Paire, president and vice president of Casinos de France (CDF), urged the government to grant land-based casinos exclusive online rights during an introductory period. CDF proposed that land-based casinos be allowed to operate online through “digital mirrors” of their physical offerings. The group argues that unrestricted competition could lead to market domination by a few major players, similar to the sports betting sector, where three companies hold 80% of the market share.
CDF’s exclusivity proposal has received backing from local mayors and the horse racing sector, both concerned about potential revenue losses if online casino gaming becomes widely accessible. Surprisingly, Française des Jeux (FDJ), the state-owned gambling operator that recently acquired Kindred, a major Swedish online gambling company, has also expressed reservations. FDJ highlighted that online casino games often carry a higher risk of addiction, an issue that needs addressing within any regulatory framework.
AFJEL, the association representing online gambling operators, continues to highlight the scale of unlicensed online casino operations in France. To support local authorities, AFJEL suggested creating a compensation fund for French municipalities, distributing revenue to mitigate any negative impacts of online gambling. However, local mayors and land-based operators questioned the practicality of implementing this compensation model.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has enforced a complete ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) across the country under Executive Order No. 74. Signed on 5 November by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, this directive requires the termination of all offshore and internet gaming operations within the Philippines. Authorities have until 31 December 2024 to enforce a full shutdown of POGO activities and related auxiliary services.
This move follows extensive analysis from the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). Findings reveal that the social and financial risks tied to POGO operations outweigh their economic contributions. The DOF report highlights a concerning link between POGO activities and rising crime rates, social unrest, and the exploitation of vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, the AMLC has warned of increased risks of money laundering and fraud associated with the sector. These issues pose a direct threat to the integrity of the national financial system.
Beyond security risks, the executive order underscores how POGOs have damaged the nation’s reputation. The perception of widespread illegal gaming impacts foreign investment and tourism, which are crucial to the Philippines’ economy and national image. Officials are keen to present the Philippines as a safe, stable destination for investors and travelers, free from the risks associated with offshore gaming operations.
Under the ban, multiple government agencies are mobilised to enforce compliance. The Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency will enhance efforts to eliminate illegal offshore gaming. The Department of Tourism will monitor establishments, ensuring they aren’t used for unlawful gaming activities.
