New gaming regulations and gaming authority in France
The French government introduces a new gaming regulation that will enter into force on 1 January 2020, ahead of the privatization of the state-owned gaming and lottery company FDJ.
The new rules give FDJ the exclusive right to gamble for money in France, both physically and online. The laws also prohibit operators other than FDJ from using the results of lottery games from FDJ if FDJ has not approved it in advance. The measure is aimed at combating gambling companies that offer betting on lotteries. The exclusive rights to lottery games and physical sports betting extend over a 25-year period. They must be paid to the state no later than 30 June 2020, even if the price for the exclusive rights has not yet been decided.
At the same time, the French government plans to reduce its share in FDJ from the current shareholding of 72 percent to about 20 percent. The government will continue to closely monitor the FDJ.
The new rules also create a new independent authority, the National Gambling Authority (L’autorité nationale des jeux – ANJ). The authority’s task is to regulate all gaming activities, both physical and online.
Greece introduces gambling regulation for online gambling
The new gaming regulation in Greece will enable gaming operators to secure an online license in the country for the first time. The regulation is designed to channel players to the regulated market and at the same time, increase the state’s revenue through license fees and taxes. The European Commission has given its approval.
European operators in the Greek online gaming market are currently not locally licensed but are allowed to operate under a transitional system from 2011, which means they pay local taxes. The new rules will require all operators to apply for Greek online gaming and casino licenses at the cost of three and two million euros, respectively, with licenses valid for seven years.
