Marcus RichardsFrench lawmakers are debating modifying a draft bill that may upend the country’s online gambling landscape. Despite its contentious nature, the amendment tries to compel the legality of activities, effectively shielding the public from the risks associated with online casinos. Gambling enthusiasts are currently exposed to some industry dangers, prompting precautionary action from regulators. Nonetheless, even in the current gambling market, proactive players are finding ways to stay safe, mostly relying on legitimate sites like jeuxdecasinoenligne.org to identify trusted online casinos.
The proposed Article 15
The proposed bill, Article 15, addresses digital security and regulation issues. It aspires to see the authorities oversee all aspects of “games with monetizable digital objects” or “JONUM.” If passed, the measure will regulate digital products, particularly those based on Web3 technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). However, various adjustments have been made to Article 15 to improve its impact and incidence. Most suggested changes aim to differentiate between the games with monetizable digital items and gambling indulgences. The latter has the potential to generate public health problems. Currently, JONUM is considered to match the standards that qualify gambling, including presenting reasonable offers to the public, incorporating chance, including financial sacrifice, and offering a monetizable gain.
Amending Article 15
The most recent modification attempts to add “by preventing risks of harm to public order” to the title of Article 15. The amendment emphasizes the prospect of unlawful online casinos being classified as games with monetizable digital goods. This classification would imply that online casinos will be controlled alongside other JONUM-compliant objects. Although the shift is indirect, it could drive illegal online casino operators to seek licensure and rethink their offers to the public to meet the government’s standards.
An earlier amendment attempted to arm the fight against unlawful online gaming enterprises. It advocated doing it in a novel way by allowing legalized land-based casinos to operate internet-based casinos. The proposal created a bridge between physical and online casinos. It acted as a conduit for French casino aficionados to gain access to secure and regulated gaming.
Several prior amendments attempted to repeal Article 15. They based their case on the probability that the “vague” definition of JONUM would negatively affect the French market. A deletion-proposing amendment came from the French Ecologist group. According to the statement, “The Ecologist group does not want the issues raised by Web3 to be limited to an article in a catch-all bill.” Conversely, the group “calls for a real bill dedicated to JONUM, blockchain technology, and cryptocurrencies, allowing parliament to decide on these future sectors with full knowledge of the facts.” Another proposal, however, suggested preventing the transfer of all JONUM products to any gaming company. It aimed to prohibit JONUM from including casinos and online gaming.
Understanding the Gambling Landscape in France
The operation of online casinos is prohibited by French legislation. Online sports betting, on the other hand, has been legal since June 2010. Sports betting was authorized as one of the strategies for profiting from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. At the time, sports betting organizations depended primarily on traditional betting methods, such as utilizing TV remote controllers. They also permitted wagering on smartphones, which were less prevalent or powerful. French Authorities take responsible gaming very seriously. During the 2022 World Cup, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), France’s unified gaming authority, implemented measures to restrict World Cup betting advertisements and reduce the intensity of sports betting promotions to mitigate the risks of excessive gambling.
Philippe Latombe of the Democratic Movement party introduced Bill 1248 in May 2023. Proposals to develop a regulated online gaming market were included in the law. A five-year moratorium was at the heart of Latombe’s bill. The temporary prohibition would allow online casino gaming over a half-decade period. The market, however, would be restricted to national operators. The intervention would last until January 1, 2030, when the market would be available to other operators interested in providing online casino services.
The measure attempted to allow existing operators to develop in a favorable environment for an extended period, after which the market would have fully opened. The supporters of Bill 1248 explain that modern casino goers prefer to gamble online. However, the current prohibition has forced them to gamble in offshore online casinos, where they face several risks. Licensing respectable operators in this regard can assist in establishing a safer environment for players while generating substantial revenue for the country.
Recap
In summary, France may explore regulating online casinos in the near future. Several adjustments have been proposed, but the ultimate decision has yet to be made. If passed, the proposed amendment might force illegal casino operators to obtain licenses and provide safe products to the public. It will be a comfort for French casino fans who have suffered due to the several unprotected offshore operators operating.
