The RGA highlights that the key to the success of the opening of this market to competition, which is nominally the main aim of the ongoing reform, is the necessity for operators licensed in France to be able to compete in the international market. Furthermore, the indications are that more rather than less restrictions will be introduced to the Bill as it progresses and this will further bring into question whether the final Act will be compatible with EC law.

Since the start of the debate on the controlled opening of the French market, the RGA has supported the reform undertaken by the State to open to competition and to regulate the online gambling market so that French consumers have the option of using sites regulated by the French Government.

Nevertheless, the RGA knows, due to its international experience and its representativeness, that a too restrictive and disproportionate framework, like the current one, would kill all the benefits of the opening.

The Chief Executive of the RGA, Clive Hawkswood, said of the new law, "In its current form, the planned French legislation will simply not be viable for the vast majority of private sector operators and France will miss out on the opportunity to share in the growth and associated benefits of having its own thriving, regulated online gambling industry. It also runs the risk of further challenges at EU level because the level of restrictions are such that they could be considered unacceptable barriers to market entry."

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