The French in The Spotlight

The French course of action concerning opening their online gambling market to competition was of main interest to the online gambling industry. But, with the recent arrest of Unibet's CEO Petter Nylander in Amsterdam after the French issued a warrant for him, the French policy has really moved into the spotlight.

European Union officials may see this as persecution on online gambling industry executives, and the French have proved that the matter will not be looked favorably upon as they seemed to regret the incident and released Mr. Nylander on bail.

However, if you believe that following the incident the French will open up the online gambling market to competition you should think again because they seem to be stubborn on this matter.

Only a few days after they released Mr. Nylander on bail, Budget Minister Eric Woerth declared that France is not prepared to adjust its policy regarding online gambling. However, they may reflect on slackening the monopoly on horse racing.

"France is not against a certain online gambling market opening but we will remain firm on certain subjects," Eric Woerth added. His comments pave the way to an impressive and much expected meeting with European Union officials on this subject.

French say their online gambling policy is intended to protect its own online gambling industry and gambling population. Common recognition it is not sufficient, continued Mr. Woerth "Just for the reason that a gambling operator is accepted in a foreign country this not makes the grounds for us to have to open our doors to them in France."

So, once again, don’t they seem stubborn and against the current and future tendencies? Or even anti-EU? French gain our interest and we will continue to wait and see what decision they will make.