Betting Exchanges Banned Under French Online Gambling Law

An amendment to France's new online gambling laws would outlaw operators such as Betfair.

An amendment introduced to the new gambling laws currently being debated by French lawmakers will effectively outlaw online betting exchanges.

Companies such as Betfair, which allows punters to lay their bets as well as placing wagers, will be banned from operating in France if the legislation is approved.

Plans to open up the gambling market in France were announced earlier this year in response to concerns about the growing number of illegal operators and pressure from the European Commission.

However, Betfair's managing director Mark Davies told the Guardian that the latest addition to the law represents unfair discrimination.

"We will consider our position. It is fairly clearly discriminatory against the biggest and most competitive online operator in Europe. It is a slap in the face for the consumer," he said.

Under France's new gambling legislation, bookmakers operating in the country will be required to contribute 1.8 per cent of their revenues to the French sports commission.

The country's gambling sector is currently controlled by two state monopolies, with all independent firms banned.