According to a report by SBCNews, in conjunction with Gaming&Co, The FDJ are edging towards an exclusive iCasino licence in the region.
Reportedly stemming from a deal between the operator and the government, it would mean the firm is the sole provider of casino games in the region.
French industry sources stated that FDJ and the country’s authorities are working on a regulatory proposal that would increase the chances of it taking place.
Nonetheless, the move risks the wrath of PMU, which is the country’s key horse racing stakeholder.
As well as this, the AFJEL, the country’s online gambling trade body, and Casinos de France, the land-based casino lobby, have been persistent in their pursuit of a competitive market, actively pitching during Parliamentary debates on France’s web3-JONUM regulations that concluded in October.
Additionally, the potential for backlash from regulators could be considered, with anti- competition laws being brought to the fore amidst a potential exclusive deal with the FDJ.
If the reports are to come to fruition, it is widely anticipated that progress will be made from February 2024 when the European Commission is expected to have reviewed France’s online digital bill in which the JONUM bill is included. FDJ did not respond to requests for comment.
