France passes bill to end state monopoly on online gambling

France has been under pressure from the European Union and from private gaming firms to open up to competition a market worth billions of euros.

The bill, which was passed by a parliamentary majority of 299 votes to 223, is expected to be in effect by the World Cup in South Africa starting in June.

"This text will allow us to progressively dry up the black market in online gambling by creating a legal offer which obeys the rules," Budget Minister Francois Baroin said. The bill forces operators to seek a permit from a regulator whose role is to check that games meet regulations, hunt down misdemeanours and combat addiction. It also forbids minors from taking part in luck-based games and strengthens measures against illegal websites.

For more: France passes bill to end state monopoly on online gambling - Telegraph