Preparing for France

French budget minister Eric Woerth recently reported positive progress on draft legislation aimed at opening up the hitherto monopolistic French gambling market, estimating that the initial liberalisation will take place early 2010. One company that intends to be in the forefront of those seeking a licence to operate is Intralot, according to statements by CEO Constantinos Antonopoulos to the Greek media, picked up and reported more widely by the Reuters news agency this week.
Undeterred by the proposed French taxation level of 7.5 percent on horse race and sports gambling, Antonopoulos revealed that Intralot intends to bid for one of the 5 year online sports and horse-racing betting licences under the more enlightened French dispensation.
“For Intralot, liberalisation of the online betting market in Europe is a big opportunity as our company has the structure, know-how and necessary presence to take advantage of the opportunities,” he said.
Antonopoulos also commented on what he sees as more enlightened attitudes towards online gambling in Europe, remarking that this could be the catalyst for more international opportunities. He gave Australia as an example, remarking that Interlot was viewing the Internet gambling market potential in that country with interest.

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