Right now, it feels like the gambling industry is much akin to a series of the popular drama show, Cold Case. Until our industry’s version of Lily Rush started poking their head around, we were all hunky dory. Unsolved litigation was up in the top of that bedroom cupboard you chuck anything in, and didn’t look like it was seeing the light of day any time soon. It all changed this week though.
Not many in the iGaming industry lost even a wink of sleep when CBS cancelled Cold Case back in May, now they’re sitting up. Bwin learnt their fate last week in a German court case that dragged on for around six years, and now the French are at it. This one may have only lasted four years, but it’s a significant one.
Ever since the market was regulated in the country of berets, bread, and a whole lot of fine wine, it’s been attacked from certain angles. As of yesterday the European Commission (EC) isn’t one of them.
After regulation, the EC finally ruled that the French have changed their rules to allow foreign companies to operate in the country’s sports betting market. The Commission was critical before as Pari-Mutual Urbain (PMU) dominated the country’s market for horse racing with Français de Jeux covering all other sports. No one else was allowed in. Must have been a boring party if you ask me. Now anyone can apply for a license to operate, making quite the bash. The operators obviously realized how fun a gaming party could be.
With this case solved, it remains to be seen where Lily Rush and pals end up next.
