• Recent moves towards online gambling in France
• A government update on the licensing application process
• Steps to consider for obtaining a license in France
• Overview of the Belgian Gaming Law

A panel of experts on the French gambling sector will disclose factual information for local and international operators seeking application advice in the run up to 1st of January, 2010. Areas discussed in this session include:

• How to certify software/services/payments
• Ensuring measures that are implemented on websites are appropriate and meet technical and regulatory standards
• Provisions in place for the protection of minors online
• AML schemes

As the French online gaming market opens and regulatory structure is imposed, actual market participation for both local and international operators will involve considerable planning.  Brand development together with market recognition and acceptance are going to be paramount (particularly in a market where 25,000 illegal sites are already said to be operating).

This session will look at routes to rapid market entry through mergers and acquisition activity. It will also cover what you need to know about  local advertising, affiliation, rules, standards and best practice approaches.

• Regulatory overview
• Seeking the right partnership
• How to work with local operators
• Advertising and sponsorship
• Sports teams and TV advertising

Tax issues, as always, will be a sticking point as some in the industry contend that the taxes to be levied are off-putting and will keep some companies from entering the French market. Operators will be taxed on the stakes up to 7.5 % for horse races and sports betting and up to 2 % for poker.  This session will examine the proposed tax regime and the impact on operators.

When applying for a sports betting license in France, you need to have an agreement with the Sports Federation responsible for the sport from which you take bets. This session will attempt to examine:

• How do you negotiate theses rights?
• What is best practice for successful and expedient negotiations? What are the Federations looking for?
• How to negotiate and obtain rights from sports betting federation?

Social responsibility and the prevention of addition and crime are a core provision of the French regulatory programme. Various provisions aiming at preventing gambling addiction are included in the draft bill, such as the set up of a cap on the return rate on bets, to be specified by a decree, but which should be between 80% and 85%.

This session will examine the integrity, safety and reliability with regard to gambling activities while providing operators advice on implementing measures to meet government standards.

The closing session will provide a Pan-European perspective of the French market. It will provide key insight by asking what French market entrants and regulators can learn from other attempts to regulate internet gambling in Europe, in particular Italy and UK.

• Will local operators gain market share?
• Will French authorities be able to forcibly ensure that all those active in the French market obtain a licence?
• What will regulation of online gambling in France mean for the wider European online gambling market?