The French government has recently proposed a revolutionary new law that could potentially change the landscape of online gambling in the country. The proposal, put forth by the Ministry of Finance, suggests legalizing online casinos and imposing a staggering 55.6% tax rate on all gambling revenues.
The move comes as the government seeks new sources of revenue in the wake of the economic downturn caused by the ongoing global pandemic. With traditional brick-and-mortar casinos struggling to stay afloat due to lockdown measures and social distancing guidelines, legalizing online gambling could provide a much-needed boost to the struggling industry.
While online gambling is currently legal in France, only sports betting and poker are allowed. The proposed law would expand this to include online casinos, giving players the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of games from the comfort of their own homes.
However, the proposed tax rate of 55.6% has raised eyebrows among industry experts and gambling operators. Many fear that such a high tax rate could drive players to illegal offshore sites, where they can avoid paying such exorbitant fees.
Despite these concerns, the French government remains optimistic about the potential benefits of legalizing online casinos. In addition to generating much-needed revenue, the move could also help to curb problem gambling by implementing strict regulations and age verification checks.
The proposed law is set to undergo further scrutiny and debate in the coming weeks before a final decision is made. If passed, it could pave the way for a new era of online gambling in France, with the potential to revolutionize the industry and provide a much-needed boost to the country’s economy.
