Ninth Operator Approved for French Poker Market
Betsson has secured approval from L’Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) to launch online poker in France. The regulatory clearance makes the operator the ninth gaming company to receive permission to operate online poker in the country.
The authorization allows Betsson to diversify its local business. According to the operator, the approval enables it to reach a more diverse community of gamers beyond its existing customer base. The launch follows shortly after Betsson introduced sports betting in France, meaning customers in the jurisdiction will now be able to access both sports betting and online poker through the operator’s channels.
Playtech Platform and International Liquidity
Betsson will launch its poker offering using iPoker, built on Playtech’s established platform. A key component of the authorization is the inclusion of international liquidity sharing. This provision allows French players to compete against an international community of opponents, rather than being limited to a closed domestic player pool.
Nadir Ounissi, a Betsson partner, described the launch of online poker as an “important milestone” for Betsson’s French growth journey. Speaking with gaming news outlet NEXT.io, Ounissi stated that the Betsson team is looking forward to leveraging Playtech’s poker platform. The operator noted that the platform aims to offer players content, customer service, and responsible gaming tools of unparalleled quality.
Decision Based on Current Market Conditions
When contacted by NEXT.io regarding the launch, Betsson addressed questions about France’s alleged consideration of a broader iGaming launch. The operator clarified that its decision was not motivated by expectations of future regulatory changes or the potential for a wider iGaming market expansion.
“Our decision is based on the French poker market as it stands today, rather than expectations of future regulatory change,” Betsson said. The company emphasized that its goal was to offer its iPoker offering to complement its existing betting presence.
Betsson noted that any extension of the regulated offering is a matter for French lawmakers. “We would not speculate on that process,” the operator said. Betsson vowed to continue to cooperate with the ANJ and develop its business in the country, operating strictly within the current regulatory framework.
The approval positions Betsson to compete directly with the eight other authorized online poker operators in France. The entry into the poker market adds another product line to Betsson’s operations in the jurisdiction, following its recent sports betting launch.
Why It Matters
Betsson’s entry as the ninth authorized operator increases competition in France’s regulated online poker market. The inclusion of international liquidity sharing distinguishes its offering from closed domestic models, potentially affecting player experience and market dynamics. This expansion follows the operator’s recent sports betting launch, consolidating its presence in French iGaming.
David Farbacu is a seasoned writer with a passion for games, gaming, casinos, and Xbox. With a wealth of experience in the industry, David brings insightful reviews, comprehensive guides, and engaging articles that cater to both casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts. His expertise spans across various gaming platforms and genres, making him a go-to source for the latest trends and developments in the gaming world.
