The government hopes that, along with other measures, the increase will help raise around EUR 500m.
France.- The French Senate voted in favor of the government's proposal to increase the gambling tax. The proposal had been rejected by parliamentarians, but has now been approved by the Senate after a horse racing exemption was made.
The new amounts include 10 percent on the gross amount of lottery games. The tax on retail sports betting revenues will increase from 7 to 10 percent and the tax on online GGR from 10.5 to 15 percent. French casinos would see a tax increase from 55 to about 60 percent.
Prime Minister Michel Barnier hopes that, along with the rate increases in other areas, the measure will raise EUR 500m. The trade association AFJEL criticized the proposals, warning that they would make the market less profitable and could harm the finances of sports federations, a concern also raised by the French Olympic Committee.
In parallel to this announcement, the French government has announced a six-month consultation on proposals to regulate online casino games. The government had announced plans to open a regulated and competitive online casino market in 2025, but backtracked following criticism from local authorities and operators of physical casinos.
See also: France launches its campaign to prevent illegal gambling
Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, held a meeting last Wednesday with stakeholders from the casino, horse racing, and online gambling sectors, as well as with associations of mayors. The result is the announcement of a formal consultation period that will last up to six months.
