WHAT ARE THE LAWS GOVERNING PHYSICAL CASINOS IN FRANCE?

This article examines in detail the various laws and regulations that govern the physical casino industry in France. We will look at the legislation in force regarding gambling and slot machines in French land-based casinos. With a thorough understanding of casino legislation, we will provide you with clear and precise information about the rules that govern the operation of land-based casinos in France.

The legislation on gambling in France

In this section, we examine the legislation in force in France regarding gambling. The regulation of gambling in France is governed by various laws and competent authorities. To operate a physical casino in France, operators must obtain a gambling license issued by the relevant authorities.

The gambling license is granted to casinos that meet certain criteria established by law. These criteria include the financial solvency of the operator, the safety of players, and the integrity of the gambling offered. Casinos must also comply with the operational rules and legal obligations imposed by the relevant authorities.

The Gambling Commission is the governmental body responsible for regulating and controlling gambling in France. It is responsible for the licensing of gambling and for the regular inspection of casinos to ensure their compliance with the laws and regulations in force. The Commission can also take disciplinary action, such as suspension or revocation of the operating license in case of non-compliance.

The legislation on gambling in France aims to protect players and ensure the integrity of gambling. It sets clear rules for operators of physical casinos and establishes the rights and obligations of players. Players are protected by measures to prevent gambling addiction, betting limits, and voluntary self-exclusion programs implemented by casinos.

The types of games allowed in physical casinos

When discussing physical casinos in France, it is important to know the different types of gambling allowed in these establishments. Casino legislation specifically governs the rules and regulations regarding these games, ensuring a fair and secure gaming environment.

Table games occupy a central place in the land-based casinos in France. Here you will find a variety of popular games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and craps. These games are governed by specific rules to ensure a fair and transparent progression of the games. Casinos must respect the prevailing casino laws, especially regarding minimum and maximum betting limits, payout regulations, and the integrity of the games.

Slot machines are also very present in French physical casinos. These gambling games, regulated by casino legislation, offer a wide variety of themes and features. They are subject to specific rules regarding payout percentage, betting limits, and safety requirements. Casinos must ensure that slot machines meet these standards to guarantee fairness and transparency in gaming.

In addition to table games and slot machines, physical casinos in France also offer other popular games such as keno, video poker, and lottery games. Although these games may vary from one establishment to another, they are also regulated by casino legislation to prevent abuse and ensure a responsible gaming experience.

Player protection and gambling addiction prevention

As part of casino legislation in France, measures have been put in place to protect players and prevent gambling addiction. These measures are essential to ensure a safe and responsible gaming environment.

Voluntary self-exclusion programs

One of the most important tools in protecting players is the voluntary self-exclusion program. It allows individuals to temporarily or permanently self-exclude from physical casinos. This measure allows players to take control of their gambling behavior and avoid risks related to addiction.

Betting limits

Casino legislation in France also imposes betting limits in physical casinos. These limits help prevent excessive behaviors and limit players' financial losses. They encourage responsible gaming by establishing reasonable thresholds for bets.

Measures to prevent gambling addiction

In addition to self-exclusion programs and betting limits, measures to prevent gambling addiction are implemented. This includes raising awareness among players about the risks of addiction, training casino staff to identify signs of problematic gambling, and providing support resources for players in need of assistance.

Sanctions for non-compliance with casino laws

When a casino fails to comply with the laws and regulations in force in France, sanctions may be imposed to ensure the integrity of the sector. These sanctions aim to deter casinos from violating the rules and to protect players and the industry as a whole.

Fines

One of the main sanctions for non-compliance is the imposition of financial fines. Casinos may be fined significant amounts depending on the nature of the violation and its severity. These fines serve to deter casinos from violating casino laws and create a financial incentive to comply with the prevailing regulations.

License suspensions

In cases of severe or repeated non-compliance, the relevant authorities may suspend a casino's operating license. This measure is taken to prevent the casino from continuing to operate and violating the laws. License suspension is a severe sanction that can lead to the temporary or permanent closure of a casino.

Other disciplinary measures

In addition to fines and license suspensions, other disciplinary measures may be taken against non-compliant casinos. This may include restrictions on certain activities of the casino, additional supervision obligations, or increased requirements to restore compliance with casino laws and legislation in force.

The legal obligations of physical casinos towards the French State

Physical casinos in France are subject to a set of legal and tax obligations to ensure their compliance and contribution to the French State. These obligations ensure a transparent, fair, and secure gaming environment for French players. Among the main legal obligations that physical casinos must comply with are:

- Taxes on gambling: Physical casinos are required to pay taxes on gambling, which are then used by the State to fund various services and projects. These taxes vary according to the different types of games offered and the income generated by the casinos.

- Contributions to local development: Casinos must also contribute to local development by investing part of their revenues in economic, social or cultural development projects in the region where they are located. These contributions help support the local economy and improve the quality of life for residents.

- Financial obligations: Physical casinos are required to meet certain financial obligations, such as maintaining accurate transaction records, reporting income, and paying taxes on profits. These obligations are essential to ensure financial transparency and the legality of casino operations.

- Definition and implications of the RTP (or TRJ): The RTP is defined as the percentage of player bets redistributed as winnings. French regulations cap the RTP at 85% for certain online games, which has raised debates about the impact of this capping on the economic viability of operators and the attractiveness of the online gaming market.

- RTP and addiction: Studies show that higher RTPs can increase the frequency of play and the time spent playing, potentially leading to problematic gambling behaviors. The study revealed indirect links between high RTP and an increase in risk factors associated with problematic gambling.

- RTP and money laundering: Gambling can serve as a means for money laundering, and a high RTP could reduce laundering costs by making games more attractive for this practice. However, the link between RTP and laundering is not clearly established and depends on several factors, including the expertise of the players and the nature of the money involved.

Conclusions and recommendations: The Observatory recommends not raising the RTP or the period over which it is calculated in order not to increase the risks of addiction or the use of games for laundering. It is suggested to better regulate certain aspects of games such as bonuses and free demonstrations.

All of these elements highlight the complexity and multiple implications of the RTP in the online gaming sector, necessitating a balanced approach to manage risks while ensuring a viable market for operators.
These legal obligations are governed by casino laws and prevailing casino regulations in France. Physical casinos must stay informed of any legislative changes to ensure compliance and avoid sanctions or fines.

The role of the Online Gaming Regulatory Authority (ARJEL)

As part of casino legislation in France, the Online Gaming Regulatory Authority (ARJEL) plays a crucial role in regulating gambling. ARJEL is an independent entity responsible for supervising and controlling online gaming activities in the country.

The main role of ARJEL is to authorize and monitor online gaming operators in France. To obtain authorization from ARJEL, operators must meet strict criteria regarding data security, player protection, and fraud prevention. This authorization is essential to operate legally in France and provide gambling services online to French players.

ARJEL also plays a critical role in the fight against illegal gambling in France. The authority collaborates with other national and international bodies to identify and pursue illegal online gaming operators. It implements blocking and filtering mechanisms to prevent access to illegal gaming sites and protect French players.

In addition to its supervisory and authorization functions, ARJEL is also tasked with promoting responsible gaming and preventing gambling addiction online. It collaborates with specialized associations and implements prevention and assistance measures for players in difficulty.

A multitude of laws govern physical casinos in France

Throughout this article, we have examined in detail the various laws and regulations that govern physical casinos in France. It is essential to understand and respect these laws to guarantee a fair and secure gaming environment.

French land-based casinos are subject to strict controls to ensure the protection of players and the integrity of gambling. Measures are in place to prevent gambling addiction and players have the option to voluntarily self-exclude.

French legislation also requires physical casinos to contribute to local development through taxes and financial obligations. The Online Gaming Regulatory Authority (ARJEL) plays a key role in the oversight and authorization of online gaming operators.