Major French TV Network Confirms Online Gambling Intentions

TF1 to use Eurosport UK for French initiative

Societe Television Francaise 1 (TF1), France's largest broadcaster, has confirmed that it intends starting a new online gambling operation in a liberalized French market

In a press release this week, TF1 announced that it is to extend its Eurosportbet U.K. gambling service, which includes online poker, to France.

State monopoly Francaise des Jeux, has also confirmed this week that it has signed a deal with land casino operator Lucien Barriere to offer online poker to French players.

The online gambling market “is a natural extension of our activity,” the announcement noted. “TF1 is exploring all areas that are connected to the universe of entertainment.”

Legislation passed by the French parliament imposed a 7.5 percent tax on online sports and horseracing wagers and a 2 percent levy on poker bets recently.

France Telecom SA, the operator of the largest French mobile network, in March announced its own partnership with Francaise des Jeux to offer sports betting through its Internet, mobile, and television platforms