Playtech and Microgaming - New Online Poker Networks to Debut in France

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Tuesday, 03 August 2010 - 17:27 Playtech and Microgaming - New Online Poker Networks to Debut in France

After the reworking of online gaming legislation in France, introducing new regulations and taxation, casino and poker-room providers have been scrambling to get licenses to operate in the country. Two names that have been recently added to the list of licensed operators are Microgaming and Playtech, both of which have just released new poker networks exclusive to French players.

‘ChiliPoker’ will be the first poker room to come available on Playtech’s new network, known as ‘iPoker’. Playtech expects this network will offer the same professional service that players receive in other countries. Commenting on the launch of iPoker, Playtech CEO Mor Weizer said he was “confident that it will develop to become one of the leading liquid networks in France... as the market expands in its regulated form, France has the potential to become a very substantial local market.”

Microgaming was recently awarded its licence as part of partnership deal with 888.com, so yet another 888 site will appear on their network in the near future. Roger Raatgever, CEO of Microgaming said “this announcement represents an important step in the development of the industry and marks the start of European regulated companies collaborating in the online sphere to increase their competitiveness.”

But whether France’s new regulations will be good or bad news for online gaming is still yet to be determined. Heavy taxation has seen some sites, such as Pokerstars.fr, passing the extra costs on to the players (resulting in boycotts and ‘sit-out’ protests in the poker rooms). However, the regulation of online gaming will provide a safer and more structured environment – something that is likely to attract new players and lead to a big growth boost for the industry.

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