William Hill to shut down French site ahead of licences

William Hill is “taking steps to cease accepting online gambling business from clients resident in France” following the passage of new laws expected to create an online gambling licence system ahead of the World Cup next month, the company said today.

The operator has not confirmed that it will definitely apply for a licence, its statement revealing only that “in conjunction with the changes to the regulatory regime in France, William Hill Online is considering whether to apply for a licence to offer permitted online gambling products to French residents.

Its statement continued that William Hill Online continues to trade in line with management’s expectations, and that “the impact of the current withdrawal from France is not expected to be material for the 2010 outturn and beyond.”

William Hill arch rival Ladbrokes has already declared its intention to offer online gambling in France, forming a joint venture with TV giant Canal+ in April.

Other top operators intending to apply for French licences include rivals 888 and PartyGaming; while Sportingbet chief executive Andy McIver confirmed that the company will apply yesterday and Bwin re-started its French site and said it intends to apply last month.

Unibet was undecided until the first quarter of this year, until directors decided in favour of an application.

For a more detailed view on the emerging regulatory system in the EU, see the What hope is there for a level playing field in Europe? Panel session with lawyers from firms including Asensi Abogados, Hambach & Hambach, Joelson Wilson, Quirino Mancini, Sinisi Ceschini Mancini and Van Mens & Wisselink on the first day of EGR Live, eGaming Review’s free conference and exhibition in London next month.