France’s potential decision to legislate iCasino could be put back on the agenda, after two individuals were arrested in connection with a €1bn online gaming operation.
The European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) confirmed that authorities were alerted to the crime ring after victims reported difficulties withdrawing their winnings.
Although the sites largely targeted French citizens, a number of its managers were based in Cyprus, meaning cross-border collaboration was required from authorities in France, Belgium, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Malta.
A report by the Eurojust detailed that the illegal sites garnered a turnover of €1bn over a five-year period. In addition, between 2022 and 2025, fund transfers of over €100m were discovered.
The two men appeared in front of an investigative judge in France last week and have been charged with organising prohibited gambling, operating as part of an organised gang, illegally offering online gaming and money laundering.
Currently, only online sports betting, poker and lotteries are legal in France, while casino games are only available at land-based venues.
Given France’s position as the last major Western European country to not have legalised iCasino, the market remains open to exploitation from the black market.
In the past year, backing from sections of the industry to legalise the sector has grown. However, any efforts have been thwarted by continuing political uncertainty in France.
In September, François Bayrou lost a no-confidence vote, which triggered his departure and the appointment of Sébastien Lecornu, France’s fifth Prime Minister in the last two years.
However, Lecornu has since survived two votes of no confidence, which sought to bring down his minority government.
While political disruption has stalled debate around online casino legislation, this significant bust may help to place the matter front and centre in the minds of politicians.