France: Sports betting market hits record

The revenue figure represents a new record for the sector, while turnover also hit a new all-time high of 636 million euros. The single digit 9% increase noted over the same period last year, however, was due to a tough Q2 of 2016 year-over-year comparison, as the UEFA Euro 2016 was taking place in France last year from June 10th to July 10th.

Encouragingly, the online sports betting market shows signs of equalizing gradually between the sexes, with ARJEL reporting a 5% increase in women placing wagers in Q2, while the number of male bettors dropped by 4% over the same period. This pattern has yet to be seen in the country’s other internet gambling segments, though.

There was further good news with France’s troubled online horserace betting market’s turnover rising by 9% to €239 million year-on-year, marking the market’s first growth in four years. Likewise, racing revenue also noted a 5% improvement in business to €58 million.

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The positive news even extended to online poker, with revenue up by 5% to €58.6 million versus Q2 of 2016.

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From that tally, poker tournament stakes were 2% higher at €459 million, and revenue up by 12% to €36.6 million.

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Cash game stakes were flat, up by just 0.4% to EUR 850M.

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Finally, the online poker industry can look forward to even brighter days ahead after the online poker liquidity arrangement agreed between France, Spain, Italy and Portugal is expected to be enacted sometime before the year’s end.

Commenting on the exciting development as far as European players are concerned, Eric Hollreiser, VP of Corporate Communications for PokerStars, stated: “This is great news for poker players in these markets, who have been advocating for increased liquidity. As a poker operator licensed in each of the jurisdictions, we know that this will enhance the experience for all players, will maintain consumer protections across geographic boundaries and will potentially increase the combined market size as a result of a more attractive player experience and through increased industry competition. It’s a good day for European poker.”