For a country that prides itself on being socially progressive, these days France is looking increasingly like an oppressive regime. The socially democratic state now has the dubious honor of being more hostile to online poker than the United States.
First, there were the arrests of BWIN (PokerRoom.com) executives in Monte Carlo. Then there was the forced withdrawal of the Deauville EPT event (allegedly due to their association with Poker Stars). Now, the French authorities have "asked" to interview John Anderson (former executive of 888 / PacificPoker.com).
Feeling the heat, last week PartyPoker announced that it would not accept any new real money accounts from French players. Existing players are able to continue playing, for now. Meanwhile, French authorities have forced PokerStars to cease its affiliate activities in France.
What will happen next is anyone's guess. Until online poker is again welcome in France, the masses can continue to play the odds by buying state-sponsored lottery tickets and betting on horses (also state sponsored). "Viva le Tax!"
For more Happenings in Europe, visit CardPlayerEurope.com
POSTED ON: Feb 27, 2007
Metro,boulot,dodo.fini le poker! mon vieux.[subway,work,sleep.No more poker! Buddy] After Bastille day in 1789,and May 1968,the french should start another revolution.
POSTED ON: Feb 27, 2007
French are weak and always have been. They finally found someone weaker than their government...their people!!
POSTED ON: Feb 27, 2007
From the country that invented cards in the first place...this is a sad sad day indeeed. I hope the USA doesn't catch wind of France attempting to expell brick-and-mortar tourneys just because of their association with websites....if that begins to happen here there wont be any live tourneys left to play!