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!"
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