888 and William Hill have both announced an immediate term exit from the French I-gaming market, while they consider participating in the newly implemented licensing process.
William Hill have said that they will no longer be accepting French players effective immediately while they consider whether or not they will be applying for a French online gambling license. A press release issued by William Hill Plc said that,
'The impact of the current withdrawal from France is not expected to be material for the 2010 outturn and beyond.'
Whether this means management anticipate a near term re-entry, complete with license or the French market was an immaterial portion of total earnings is not clear.
The picture is a little more complete over at 888.com, which has issued a statement to all affiliates saying no French player registrations are being accepted for the time being, while the company throws its hat into the ring to apply for a license.
The statement to affiliates, issued 30 May, read:
'We are glad to announce that 888 was one of the 1st operators that officially applied for a poker license in France, with the strong intention of becoming a major part of this regulated market.
On June the 1st, we will no longer be accepting players with French IP's. We kindly ask all affiliates to cease any activity promoting any of the 888 brands to French IP's.
We are excited to embrace this new opportunity of obtaining a License in France, and will send you shortly all relevant details for a successful and sustainable partnership.'
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