Published: 24.04.2020, 19:34
3 min read
The Autorité de Régulation des Jeux en Ligne (ARJEL) published a warning stating that poker operators in France should not be offering bonuses to their clients for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak. ARJEL explained that the purpose of this temporary limitation is to protect vulnerable user groups.
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The Reasons for the Restriction Measures
ARJEL initiated the regulation after it detected a drastic increase in the audience of poker players online. The French gambling authority particularly pointed out the growing number of newly registered users. Also, due to a higher gambling activity rate online, the gross gaming revenue has significantly increased in the span of the past several weeks.
The variety of bonus features that gambling websites typically offer players works as additional motivation to start gaming. As the coronavirus pandemic continues, most land-based casino facilities remain closed, and more and more people turn to online gambling. This concerns not only experienced players but also those who have never played before. The lack of socialization alongside an unstable global situation makes citizens seek stress-relief online.
For vulnerable consumer groups, this may result in them spending more finances than they can afford. Thus, ARJEL encouraged operators to provide users with prevention advice on their websites to help prevent the development of harmful habits. Online poker providers should take extra care in preventing unhealthy gambling behavior among their users and interfere immediately after noticing signs of loss of control.
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Risks with Unlicensed Websites
ARJEL analysts added that the COVID-19 crisis might result in an increased number of users for unlicensed websites that offer casino games and slot machine simulations. These sites currently do not have legal status in France. Before the World Cup in 2010, when France legalized online gambling, casino games did not get license permission, as the lawmakers saw them as dangerously addictive.
Even though casino games are not legal in France, licensed gambling sites can still offer poker games. This is because poker requires skill instead of luck alone. Players have the power to alternate their strategy and influence the outcome of the game. This is what led to France’s decision to legalize the game.
ARJEL warned players about the fact that unlicensed websites offer casino games and slots that often do not pay winnings and do not have a consumer protection policy.
Prospects of Online Gambling
The gambling industry thrives on long-term value propositions. Due to this, the COVID-19 crisis should not be a time for operators to aim to get massive short-term revenue, but rather a chance to take care of the long-term effects of the pandemic on the industry. It means not taking advantage of the coronavirus situation, but instead carefully assessing the policies and strictly controlling online gambling behavior.
Non-compliance with the regulations and the encouragement of reckless gambling can result in the loss of a license. Consequently, a responsible gambling approach is crucial for both the industry and its clients. Thus, during these challenging times, there is a particular need to increase interventions, lower the deposit limits, and provide users with preventive disclaimers.
