BWin Execs Released on Bail in France

Filed in archive Betting on September 19, 2006

The US isn't the only country arresting online gambling execs. France got in on the game last week when they arrested 2 CEOs of Austrian-based Bwin.com (formerly Bet and Win). They were released today each with a 300,000 euros bail along with the threat of 3 years in jail.

The 2 executives were about to announce a sponsorship with football team AS Monaco when they were arrested. They were following in the footsteps of 888.com and Partygaming (via Gamebookers) who all have shirt sponsorship with French teams. However, its illegal in France to advertise or promote gambling unless you have a French license - of which there are 2 French betting companies who have those.

The investigation into Bwin's activities follows a complaint from the French lottery and horse betting operators. Bwin's promotional activity in France is dominated by its shirt sponsorship deal with Monaco and web-based sponsorship deals with two other French clubs
.. hardening French stance will also be of concern to the Swedish gambling group Unibet, which recently acquired Mr bookmaker, an online business heavily promoted in France and Belgium.

William Hill's online betting service is available in French, although rival Ladbrokes is not

Article: French jail fear for online bookies