Coronavirus: Poker bonuses temporarily banned in France
The Autorité de régulation des jeux en ligne (ARJEL) has warned French poker operators they must no longer offer bonuses to incentivise customers in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
The French regulator initiated the temporary regulation after noticing “poker is attracting more players and in particular new players, a more intensive practice and gross gaming revenue which has increased significantly in recent weeks.”
As a result of this growing customer base, the ARJEL is asking poker operators to protect potentially vulnerable players by being more vigilant and not incentivising customers through bonuses.
Operators have been urged to approach customers to provide them with prevention advice and to intervene if their behaviour signifies a loss of control.
The regulatory body has also noted the crisis could increase the number of customers for websites with casino games or slot machines, which are illegal under current French gaming legislation.
The statement warns these websites often will not pay winnings and do not protect customers.
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