Betsson Secures ANJ Approval for French Online Poker Launch

Betsson has received authorization from France’s L’Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) to offer online poker, becoming the ninth operator with such approval. The company plans to launch its iPoker offering, powered by Playtech, allowing French players to engage with an international opponent pool.

What Happened

Betsson has secured approval from L’Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) to operate online poker services in France, marking its entry as the ninth authorized operator in the market, according to GamblingNews. This authorization enables Betsson to diversify its business in the country, complementing its existing sports betting operations, which were launched recently.

The company will utilize Playtech’s iPoker platform for its French launch. This integration is expected to provide instant quality to local players and facilitate international liquidity sharing, allowing French participants to compete against a global community of opponents, GamblingNews reported. Betsson partner Nadir Ounissi described the launch as an “important milestone” for Betsson’s French expansion, highlighting the team’s intention to leverage Playtech’s platform for content, customer service, and responsible gaming tools.

When questioned by NEXT.io regarding the motivation behind the launch, Betsson stated that its decision was based on the current French poker market rather than any speculation about future regulatory changes concerning wider iGaming legalization. The company emphasized its goal to offer its iPoker product, thereby enhancing its established sports betting presence in France. Betsson also reiterated its commitment to cooperating with the ANJ and developing its business within the country.

Key Details

• Betsson is the ninth operator to receive online poker authorization from France’s L’Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ), according to GamblingNews.
• The company will launch its online poker offering using Playtech’s iPoker platform, facilitating international liquidity sharing for French players (GamblingNews).
• Betsson clarified to NEXT.io that the launch is motivated by the existing French poker market, not by expectations of future iGaming regulatory changes.
• The poker launch complements Betsson’s recent entry into the French sports betting market (GamblingNews).

Why It Matters

Betsson’s entry into the French online poker market represents a strategic diversification of its offerings within a regulated European jurisdiction. By becoming the ninth operator to receive ANJ authorization, Betsson enhances its competitive position in France, building upon its existing sports betting operations. The integration of Playtech’s iPoker platform is significant as it provides immediate operational quality and the crucial ability for French players to access international liquidity, potentially increasing player engagement and liquidity within the French market, as reported by GamblingNews.

The company’s explicit statement that the launch is predicated on the current poker market, rather than speculation about broader iGaming legalization, indicates a focused business strategy for the regulated poker segment. This approach highlights a commitment to working within established regulatory frameworks while expanding product portfolios in key markets, according to Betsson’s statement to NEXT.io.