France is no longer considering legalizing online casinos as lawmakers need more time to study the knock-on impact on land-based casinos. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

French lawmakers have scrapped plans to legalize online casinos to tackle the 6% budget deficit, as the reform needs more consideration.

Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin explained the decision on Sunday, saying that the knock-on impact for land-based facilities is currently unclear. Further research is necessary before the government revisits the topic.

nation’s black market was worth up to an estimated €1.5bn ($1.6bn) last year

France is one of just two countries in the European Union, Cyprus is the other, to ban online casinos. The plan was to introduce a 55% tax on the revenue on these online platforms. The nation’s black market was worth up to an estimated €1.5bn ($1.6bn) last year.

One of the big opponents of the idea was Casinos de France, the body representing the interests of over 200 land-based casinos in the country. It claimed online casino legalization could jeopardize large numbers of jobs and lead to extensive closures.

After learning about the proposal’s removal from the upcoming budget, Casinos de France said it is relieved the government listened to concerns and believes “a framework of consultation and constructive dialogue” is necessary for future discussions.