Former 888 CEO To Show At Interview With French Authorities

eGaming Review
eGaming Review has learned that John Anderson will attend the interview with the French authorities on March 13.

888 said in a statement this morning that its non-executive director and former chief executive had been asked to attend the interview with the French gaming authorities.

The company added that the French market represented “an immaterial percentage of its business” and that it would continue to consult its legal advisers in relation to this matter.

888 had previously been the official sponsors of Toulouse football club but cancelled the contract with the French club in December following pressure placed on the club and the operator by the French authorities.

The latest news from France comes after a turbulent year for online gaming operators there. UK press reports today said European sportsbook Unibet’s senior management had also been asked to attend an interview with the French gaming police.

Last week, PartyGaming also announced that it would stop accepting any new real money accounts from French citizens. In September, Bwin co-chief executives Manfred Bodner and Norbert Teufelberger were arrested by the French gaming police and the company was forced to cancel its sponsorship contract with Monaco football club.

French politicians also passed a delinquency law this month with an amendment that would prevent the transfer of funds from French players to online gaming sites.

Sources close to John Anderson have suggested that while he is respectful of the French authorities, he is also confident of the outcome and that his company’s activities fall under European Union legislation.