French step away from online gambling battle

FRANCE -- As reported by the UK Times: "France is preparing to bow to pressure from Brussels and agree to a partial liberalisation of its state-run betting monopolies.

"In a sign that it is backing away from a confrontation with the European Commission, Paris has said that it is willing to legalise internet gambling on horse racing and football.

"The move would give companies such as Sportingbet, the London-listed online bookmaker, a toehold in the €25 billion (£17.4 billion) annual Gallic gambling market..."