French casino operators are suing four major European online gambling providers for offering their products in French, to the country's consumers.

Bwin, Sportingbet, 888 and Unibet have been accused in Paris by Tranchant, Barriere and Joagroup - who run a total of 104 casinos - of "violating French legislation".

Those prosecuting are hoping that the operators in question will be banned from obtaining a French gambling license when the market is 'opened-up' later this year. 

This is just another example of local operators trying to use unlawful legislation in order to curb the competition. Right2bet do not condone any illegal behaviour, yet we fundamentally believe that all EU citizens should have the right to bet with whichever EU licensed operator they choose.

There is simply no place for protectionism in the modern-EU. It flies in the face of key founding principles and we will fight fervently to help ensure that member state's like France, and the operators currently being protected, can no longer continue to benefit at the customers expense.

The case is likely to end next Wednesday, two weeks before the country's Senate is expected to back a new bill which will allow private operators to apply for a French license.

 As we've stated before, neither we nor anyone else should be fooled by the new bill. It claims to be a force for liberalization, however with its high taxes, stringent compliance rules and prohibition of betting exchanges (to name just one), it will further strengthen the positions of the state-run operators, while at the same time ensuring that the French people do not benefit fully from an efficient and pure free market.

We'll keep you up to date with proceedings in this case. In the meantime, lend us your support by signing our petition and by sending an email to your MEP.