GAMBLING IN FRANCE.

France, on 10 January, quoted social concerns and public order as justification for its system for controlling the gambling market, AFP reportedaquoting a French diplomatic source. On 12 October 2006, the European Commission sent France, Austria and Italy formal warnings regarding national legislation to protect state monopolies and restricting certain online gambling services (see Europolitics 3167 and 3169). France has defended its choice of 'reasonable games,' which it believes to be in line with Community law and case law of the EU Court of Justice, said a source close to the dossier. Infringement proceedings against ten out of the 27 member states are intended...