FRANCE – Once France opens up its gaming market next year, the local horse racing monopoly Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) might just partake in the action by introducing sports betting.
This was disclosed by PMU COO Xavier Hurstel adding that major sports such as football and betting on next year’s World Cup can be offered to customers.
Speaking to iGamingFrance, Hurstel stated:
“The market is opening, a new offer is being developed and we are studying how PMU will be able to offer a broader product range to its customers. We are currently evaluating all those opportunities.”
The PMU official also added that the company was moving ahead in that direction by taking a stake in race data supplier Genycourses and that PMU would be adhering to whatever guidelines will be put in place once the gambling market opens up in 2010.
Hurstel added:
“There will be general rules for advertising in racing venues which I believe will put us on an equal footing with the other operators.”
The Big Gamble 