As political turmoil continues in France, PokerStars and Club Barrière have confirmed the cancellation of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris 2025, originally scheduled for February 2025.
The group cited “unforeseen changes in French government policies and ongoing regulatory developments in Paris” as the reason for the decision.
The group emphasised that it is closely monitoring the evolving legal landscape, as uncertainty around licensing requirements continues.
There was also confirmation that PokerStars is seeking to reschedule the Paris event in spite of the regulatory challenges in the country.
Furthermore, PokerStars and Club Barrière also underpinned their continued commitment to collaborating with local authorities to achieve a more stable regulatory framework.
Issuing an official update, PokerStars added: “We understand the disappointment this news will bring to our players and the wider poker community. To those who have already secured online packages for EPT or FPS Paris, our team will reach out directly with further information.”
The French Gambling industry continues to be faced with an uncertain future with tax rises and iGaming regulation in the balance, as Prime Minister Michel Barnier is staring at a budget showdown with opposition to pass critical balancing measures.
Barnier’s government could be the shortest-lived in France’s history as he faces a vote of no confidence that he is expected to lose this afternoon. The vote follows French MPs’ rejection of the 2025 Budget Barnier submitted on Monday.
With regards to the online gambling sector, the main concerns are focused on the increased tax hike set to hit online sportsbooks from next April, and the government’s working groups to study online casino regulations – the first of which took place yesterday and focused on addiction.
The decision will have had a ripple effect on the French market, as it currently hinges upon the significant political developments taking place in the market, which is one of the key European sectors.
