SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
French gambling regulator ARJEL have promoted Gilles Crespin as Chief Executive of the regulatory organisation. Crespin takes over from the position following the retirement of incumbent Frédéric Epaulard. Crespin is set to undertake the restructuring of the organisation as ARJEL looks to be more in-tune with modern gaming consumer demands.
Crespin had served as Assistant General Manager for the French regulator since 2011, he is set to report to newly elected ARJEL President Charles Coppolani who took control of the regulator in February 2014.
ARJEL have seen several changes at top management, as predecessor Francois Vilotte left his position as President following four years service.
ARJEL planned corporate restructuring comes amid reports that the French sports betting and igaming sector are beginning to improve performance. Many igaming operators have asked for the regulatory organisation to rethink its stringent governing of the sector.
The French igaming market has high tax burdens on licensed and has further suffered due to restrictions on igaming inventories.
Crespin is set to be concerned with the amount of French players that are currently playing on non-licensed igaming operators. Commentators have pointed that this trend is due to on non-licensed igaming operators offering better quality products in a saturated market such as France.
