Reunion is an island in the Indian Ocean which is mainly volcanic and has a beautiful view of the island along with an active culture; nevertheless, in terms of gambling, Reunion provides a unique experience. As a part of France and specifically being an overseas department of France, Réunion follows the laws of gambling in France which are, by their nature, are not static. In this article, the author describes the specifics of the regulation of gambling in Réunion and the characteristics of Réunion bookmakers, sports betting, and other issues.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History of Gambling Laws of Réunion Island
History of gambling in Réunion Island and France cannot be discussed separately from each other since the two countries have a strong link. It is legal to gamble in Réunion from the year 1907 as it is stated in the French Code of Homeland Security especially in the Article L. 320-1. This law that has an application on all the French territories has allowed all the forms of gambling including casinos, bingo, poker, sports betting, and lottery in the island.
Key Milestones:
- 1907: Gambling is effected in Réunion under the provision of Article L. 320-1.
- 2009: Online gambling is allowed because of the influence of European Union.
- 2010: The legislation of online gambling, which will permit the license holders to provide services.
Reunion with the Bookmakers and the Regulatory Agencies.
The main regulator of gambling operations in Réunion is the L’Autorité nationale des Jeux (ANJ). This French body has the mandate of issuing licenses as well as regulating gambling both in the traditional and the online platforms. Legal frameworks on gambling are/is not a preserve of Réunionese authorities as they are required to adhere to the French laws.
Licensing and Fees:
- Licenses are provided by the ANJ while local authorities of Réunion have no power to issue gambling licenses.
- Licensing is a very competitive process, which includes many checks and high fees, and restrictions, which can scare away small businesses.
- There are only fifteen operators holding licenses to provide online gambling services in France which include the FDJ and PMU.
Prohibited and Allowed Bets
In Réunion, all the type of gambling mentioned before is permitted but the gambling must be performed by authorized companies. The following are legal:
- Casino Gambling
- Bingo
- Poker
- Sports Betting
- Lottery
However, there are strict regulations regarding state-owned and controlled wagering:
- Lottery: FDJ is the only company which has the monopoly of the francophone market.
- Horse Racing Betting: Turning to the French case, it is possible to mention the monopoly of Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU).
The Taxation of Gambling in Réunion
The taxation of gambling in France is among the most steep in the world and affects Réunion. Such taxes can be considered as a strong factor which prevents the development of investments in the gambling industry of the island.
Casino Tax:
Progressive rates on remaining revenue:
- Up to EUR 100,000: Of the respondents. six percent.
- EUR 100,001 to EUR 200,000: Therefore, the proportion was 16 percent
- EUR 200,001 to EUR 500,000: It also contains 25 percent of the total.
- EUR 500,001 to EUR 1 million: Therefore, the awareness level was at 37 percent.
- From 1,000. 01 EUR to 1 EUR. 5 million: 47%
- From EUR 1 500 001 to EUR 4. 7 million: 58%
- Ranging from EUR 4,700,001 to EUR 7. 8 million: 63. 3%
- EUR 7,800,001 to EUR 11 million: 67. 6%
- EUR 11,000,001 to EUR 14 million: 72 percent of the participants.
- Above EUR 14 million: 83. 5%
Gaming Club Tax:
- Up to 10% of the available amount or EUR 100 000
- 30% for the amount ranging from EUR 100,000 to 1. 5 million
- 40% from EUR 1. In terms of the investments, it ranged from EUR 5 million to EUR 2. 6 million
- 55% from EUR 2. The bond amount also ranged from EUR 6 million to EUR 5. 5 million
70% above EUR 5. 5 million
- Slot Machine Tax: 11. Thus, the percentage of the share of the state’s gross gambling revenue is 2 percent, taken on 68 percent.
- Horse Racing Tax: 37. 7% of the gross gambling revenue shall be the share of the=”{0}”.
- Online Poker Tax: 40. 8 percent of the gross gambling yield
- Sports Betting Tax: 44. 5% of the gross gambling revenue is to be paid out as this tax.
- Online Sports Betting Tax: The following are the remaining contents: 55. Namely, it is stated that 2% of the gross gambling revenue must be given for charitable purposes.
- Lottery Tax: 54. Five percent of the gross gambling revenue is given to the state of New Jersey.
- Lottery-like Games Tax: It shows that 42% of the gross gambling yield is paid in the form of winnings.
- Withholding Tax on Winnings: The following are the recommendations: The tax is 7% of the winnings over €1500.
Sports Betting of Réunion Bookmakers
Betting on sports in Réunion is on the rise and is bolstered by the allowance of both online and offline betting. The ANJ regulates the activities of the players through licensed bookmakers who offer their services to the players.
Key Points:
- Legal Status: Both the online and offline sports betting are allowed.
- Regulated Operators: It is legal to engage in sports betting in some states but one has to do it through licensed operators.
- Taxation: Taxes are on the high side, which affect the profitability but are useful in preventing cheating and other forms of malpractices.
- Licensing: Licensing rules are tough, which is pertinent in ensuring that the environment within which betting is conducted is healthy and safe.
Sporting Event Glory Milestones
There have been numerous famous sporting events held in Réunion Island, and many of those events are accompanied by sports betting. Some milestones include:
- 2010: Legalising of online sports betting fully.
- 2015: Bets made during the Rugby World Cup’s history.
- 2018: A higher level of interest in sports betting during the period of the FIFA World Cup.
- 2020: Increase of the popularity of online sports betting during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- 2023: Introducing new markets in betting of the new sports
Conclusion
Therefore, it can be stated that the gambling environment in Réunion, especially with regards to bookmakers and sports betting, is highly regulated and depends on the French legislation. Although the tax rates are quite high, the stringent legal measures guarantee that the gambling industry is safe and by the book. To those who want to venture into this field, it is vital to know the legal aspect and the current trends.
FAQ of Réunion Bookmakers
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