France's New Poker Law: Players Protest Increased Rake

France has implemented a new law banning its citizens from playing on unlicensed poker sites, effective June 2010. This move has significantly impacted both players and platforms, leading to protests and adjustments in the online poker community.

Full Tilt Poker, one of the major platforms, has blocked French players from playing for real money and withdrawing funds until they receive a license. The company has assured players that their funds are safe but has not provided a timeline for when the license will be obtained or the specifics of the new rake structure.

PokerStars, another licensed company, faced an online protest from players over the increased rake. Players organized a sit-out protest, blocking games by sitting out immediately after joining tables. This method of protest gained support from users on forums like 2+2. In response to the backlash, PokerStars has reduced the rake and cap for certain table types, aiming to mitigate the impact on players.