Press Release: State aid: Commission approves French proposal for a parafiscal levy on online horse-race betting

The European Commission has approved a French proposal for a parafiscal levy on online horse-race betting to finance horse‑racing companies. The changes made to the proposal by the French authorities after the opening of the Commission investigation ensure fair competition between horse‑race betting operators.

As part of the opening‑up to competition of online horse‑race betting, France notified the Commission of a proposal for a parafiscal levy of 8% on stakes from this betting in order to finance a service to improve the bloodline and promote horse‑breeding, which would be entrusted to horse‑racing companies. France considered this service to be a service of general economic interest (SGEI).