Bienvenue DFS – Winamax brings fantasy to France

Raymond_Domenech

Raymond Domenech, Winamax

Winamax has become the first operator to offer daily fantasy sports in France.

Having signed up national team manager Raymond Domenech as a brand ambassador it is currently the only operator allowed to offer real money DFS to customers, though more are expected to follow in the near future.

Domenech will contribute weekly team line ups alongside content for the site’s blog providing players with tips and insight. Players have the option of choosing a full team or a simpler 5-a-side option.

Winamax is already a well known name in France. It has been the number one poker operator for some time, and added sports betting to its repertoire two years ago.

Whether the French public will take to DFS is another question, but the likes of sportsbook operator France Pari is another that is of the opinion that they will. It was the first to apply for a licence meaning Winamax should not expect to be the sole provider for too long.

France regulates gambling games of skill, and the formal discussions around adding DFS to this began in October 2015. In April 2016 ARJEL published its outline regulations explaining the conditions under which operators could offer DFS. A clear set of rules was a primary factor. In addition the regulations stated that participants must know how points are calculated and must be assured that the rankings are accurate.

A total of 19 measures were assessed and authorised as legitimate DFS point scorers. These can be read in full, and in French, here.