Look out European gambling monopolies, for it appears nigh time your sequestered reigns have come to an end...well, almost that is. Moving one step closer to bringing down the French state monopoly, or at least its protectionist stance on competition from companies in other EU states, the French court, Cour de Cassation, overturned an earlier ruling that kept a Maltese based company, Zeturf, from offering online betting on horseracing events in France.

Reinforcing the increased pressure put on by the European Commission, the ruling sends a definite signal to legislators that regulating and embracing a cross border gambling industry is the route to take. The court went on to cite that limits to competition, even in the casino and gaming sectors, have no means of justification as deemed by European Union regulations. The only time the French state has the right to block online gaming sites from doing business with its citizens is by subjecting the businesses to regulation standards governing fraudulent and criminal activities, said the Cour de Cassation.

The case is not near from being over, however. It will now go to a Paris appeals court for a rehearing, which could very well take up to a year. Indeed, the courts system is another issue altogether. Despite being such a drawn out ordeal, Zeturf is delighted about the hearing, and is hopeful the appeals court will likewise make their decision in light of European Union rules. In the meantime, the online gambling industry will certainly be closely watching the case, hoping it will help to incite other state run gambling monopolies to adopt the European Union's stance on the matter.