France and Germany

A couple of interesting takes from European monopolists reached my ears this evening from the International symposium on the future of European racing taking place in Dublin.

The delegate from the PMU apparently told the audience that the French government happened to decide to open its market slightly, and approached the European Commission to ask their advice on how to do it. The PMU also take the view that the Commission recognises that monopoly pari-mutuel is the best way to fund racing, and that all private operators are money launderers. Indeed, his view was that the Santa Casa judgment "proved" that private operators launder money. Crikey. I guess it's not the first time we've heard that accusation .

A German presenter followed. He told those present that all private operators in Germany have 'decided to move offshore'. He spoke for 20 minutes, and made no mention at all of the German State Treaty .

What was the title of the conference again?