The Liège Interim Court has rejected the French Federation of Tennis’ (FFT) complaints against three operators - Bwin, Betfair and Ladbroke. The FFT wanted to impose a ban on online betting during the French Open and Bercy Masters tournaments.

The online betting companies involved retaliated that their activities are completely legal, given that they are members of the European Sport Security Association.

In dismissing its claims, the Liège District Court also ordered the French Federation of Tennis to pay damages of 5,000 euros. And the punishment may not end there, because Bwin has decided to prosecute the FFT for libel.

The online sports betting market is booming and analysts are predicting very strong growth to come. Online sports betting could generate up to 7 billion euros of turnover in 2009.