Is Gambling Legal in France? Laws, Online Betting & Casino Rules 2025

Thus, our clients, foreign and local entrepreneurs, can benefit from bookkeeping, payroll, audits, and the preparation of annual financial statements, among others. It is important to specify that we can offer risk assessment and evaluation services when necessary. The French Gambling Authority aims to create a secure and fair environment for internet gambling in France. To get a license, an operator needs to pinpoint the right regulator for the product they intend to offer.

As we’ve touched on, players won’t have any luck trying to find an online casino in France which is licensed by the state. Instead, players need to find an offshore (foreign licensed) site which accepts players from the country. The journey of French casino laws is marked by a complex interplay of cultural, economic, and political influences. From the early days of prohibitions to the emergence of regulated casinos, the legal landscape has been shaped by significant moments and key figures.

• This transition aims to streamline regulations and provide a more cohesive framework for all gambling activities.
• So far ARJEL has issued over 30 licenses to international operators creating a competitive gambling market in France.
• Online gambling is legal in Paris, but it is strictly regulated by the ANJ.
• Have a look at this guide that will de-mask French gambling laws and the current state of online betting.

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The ANJ is quite active in sending notices to unlicensed online operators targeting French consumers. However, there have been cases where they have not complied – the ANJ has blocked over 650 URLs in the first semester of 2024 alone (see (Hyperlink) ). The Relevant Product operators as well as the individuals responsible for carrying out unauthorised activities are liable under French law. ARJEL and other French gambling authorities go to great lengths to prohibit access to offshore casinos, but many can still be accessed from inside the country. Even so, that doesn’t mean that it is impossible to play your favorite games on the internet for real money when living in France. Keep in mind that in order to play at any French casino, you must be at least the age of 18.

However, strict regulations and an emphasis on consumer protection have shaped the industry’s current landscape, providing a clear framework for operators and players alike. This applies to all forms of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, horse racing, and poker. Minors are not allowed to enter gambling establishments or participate in any gambling activities. It is the responsibility of gambling operators to verify the age of their customers, both at land-based venues and on online platforms.

Arguably, this could dry up some of the illegal supply, as the opening up to competition of online betting and poker did in 2010. One of the most exciting developments is the ongoing debate around online casino legalization. While France has historically resisted regulating online casino games, policymakers are revisiting the issue, recognizing the potential tax revenue and player protection benefits of a fully regulated framework. Should the green light be given, it will unlock an entirely new vertical for operators looking to diversify their offerings.

Is there a gambling tax in France?

By aligning gambling legislation with contemporary cultural values, the laws can both protect and empower communities. In recent years, society’s evolving values have significantly influenced how we approach and embrace gambling culture. As cultural norms shift, the landscape of gambling legislation also transforms. These changes reflect our collective desire for entertainment that is not only thrilling but also inclusive and responsible. The growing acceptance of diverse lifestyles has integrated gambling more deeply into our social fabric. These early laws laid the groundwork for a structured approach, allowing us to balance the thrill of gaming with the need for responsible oversight.

Online operators must establish a physical presence in France and use only licensed software. It reached €14 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2024, marking a 4.7% increase from 2023. This growth was largely fueled by the expanding online sector and major sporting events such as Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics. The online gambling segment alone grew by 12% year-on-year, reaching €2.6 billion.

If you play on a licensed French poker site, you are only playing against people who are in France. This has caused serious liquidity problems for licensed poker sites as they constantly struggle to keep their games running with such a limited player pool. Brick-and-mortar casinos can offer card games, casino-style games, sports betting, and betting on horse races and other events.

Football accounts for 58.2% of online betting GGR, followed by tennis, basketball, and rugby. In-play betting and esports wagering are gaining popularity, especially among younger audiences. High internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and rising disposable incomes have further improved access to online platforms. If you are working on how to start an online casino business, focus on understanding these preferences. You should also stay updated on any legislative developments that might expand the allowed game categories.

Ourcompany registration agents can offer more information on the French gaming legislation. This system ensures that online casino sites in France are controlled and accessible to whoever meets the legal requirements. Your platform’s design directly impacts how users interact with your casino. A clean, responsive interface with fast loading times and easy navigation is a necessity.

Restrictions are another hurdle that local companies should contend with. Many operators are opting to exit the French market rather than keep working while making losses. France has a gambling tax system in place, which varies depending on the type of gambling activity. Land-based casinos pay a tax based on their gross gaming revenue, while sports betting operators are taxed on their turnover.

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The growth of the industry can be a stepping stone to complete online gaming options. The French government is currently online casino curacao legal working towards a safe and morally correct gambling scenario. If you want to experience “gambling in France,” you have to be really cautious with the rules. Have a look at this guide that will de-mask French gambling laws and the current state of online betting. This event will start by this October and the finals will be played with Enghien-the-Baths.

Online, the same establishments can offer all of these options except casino-style games. It’s a mature, evolving, and tightly regulated sector that continues to expand. With over 67 million residents, a well-developed legal framework, and a strong appetite for online betting, the market offers significant opportunities for operators willing to play by the rules. In 2024, France considered legalising online casinos but scrapped the proposal on October 28 after industry backlash. While legalisation isn’t imminent, discussions continue, keeping the possibility of reform open.

French players tend to favour platforms with strong security, French-language support, and convenient payment options. French regulations provide for specific rules for the funding of players’ accounts, as well as for the reimbursement of funds to players. A player’s account may only be credited by its holder or by the gaming operator either for winnings earned by the player or as a promotional offer.

You can also rely on our services if you want to open a company in any other industry in France. They have to operate according to the government’s rules and the rules of local authorities. The players are invited to try their luck in the variety of table games available. Apart from its excellent gaming facilities they have fabulous restaurant and bar facilities. To avoid a security breach, you should invest in strong encryption tools like SSL and TLS to keep user data safe. Smart gambling operators also add extra layers of protection through multi-factor authentication (MFA) and secure payment systems.

Online casinos for French players which are licensed by the state are nearly impossible to come across, owing to France’s notoriously strict gambling laws. This demand is evident in sports betting, which accounts for the lion’s share of online gambling activity. French bettors placed over €8 billion in online sports wagers in 2023 (Handle), with football, tennis, and basketball leading the way. Horse racing betting remains a pillar of the French market, generating billions annually, while online poker has also rebounded, fueled by regulatory adjustments that improved liquidity and competition. The ANJ holds unprecedented control over France’s gambling sector, overseeing 80% of the market since its creation in 2019.