Online casinos in France: a unique position on the move

France’s stance on online casinos has been notably stringent compared to many of its European counterparts. As of April 2025, the country remains one of only two European Union (EU) nations, alongside Cyprus, that prohibits online casino games such as blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. This prohibition stands in contrast to the legality of online sports betting, horse racing, and poker within France. 

Current situation and challenges

Despite the ban, a significant number of French residents engage with unregulated online casino platforms. A study commissioned by the French national gambling authority, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), estimated that the black market for online gambling in France generates gross gaming revenues (GGR) ranging from €748 million to €1.5 billion annually. This figure represents nearly half of the country’s regulated online gambling revenue, highlighting the substantial presence of unauthorized operators. 

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has expressed concern over this expansive black market, emphasizing the risks posed to consumers who lack legal protections when using unregulated sites. The EGBA has advocated for the French authorities to reconsider the ban and implement a regulated framework for online casino games to better safeguard consumers and capture lost tax revenues. 

Recent developments

In October 2024, the French government proposed an amendment to the 2025 budget to legalize online casinos. The proposal included a taxation plan imposing a 27.8% tax on GGR, which, combined with other federal business taxes, would result in an effective tax rate of 55.6% on online casino revenues. The government projected that this move could generate approximately €1 billion annually in tax revenue and help combat the illegal gambling market. 

However, the proposal faced immediate opposition from various stakeholders. The Casinos de France association, representing over 200 land-based casinos, argued that legalization could lead to a 20-30% reduction in their revenues and potentially force the closure of about 30% of physical casinos, jeopardizing approximately 15,000 jobs. 

Additionally, public health organizations, such as Fédération Addiction, voiced concerns about the potential increase in gambling addiction. They highlighted that, as of 2019, 1.4 million French individuals were at risk of excessive gambling, with nearly 400,000 suffering from pathological gambling disorders. They warned that legalizing online casinos could exacerbate these issues. 

In response to the backlash, the government withdrew the amendment from the 2025 budget, citing the need for further consultation with stakeholders, including land-based casino operators and public health experts. 

Future outlook

While the immediate plans for legalization have been postponed, the French government has indicated a willingness to revisit the issue in the future. The objective would be to develop a framework that balances economic benefits with consumer protection and the interests of existing land-based casinos. Future discussions are expected to focus on creating a regulatory environment that addresses the challenges posed by the black market, ensures fair competition, and implements robust measures to prevent gambling addiction. 

The path forward for online casino legalization in France remains complex, requiring careful navigation of economic interests, public health considerations, and the evolving landscape of digital gambling.