Record-Breaking Year for French Gambling Industry in 2024, Fueled by Sports Betting Boom

France’s gambling industry shattered records in 2024, reaching an all-time high in gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €14 billion: a 4.7% increase compared to 2023 according to a report released by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ). This remarkable growth was largely driven by a surge in sports betting, thanks to two global sporting spectacles hosted on home turf: the Euro football championship and the Paris Olympic Games.

Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the ANJ, highlighted the sector’s strong momentum, noting, “The French market is growing at a pace comparable to major European markets. While operators were particularly active in 2024 due to major sporting events, the first months of 2025 confirm this growth dynamic.”

Online Betting on the Rise

Online gaming proved to be a major contributor to the market’s growth, with GGR climbing to €2.6 billion, up 12% year-on-year. Online sports betting accounted for €1.8 billion of that total, a 19% surge, representing nearly half of the market’s overall growth.

The number of active online player accounts rose to 5.7 million, an 11% increase. The demographic profile continues to shift, with 30% of bettors now aged between 18 and 24, and a growing proportion of female players.

However, not all verticals saw gains. Online poker experienced a slight decline of 2%, while horse racing betting saw a modest increase of 1%.

Aggressive Marketing and Changing Habits

The spike in online gambling activity also reflects increasingly aggressive commercial tactics. The ANJ pointed to a rise in advertising budgets, promotional offers, and cross-selling strategies that encouraged more intensive gambling behavior. Football, tennis, basketball, and rugby alone made up 87.5% of online sports bets.

Despite the market’s impressive growth, regulators are sounding the alarm. Falque-Pierrotin emphasized the need for the industry to evolve toward a more sustainable model, stating the importance of “less intensive gambling practices” and reducing the focus on high-risk players. She also stressed the need for a cultural shift in how gambling is perceived.

Market Leaders and Casino Stability

FDJ United continued to dominate the French gambling landscape, capturing nearly half of the market. Its gross profit surpassed €7 billion for the first time (+6%), with the lottery contributing €5.8 billion.

The PMU, while seeing a 2% dip in gross profit, reported a 6% increase in its player base, reaching 3.5 million, a return to pre-pandemic levels. Land-based casinos had a relatively stable year, generating €2.7 billion in gross profit (+1.2%) and attracting 31 million visitors. Gaming clubs, however, saw a downturn, posting €123 million in gross profit. Online casinos in France are still illegal at the moment.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

With no major sporting events on the horizon, the ANJ warns that 2025 could see continued risks of gambling overexposure. A new tax on advertising by gambling operators will take effect on July 1, while a pilot program for monetizable digital object games (JONUM) is set to begin in September.

In response, the ANJ is calling for a collective effort to reshape the narrative around gambling in France and encourage more moderate, responsible play.