France is a partially closed market: online casino gaming remains illegal, while the Autorite Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) regulates online sports betting, horse-race betting and poker. FDJ and PMU hold monopolies over lottery and retail betting. The prohibition on online casino is the defining feature - a legalisation amendment was withdrawn in October 2024, and despite continued debate, online casino remained banned as of July 2026, making France one of the few large Western European markets to exclude the highest-margin online vertical. Where gambling is permitted, taxation is exceptionally heavy: levies rose sharply on 1 July 2025, taking online sports betting to roughly 59.3% of GGR (including the 15% CSG social levy) and online poker to 10% of GGR, alongside a new 15% tax on gambling advertising spend. Player-protection rules are tightening too: in June 2026 the National Assembly adopted a bill empowering the ANJ to set loss, deposit and stake limits for 18-25 year-olds, expected from January 2027. The combination of a closed casino segment, punitive betting taxation and an advertising levy makes France a structurally constrained and high-cost market. For operators the appeal lies in a large sports-betting audience, but margins are thin and the product range restricted. The key strategic uncertainty is whether online casino is eventually legalised - a recurring but so far unrealised prospect that would transform the market's economics if it ever passes.
Online casino
Prohibited
Online betting
Regulated
Licensing
ANJ approvals for online sports betting, horse-race betting and poker only; FDJ and PMU monopolies for lottery/retail; online casino games remain illegal
Tax
Heavy stake/GGR levies raised 1 Jul 2025: online sports betting ~59.3% of GGR (incl. 15% CSG), online poker 10% of GGR; new 15% tax on gambling advertising spend
Recent changes
- Jun 2026 National Assembly adopts bill empowering ANJ to set loss/deposit/stake limits for 18-25 year-olds, expected from 1 Jan 2027
- Jul 2025 Major gambling tax increases take effect (online sports betting to ~59.3% GGR; 15% advertising tax)
- 2025 Online-casino legalisation still debated after the Oct 2024 amendment was withdrawn; as of Jul 2026 online casino remains prohibited
Primary sources
How to read this profile
The status labels above describe how France treats each product at the point of last review. Regulated means licensed operators can offer the product; monopoly means it is reserved to a state or licensed monopoly operator; in transition means a licensing framework is being introduced or overhauled; and prohibited means the product is not permitted. Regulatory regimes change frequently — tax rates, licence conditions and advertising rules in particular — so operators and advisers should always confirm the current position with the Autorite Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) and with local counsel before acting. This profile summarises the public position for orientation and is not legal advice. The recent-changes log above tracks the direction of travel, and the full picture across markets is on the regulatory tracker.
France — regulation FAQ
Is online casino legal in France?
No — Online casino is prohibited. Online betting is treated as follows: regulated.
Who regulates online gambling in France?
Online gambling in France is overseen by the Autorite Nationale des Jeux (ANJ).
What tax applies to online gambling in France?
Heavy stake/GGR levies raised 1 Jul 2025: online sports betting ~59.3% of GGR (incl. 15% CSG), online poker 10% of GGR; new 15% tax on gambling advertising spend.
What gambling licences are available in France?
ANJ approvals for online sports betting, horse-race betting and poker only; FDJ and PMU monopolies for lottery/retail; online casino games remain illegal.