Bet365 in France: 6 things to know before you bet

1. Why are people looking for Bet365 in France?

Bet365 is the world leading sports betting platform, in terms of users, sales and profits. Bet365 is also renowned for its extensive sports betting options, competitive odds, and user-friendly interface, making it attractive to punters worldwide.

So it is not surprising that people are looking for Bet365 in France, as they do in a lot of countries. Famous brands always attract users, either because they are more easily remembered or because they have more credibility and feel safer than unknown brands.

2. Is Bet365 available in France ?

Due to France's regulatory environment, accessing Bet365 from within the country is restricted. Bet365 does not possess a license from the official regulator of the gambling market to operate legally within France.

Bet365.com is then considered illegal in France, even if the bookmaker is legal in others countries like the UK or the US, where he has the licenses to operate.

3. Why Bet365 is not legal in France ?

The French regulatory system imposes high taxation and stringent requirements on operators, which can be deterrents for international companies like Bet365. Consequently, Bet365 has chosen not to enter the French market under these conditions.

4. Risks of using unauthorized platforms like Bet365 in France

Engaging with unauthorized gambling platforms poses several risks:

• Lack of consumer protection: Unauthorized platforms are not regulated by French authorities, meaning players lack protection mechanisms in case of disputes or unfair practices.
• Financial risks: Transactions with unlicensed operators may not be secure, exposing punters to potential fraud or loss of funds.
• Responsible gambling concerns: Unregulated sites may not adhere to responsible gambling protocols, increasing the risk of gambling addiction without proper support systems.

5. Legal alternatives to Bet365 in France

The bad news is that you cannot play on Bet365 in France. The good news is : you have a lot of legal alternatives to choose from ! French punters have access to several legal and safe betting options:

1. Licensed sports betting sites: 16 licensed online gambling operators offer services in France. Notable brands include Unibet, Winamax, Bwin, Betsson, Unibet, Pokerstars, Netbet etc. These operators comply with ANJ regulations, ensuring a secure betting environment. We have created a full comparison of their offers and features to help you chose one.
2. Licensed horse racing betting sites: 5 bookmakers are legal in France to bet on horse races and they are named PMU, Zeturf, Genybet, Unibet and Betclic.
3. Online poker platforms: 8 licensed online poker platforms are available for players seeking skill-based card games: Winamax, Pokerstars, Unibet, Betclic, Parions Sport, PMU, Bwin and Party Poker.

6. Can you use Bet365 if you are just travelling in France

If you are from a country where Bet365 is legally accessible, you might wonder whether you can still use your account while travelling or staying in France. The answer is not straightforward due to France’s strict online gambling regulations. Here’s what you need to know:

• Geo-restrictions apply: Bet365 uses geo-blocking technology to prevent access from countries where it is not licensed, including France. Even if you have a valid Bet365 account from your home country, you will likely be unable to log in while in France.
• Use of VPNs: Some users attempt to bypass these restrictions using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to mask their location. However, this comes with risks. Bet365’s terms and conditions prohibit the use of VPNs for accessing their services from restricted locations. If detected, your account could be suspended or permanently closed, and any winnings might be forfeited.

So if you are just visiting, the best option is still to wait to be back home, and if you are reading this before leaving for France, maybe it is time to place your bets in advance !