The complete guide to online casinos in France

Currently, the short answer is that online casinos are illegal in France.

France is a bit of an outlier in Europe when it comes to online casinos. While online sports betting is legal, as are horse racing and online poker, online casinos are in a different situation. At the time of writing this, the online market is unregulated, so playing at an online casino is still illegal.

The ANJ (National Gaming Authority), which is the authority on all online gambling, states: "In France, all online casino sites are illegal: the international online casino license has no recognized legal value."

Note: There is one type of legal casino in France. The concept of a "physical" (or land-based) casino is legal in the country. These are literally places you have to go, such as the Barrière Casino in Deauville or the Enghien-Les-Bains Casino. These casinos are not accessible via the internet.

Why online casino is illegal in France ?

The prohibition of online casinos in France is explained by a legal and political distinction between gambling, based on criteria of player protection and the fight against addiction. The French legal framework (Internal Security Code, Articles L. 320-1 et seq.) only authorizes online games considered less risky or combining skill and luck, such as poker (classified as a gambling game) and sports betting. These activities are regulated by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), created in 2019, which oversees their strict supervision (deposit limits, identity verification, etc.).

Conversely, online casino games (slot machines, roulette, etc.) are perceived as games of pure chance, associated with an increased risk of addiction due to their speed and accessibility.

French lawmakers have historically favored a restrictive approach, inherited from the 2010 law (known as the "Chatel Law"), which partially opened the market while excluding online casinos for public health reasons. This exclusion is also linked to the protection of historical monopolies (La Française des Jeux and Pari-Mutuel Urbain), which operate under a strict regime and contribute to the financing of activities of general interest.

Are French regulations consistent with European directives on online gambling ?

The conformity of French regulations with European law has been contested, but it is generally considered legal subject to the principle of proportionality. Article 56 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) guarantees the freedom to provide services, but Member States may invoke exceptions for reasons of public policy, public security or consumer protection (CJEU judgment, *Santa Casa*, C-42/07 (CURIA - Documents). France has faced litigation, in particular on the legality of its restrictions (e.g.: CJEU judgment *Zeturf*, 2022 (CURIA - Documents).

However, the Court of Justice has generally upheld the French measures, finding that the ban on online casinos was proportionate to the objectives of combating fraud and addiction. The European Commission, in its reports, sometimes criticizes the lack of harmonization between Member States, but acknowledges national room for maneuver. Thus, the French framework, although restrictive, complies with European requirements, subject to non-discriminatory application.

Why international sites attract players from France

In France, online casinos are illegal; however, many sites flout the law to attract players. These illegal online casinos make their profits through highly attractive bonuses and promises of incredible winnings.

Like many of its European peers, France is navigating a thriving market for illegal online gambling. A report published by PwC in November 2023 identified 510 websites offering illegal gambling to French citizens. Of the sites identified by the study, 65% offered online casino games.

Be careful of these sites who are selling "The best online casino in France" or "The best online casinos in France"

You've probably heard of online casinos like Wild Sultan, MyStake, Madnix, Lucky 31, Casino 770... these international sites are illegal in France, but accessible via an internet connection. These platforms may require more data than official sites and their identity verification requirements are much less stringent than those of a licensed operator.

A growing number of players in France are trying their luck at online casino sites, even though they are illegal under French law.

We asked specialist lawyer Matthieu Escande what exactly players are exposed to when playing at an online casino in France.

Why is betting online at an illegal casino dangerous for players?

Matthew Escande: Gambling at an illegal online casino presents several major dangers for players, particularly in France. First, the software used by these platforms is not controlled by French authorities. This software, which is supposed to guarantee the randomness of the games, can be manipulated, which significantly increases the risk of fraud. Often, these casinos operate under international licenses issued by less-than-reliable jurisdictions, such as in the Caribbean or in lax countries, which does not guarantee any reliability. Then, in the event of a dispute – for example, if a player does not receive their winnings or loses a large bet – it is extremely difficult to obtain redress. The competent jurisdiction is not French, and the entities behind these casinos are often unclear, frequently changing their names or URLs while maintaining their customer bases. This makes tracking them nearly impossible, and players are left with no effective recourse to recover their money. Finally, a third, equally worrying risk concerns addiction. In France, authorities impose strict responsible gaming rules to prevent excessive or pathological behavior. Illegal online casinos, however, have no such obligations and may even encourage players to bet more, thus increasing the risks to their health and finances.

Is a French player who plays at a foreign-based online casino at risk of prosecution?

Matthew Escande: A French player who gambles on a foreign site from France does not risk criminal prosecution. Authorities consider the player to be a victim, not the offender. The real offenders are the organizers and accomplices of the fraudulent activity of illegal gambling.

What recourse is available to a French player in the event of a dispute with a foreign online casino?

Matthew Escande: As we mentioned, the remedies are very limited. There are several possibilities. If we consider that the online casino is commercially targeting French national territory and that its organizers are French, they can in principle be prosecuted by the criminal court, due to their nationality, regardless of their location in the world. However, the budget and resources allocated to the justice system often make these actions complex to carry out. If the site is ethical, an amicable resolution to the dispute can be attempted and funds may sometimes be recovered. However, the actual range of remedies is minimal, as an illegal platform remains difficult to identify. The company in question may regularly change its name or online address, making legal action difficult.

Industry players believe that the legalization of online gambling is closer than ever and that it will likely happen. However, no one knows the exact timeline. Due to political instability, it could happen as early as 2026, according to some sources.

Land-based casino operators have successfully lobbied against the opening of the online casino market in recent years. However, it seems that their position is becoming more difficult to defend, given the considerable scale of the black market and the need for additional tax revenue.

We asked expert Murielle-Isabelle Cahen to tell us more about the future of online casinos in France.

Why do you think it is taking France so long to legalize online casinos?

Murielle-Isabelle Cahen: Several factors explain this slowness:

1. Political and social resistance: Parliamentary debates reflect fears about the explosion of addictions, especially among young people. Anti-gambling pressure groups (prevention associations) and long-standing monopolies influence decision-makers.
2. Economic and fiscal issues: Legalization would involve rethinking the current model, in particular competition with foreign operators and the loss of revenue for national monopolies.
3. Regulatory complexity: Setting up an effective control system (anti-money laundering, protection of minors) requires significant resources, which delays reforms.
4. Government priorities: Issues related to online gambling are often relegated behind more pressing socio-economic issues (health, energy, etc.).

Are there any discussions or draft laws aimed at legalizing French online casinos?

Murielle-Isabelle Cahen: Preliminary discussions are underway, but no concrete projects are underway. In 2023, a Senate report suggested a regulated experiment with online casino games, citing potential tax benefits (estimated at €1 billion annually).

The ANJ also called for consideration of more inclusive regulation, highlighting the ineffectiveness of blocking illegal sites (nearly 50% of French players use unauthorized platforms).

However, the current government remains cautious. Legalization would require a political consensus that would be difficult to achieve before the 2024 European and 2027 presidential elections. Left-wing opposition groups and parts of the presidential majority remain hostile, fearing societal "laxity."

Can we expect the legalization of online casinos in 2025?

Murielle-Isabelle Cahen: Legalization in 2025 is unlikely, although partial progress could occur. Several factors are holding this date back:

1. Busy legislative calendar: Structural reforms (pensions, education) monopolize the parliamentary agenda.
2. Need for comprehensive reform: Legalizing online casinos would involve amending several codes (internal security, taxation) and creating an ad hoc control system, a lengthy process.
3. European context: The European Commission could increase its pressure for liberalization, but France would resist, citing its social specificities.

However, the evolution of practices (rise of cryptocurrencies, virtual reality) and international competition (Germany and Spain having relaxed their rules) could accelerate the debates.

A realistic hypothesis would be a partial opening by 2026-2027, after the next presidential elections.

France is maintaining its ban on online casinos out of regulatory prudence and public health concerns, relying on a restrictive but legally defensible interpretation of European law. Medium-term legalization will depend on a balance between economic pressure, changing attitudes, and strengthening social safeguards.

The closest thing to online casinos that is legal in France is online poker. The other option, if you want to bet, is to place sports bets or bet on horse racing . While we wait for the French government to regulate and legalize online casinos.