Emerging iGaming Regulations: A New Chapter for France’s Digital Gambling Landscape
The French gambling regulatory authority, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has engaged in discussions with the government to shape potential regulations for iGaming in France. This initiative is part of a broader consultation aimed at addressing the future of digital gambling in the country.
Currently, France permits only online sports betting, poker, and lotteries, while casino games remain restricted to physical establishments. However, the ANJ has cautioned that any move toward legalizing online casino games must be approached with caution due to the inherent risks of addiction associated with such platforms.
In its recent annual report, the ANJ underscored the necessity for a rigorously controlled regulatory framework, noting that the anticipated market expansion could mirror the landscape of 2010 when online betting regulations were first implemented. Reflecting on international models, the regulator intends to assess the potential socioeconomic impacts of iGaming in France carefully.
This monitoring will involve continuous dialogues with governmental authorities as discussions about the viability of online casinos progress. The previous administration, under Michel Barnier, began drafting potential legislation for this sector; however, this initiative faced significant pushback from the land-based casino industry.
Industry insiders speculate that new legislation may be introduced as early as this summer or by early 2026.
Prioritizing Responsible Gambling
Recognizing the risks tied to increased online gambling activities, the ANJ is advocating for operators to modify their business models to prioritize "less intensive" gambling options and reduce the likelihood of harm to high-risk players. This strategic shift is part of a five-year plan aimed at curbing gambling addiction rates in France.
To further this objective, the ANJ has scheduled a conference for late June, which will focus on establishing best practices and strategies for addressing gambling-related issues. Last year alone, the ANJ took significant actions against illegal online gambling, blocking over 1,300 URLs and enforcing penalties amounting to €150,000 for serious offenses.
The regulator emphasized the societal implications of gambling addiction, stressing that one compulsive gambler can adversely affect six individuals in their vicinity. It is urgent to combat the normalization of gambling and the associated dangers, particularly for young people.
Navigating Economic Uncertainties
As the landscape evolves, the ANJ has voiced concerns about the forthcoming year, predicting challenges tied to rising promotional outlays, which are expected to increase by nearly 11%. Additionally, the French government is set to implement new tax measures in July, raising the online betting tax from 54.9% to 59.3% of gross gaming revenue (GGR). This will also affect taxes on lotteries and instant draw games.
The French gaming group FDJ has projected that these tax changes may result in a €45 million impact on its EBITDA for 2025.
Record Growth in Online Betting
Despite these uncertainties, 2024 has been noted as a significant year for France’s gambling sector, with gross gaming revenue rising to €2.6 billion, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. Much of this growth can be attributed to online sports betting, which alone achieved €1.8 billion in GGR, a remarkable 19% rise.
This upward trend is further evidenced by an 11% increase in active player accounts, highlighting a resurgence in engagement across various gambling types, including sports betting and poker.
The Influence of National Sports Success
The surge in betting activity is likely linked to the impressive performances of French sports teams. The national football team’s semi-final finish in Euro 2024 and the success of the Olympic team in Paris—securing 16 gold medals—have certainly sparked interest among bettors. For Euro 2024, French bettors placed €438 million in wagers, generating €87 million in GGR, an increase from previous tournaments. Similarly, bets on the Olympic Games reached €342 million, registering a 182% increase in GGR compared to the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
While casinos have also seen a modest gross sales rise of 1.2%, reaching €2.7 billion in 2024, the state-backed operator PMU reported a slight drop in GGR. The evolving dynamics of the French gambling market as it navigates new regulations and consumer behaviors will be crucial to watch in the years ahead.