Everything You Need to Know About the Casino Laws
In France, online casino gambling—such as slot machines and blackjack—is strictly prohibited. Yet, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) allows other gambling activities like sports betting and lottery.
The French Homeland Security Code and gambling laws from 2010 form the core legal framework that governs these activities.
One critical regulation is the TRJ (Taux de Retour aux Joueurs), which limits the maximum payout rate that operators can offer. The TRJ cap is set at 85%, meaning operators cannot return more than 85% of the total stakes to players.
Autorité Nationale des Jeux
- Regulates legal online gambling in the form of sports betting and poker.
- Sets limits on payout rates (TRJ) for online operators.
- Monitors responsible gambling measures.
- Sanctions non-compliant operators, issuing warnings and fines for exceeding regulatory limits.
- Enforces strict social and tax contributions.
- Ensures gambling promotions do not target vulnerable populations.
In 2025, France is expected to see significant legal changes regarding online casinos. A proposed bill is currently under discussion, and in my view, accepting it would provide much-needed regulation to an already active underground market.
Gambling in France
Gambling in France is tightly regulated, with a clear distinction between legal and illegal activities. Land-based gambling, including casinos, sports betting, and horse race betting, is legal and regulated by the ANJ.
Over 200 land-based casinos operate nationwide, providing games like poker, roulette, and slot machines. Yet, online casino games such as slots and blackjack remain illegal.
Quick Factsheet
- Over 200 land-based casinos operate legally in France.
- Online casinos are currently illegal but are under debate.
- Legal online gambling includes sports betting, poker, and horse racing.
- The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) oversees all gambling activities.
- Operators must follow strict social and tax regulations.
- Payout limits for online gambling are set at a maximum TRJ of 85%.
- Efforts to legalize online casinos are ongoing, with potential changes in 2025.
- Advertising restrictions ensure responsible promotion and player protection.
The proposed legalization of online casinos in 2025 could provide a safe and transparent experience. Yet, I think the TRJ cap should remain in place to minimize the potential harm of excessive gambling.
Gambling History and Future
Gambling in France has a rich history, starting with the legalization of land-based casinos in 1907. The introduction of slot machines in 1987 further expanded the gambling scene.
Additionally, traditional games like baccarat and roulette are rooted in French culture and reflect the country’s deep connection to gambling entertainment.
France Flag
- 1907 – France legalized land-based casinos, establishing regulations for casino games.
- 1987 – Slot machines were legalized, boosting the growth of land-based casinos.
- 2010 – Online gambling was partially legalized, permitting sports betting, poker, and horse racing.
- 2019 – France simplified tax contributions, aligning online and land-based operations.
- 2023 – Discussions around legalizing online casinos as part of the 2025 budget began.
- 2025 – Potential legalization of online casinos as part of economic and regulatory reforms.
In 2010, France took its first steps into online gambling by legalizing sports betting, horse racing, and poker. Yet, online casino games remained illegal, creating a gap in the market, which is currently under discussion.
Conclusion
France has a long gambling history, with its land-based casinos playing a significant cultural role. Online gambling, however, remains tightly controlled, with only sports betting, poker, horse racing, and lotteries being legal.
But here’s the exciting part – this may change in 2025, with talks of online casino legalization on the horizon. So, keep an eye out for upcoming changes and stick to ANJ-licensed sites until then.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered some common questions about online gambling in France. If you want to know more, feel free to reach out for details.
Is online gambling in France legal?
Online gambling is legal in France, but only for certain types, such as sports betting, poker, and horse racing. Online casino games such as slots and blackjack remain illegal, though changes may be coming soon.
Is gambling popular in France?
Gambling is very popular in France. The number of active online gambling accounts has quadrupled between 2015 and 2022, growing from 1.2 million to 5.2 million, showing a significant rise in popularity.
Is gambling tax-free in France?
Winnings from table games are not taxed, but if you win over €1,500 on slot machines, you'll need to pay a 12% CSG tax. For poker, players pay a rake, and you're generally playing against the odds in other games, so no additional tax applies unless you're a professional gambler.
Written By Angelina Vodenicharova