France Advances Online Casino Legalization

Key Takeaways:

• French government proposes regulated online casino market via 2025 budget amendment, targeting launch as early as next year.
• Initiative addresses €748m–€1.5bn black market, where 79% of spend comes from at-risk players.
• ANJ to develop specific regulations with stakeholders, focusing on consumer protection and revenue generation.

The French government has introduced an amendment to the Draft Finance Bill 2025, paving the way for a licensed online casino market potentially launching in 2026. This move reverses a previous plan for a delayed rollout, opting instead for swift implementation to curb the unchecked growth of unregulated platforms. The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), France's gambling regulator, will spearhead the creation of tailored rules in collaboration with industry stakeholders, emphasizing safeguards against addiction and money laundering.

This development marks a pivotal shift in one of Europe's largest untapped markets. France, the fourth-biggest regulated gambling jurisdiction in the EU, has long restricted online casino access to its 67 million population, funneling demand toward offshore sites. The black market's dominance—accounting for 50% of illegal gambling activity—has eroded tax revenues and exposed players to unlicensed operators lacking responsible gaming tools. By legalizing real-money slots, table games, and live dealer formats, the amendment aims to redirect an estimated €1.3bn in projected annual revenue toward licensed channels, bolstering public funds while enhancing player safety.

For operators and software providers, the opportunity is immense. With a 31% surge in online casino revenue observed in 2020 amid partial liberalization, a full market entry could attract global software giants like Evolution and Pragmatic Play, who already power French poker and sports verticals. Integration of advanced tech—such as AI-driven personalization and blockchain for transparent payouts—will be key to compliance, aligning with ANJ's 2024-2026 strategy on black market suppression. However, challenges loom: unions like Casinos de France warn of "catastrophic" impacts on land-based venues, citing potential cannibalization of footfall. High licensing fees, modeled after Italy's €7m per concession, could also deter smaller entrants, favoring established European firms.

Broader industry implications extend to neighboring markets. As Spain and Italy tighten affiliate marketing rules, France's entry could standardize EU-wide standards under the upcoming Digital Services Act, promoting cross-border data sharing for fraud prevention. For online casino payment platforms, the shift demands robust KYC integration with e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, already prevalent in French poker. Ultimately, this positions France as a growth engine for iGaming, projected to reach €153bn across Europe by 2029, while underscoring the need for balanced regulation to sustain innovation without compromising integrity.

Sources:

• Next.io: France could launch online casino by 2025 after budget amendment
• Scaleo Blog: Emerging i Gaming Markets in Europe