The French government is intensifying discussions about legalizing online casinos, a significant policy shift aimed at curbing the massive illegal market. France and Cyprus remain the only European Union member states that continue to ban online casino operations. However, growing pressure from industry advocates and a substantial illegal online gambling market, estimated to involve up to four million French players in 2023, has brought this issue to the forefront.

Push for online casino legalization gains momentum:

An amendment proposing the legalization of online casinos has been submitted as part of the 2025 budget plan, currently under parliamentary debate. Advocates for this change, including the French gaming association L’Association Française du Jeu en Ligne (AFJEL), emphasize the need for regulation to combat fraud, protect players from unscrupulous operators, and capture the estimated €1.5 billion generated annually by illegal platforms. According to AFJEL, a legal framework would not only secure better consumer protections but also contribute approximately €1 billion annually in tax revenues to the state and social security.

While the government’s proposal has received support from AFJEL and other industry players, France’s brick-and-mortar casinos strongly oppose the move. The trade body Casinos de France estimates that allowing online casino operations could reduce revenues at physical casinos by 20–30%, leading to the closure of nearly a third of establishments and the loss of 15,000 jobs. As France 24 reports, Gregory Rabuel, head of France’s casino association, described the potential impact as “catastrophic,” warning that the policy could devastate the country’s 200 land-based casinos.

This resistance has forced the government to approach the issue with caution. Originally slated for a fast-track approval via decree, the proposal was delayed in late 2024 for further consultation. The government has since launched three working groups focusing on public health, economic and territorial issues, and security to explore solutions that balance the interests of stakeholders. AFJEL welcomed this consultative approach, with its president, Nicolas Béraud, stating, “The precise timetable and the firm will expressed by the Minister this morning oblige us collectively.”

Addressing player safety and economic gains:

Proponents argue that the legalization of online casinos could significantly improve consumer protection by regulating gambling platforms and reducing addiction risks. The government highlights that legalization would allow monitoring of players showing signs of problematic behavior while simultaneously introducing mechanisms to mitigate harm. Legalized online casinos would also be subject to a 55.6% tax on gross revenues, creating a new revenue stream for public services.

In addition to tackling addiction concerns, advocates see regulation as a means to fight fraud and money laundering more effectively. France’s illegal gambling market is vast, with some estimates suggesting that it accounts for 10% of the sector’s total income. Legalizing online casinos would bring these funds into the legal economy, strengthening oversight and transparency.

France’s gambling policies have evolved significantly over the years. While online casino games remain illegal, other forms of gambling, such as horse racing betting through the PMU and government-run Loto, have thrived under strict regulations, The Connexion reports. The PMU has operated online since 2010 and expanded its offerings to include online poker and sports betting. Meanwhile, the French Loto’s digital platform has enabled players to place bets conveniently, contributing €4.2 billion in taxes and social security contributions from its €6.5 billion pre-tax profit in 2023.

Land-based casinos, however, face unique restrictions. A 1919 ban prohibited casinos within 100 kilometers of Paris to protect urban workers from vice, although exceptions were later made for spa towns like Enghien-les-Bains. Despite these limitations, physical casinos have become a cornerstone of France’s gambling industry, generating €2.7 billion in pre-tax profit in 2023.