Are Online Casinos Legal in France?
There are very strict laws surrounding all of the gambling industry in France, which has deemed online casinos to be too addictive and therefore banned the operation of any such sites. You should not trust any operator claiming to be the one of the best online casinos in France as it is both lying and operating illegally. There are other forms of gambling that are legal in the country, including sports betting and land-based casinos, which are a much safer way to enjoy the hobby.
On this page, you’ll find information detailing the legislation that deems which kinds of gambling are legal in France, as well as a historical overview of the activity in the country. I’ll also give you information to use to identify good online sports betting sites in France, and the overview of what to look for in an online casino should you choose to play from other countries. On top of this, I’ve also included some statistics about gambling in France and the options available in terms of land-based resorts.
Avoid Lists of the Best French Online Casinos
All online casino games of chance are illegal in France under the 2010 piece of legislation, the French Gambling Act, which was actually introduced to open up the online gambling sector for sports betting and online poker. Therefore, any review website claiming to offer a list of the best online casinos in France is ignoring the law and offering you the chance to do the same. For more information about which sites you can legally use, continue down the page.
Sports Betting: An Alternative to French Online Casinos
The top-rated French online sportsbooks excel in various categories, and have been thoroughly evaluated for security, betting options, and mobile performance, among other factors. So, choose your preferred site from our shortlist, enjoy a safe and rewarding experience with these top-rated options, and claim a welcome bonus to begin your betting journey.
The top sites for online sports betting in France are thoroughly checked for licenses and legality, and we can confirm that they all are regualted by the ANJ. However, it is recommended to read the full guide upon choosing the sportsbook that best suits your needs. After that, you can follow these easy steps to sign up and start enjoying top-tier sports betting in France with confidence.
Is Gambling in France Legal?
There are different bodies responsible for the regulations of gambling in France, with the land-based gambling industry split into the Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) for horseracing, and the Fran?aise des Jeux (FDJ) as the authority for lotteries and sports betting. The online sports betting is under the gaze of the Autorité de régulation des jeux en ligne (“Regulatory authority for online games”), or ARJEL. The ARJEL was created in 2010 with the implementation of the French Gambling Act, which opened up the market to online betting operations while simultaneously outlawing all online casino gaming activities.
The differentiating factor that the French Government came to when creating these laws was that there is no skill involved in games of chance like roulette, while sports betting involves some sort of input and knowledge in order to play successfully. As such, there are no legal online casinos in France, so the only way to enjoy a hand of blackjack or roulette is at one of the land-based casinos in the country.
Sports betting, both online and offline, is incredibly popular with horseracing the leading choice, followed by wagers on the football. You can also partake in poker games both online and offline, as following the same thought process to the sports betting legalisation that poker involves some skilful effort. Take a look at this handy legality breakdown in France to see what is and isn’t allowed, and under what circumstance.
The legal gambling age in France is 18 for both land-based and online sports betting, with more than two million player accounts active as per a report from the ARJEL in Q4 2018. The offline sports betting industry is massively widespread and saw a huge increase in participation from 2017 to 2018, when the French team’s success in the FIFA World Cup prompted an increase of 40%. As such, football is the most popular sport to bet on (outside of horse racing), with the Ligue 1 typically as the most popular competition alongside the Champions League. The NBA Championship is also increasing in popularity among French gamblers.
| Land Based Casinos | Over 200 |
|---|---|
| Average Spend on Gambling | €328 |
| Gambling Regulator | Autorité de régulation des jeux en ligne (ARJEL) |
| Gambling Participation | 42% |
| Most Popular Sport Betting | Horse Racing |
| Legal Gambling Age | 18 |
History of Gambling in France
France has a long history not only of loving gambling, but also contributing to its creation. For example, the deck of cards as we know it today, crucial to many of the different casino games that you can play, has a Queen in the deck thanks to French influence.
Previously to the Queen’s introduction in the 1500s, the deck was all male with a Nobleman in its place.
It was also a French man, a mathematician, who invented the roulette wheel in the 17th century, leading to the creation of the game itself. The game is still very popular in the country, though it can’t be legally played at any French online casinos, as it has been deemed ‘too addictive’ by the French government for its citizens.
When Will There Be Legal Online Casinos?
France continues to block access to illegal gambling sites and strictly follows the French Gambling Act. The local regulator ANJ is responsible for all cases of illegal gambling. In the past couple of years, discussions were raised about if and when France should legalise gambling, taking into consideration that this will boost the economy of the country, especially since the pandemic of 2020. Overall, there is a big chance that gambling will not become fully legal anytime soon, but diffferent game types will be legalised and will fall under the authority of ANJ.
Online Sports Betting in France – FAQ
Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the best online sportsbooks in France. If you have additional queries, feel free to contact us at [email protected] – we’re always happy to assist you.
How do I make an online casino account?
There are usually three simple steps to creating an online casino account, including sharing your personal information, contact details and payment details. However, if you are based in France, you should not sign up for any online casinos as gambling online is illegal. Find out more about the legality of gambling in France here.
How do I withdraw money from an online casino?
To withdraw funds from an online casino account, you will need to sign in to your account and request a withdrawal to a confirmed payment method based on the operator's Withdrawal Policy. Make sure you have completed any bonus wagering conditions before attempting to do so. Remember that online casinos are illegal in France. So the only online bonuses you can enjoy in France are for sports betting sites.
What is the best French online sportsbook?
The full guide to the best French sportsbook sites clarifies that a safe and trustworthy operator meets several key criteria. Firstly, it must be licensed by the ANJ. Secondly, it should offer a great diversity and variety in terms of betting markets, odds, and sporting events. A good welcome bonus is another big advantage, especially for new bettors.
Conclusion: The Future of Online Gambling in France
While France still has room for growth in online casino gambling, French players enjoy access to a wide range of betting sites. In our search for the best platforms for online sports betting in France, we found numerous operators offering fair odds, unique features, and user-friendly interfaces. So, all you need to do is find the best betting site to suit your needs and expectations.