Regulation in France
Online gambling in France is regulated by the ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux). France has had online gambling regulation since 2010, but with strict restrictions. Online casino games like slots and roulette are not legal — only poker, sports betting and horse racing are permitted for licensed operators.
The ANJ issues licences to operators who meet strict requirements on player protection, responsible gambling tools and anti-money laundering. Licensed sites must display the ANJ logo and offer self-exclusion through the national register.
Playing at an unlicensed offshore casino is not illegal for French players, but those sites offer no consumer protection under French law.
Online Casinos in France
Online slots and table games are not legal in France for licensed operators. This sets France apart from most other major European markets. French players who want casino games often use internationally licensed sites (MGA, UKGC), though these operate in a legal grey area.
The French government has discussed opening up to online casino but no legislation has passed as of 2026. If you play casino games, choose sites with reputable licences like MGA (Malta) or Gibraltar.
Online Poker in France
Online poker is fully legal in France under ANJ regulation. France is one of the larger poker markets in Europe. PokerStars and Winamax are the dominant operators — Winamax in particular has a very strong French player base.
Ring games, tournaments and sit-and-go are all available. French players can access large player pools. The stakes range from nano limits up to high stakes.
Sports Betting in France
Sports betting is fully legal in France under ANJ regulation. Football, tennis, rugby and horse racing are the most popular markets. Live betting and mobile apps are widely available from licensed operators.
PMU (Pari Mutuel Urbain) dominates horse racing betting and is one of the oldest betting organisations in the world. For general sports, Bet365, Unibet and Winamax compete strongly.
Lottery in France
The FDJ (Française des Jeux) holds a monopoly on lottery products in France. It is one of the largest lottery operators in Europe. Major games include Loto (jackpots from €2M) and EuroMillions (shared across Europe, jackpots up to €230M).
FDJ also operates instant win scratch cards both in shops and online. Lottery winnings in France are tax-free for players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online casino legal in France?
No — online casino (slots, roulette, blackjack) is not legal in France for licensed operators. Only poker, sports betting and horse racing are legal under ANJ licences.
Do I pay tax on gambling winnings in France?
No. French players pay no income tax on gambling winnings.
What is ANJ?
ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux) is the French gambling regulator. It replaced ARJEL in 2020 and oversees all regulated gambling in France.
Responsible Gambling in France
Gambling should be fun — not a problem. In France, free support is available via the national helpline. You can self-exclude at joueurs-info-service.fr or call 09 74 75 13 13 (free, 8am–2am).