Are Online Casinos in France Safe – and Who Regulates Them?

Online gambling has surged in popularity across the globe, and France is no exception. With a rich history of gaming, from land-based casinos to modern online platforms, French players are increasingly drawn to the convenience and excitement of virtual casinos. But a critical question looms large: Are online casinos in France safe? And just as importantly, who regulates them to ensure fairness, security, and responsible gaming? we’ll dive deep into the world of online gambling in France, exploring its safety, regulatory framework, and what players need to know to enjoy a secure gaming experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a curious newcomer, this article will equip you with the knowledge to navigate France’s online casino landscape confidently.

The Current State of Online Casinos in France

France boasts a vibrant gambling culture, with over 200 land-based casinos scattered across picturesque seaside resorts and major cities. These venues have long been regulated under strict laws to ensure player safety and economic contributions to local communities. However, the online casino sector operates under a different set of rules—or rather, a lack thereof.

As of April 2025, online casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette remain prohibited in France, making it one of only two European Union countries (alongside Cyprus) to enforce a complete ban on these activities. This prohibition stems from concerns about addiction, particularly given the accessibility of online platforms. Instead, France permits certain forms of online gambling, including:

• Sports betting
• Horse racing betting
• Online poker
• Online lottery (operated exclusively by La Française des Jeux, or FDJ)

Despite the ban, the illegal online casino market thrives, generating an estimated €748 million to €1.5 billion annually, according to a 2023 study by France’s National Gambling Authority (ANJ). This significant underground activity has prompted recent discussions about legalizing and regulating online casinos to curb illegal operations, protect players, and generate tax revenue.

So, what does this mean for players? The absence of legal online casinos creates a gray area where unregulated sites—often operating from offshore jurisdictions—target French players. These platforms pose risks, including lack of oversight, potential fraud, and inadequate player protections. Let’s explore why safety is a concern and how regulation (or its absence) impacts your gaming experience.

Why Safety Matters in Online Gambling

When you play at an online casino, you’re not just wagering money—you’re entrusting the platform with your personal and financial information. Safety in online gambling encompasses several key factors:

1. Data Security: Protecting your personal details, such as name, address, and payment information, from cyberattacks and data breaches.
2. Fairness: Ensuring games are not rigged and outcomes are determined by certified random number generators (RNGs).
3. Responsible Gambling: Providing tools to help players manage their spending and avoid addiction.
4. Payout Reliability: Guaranteeing that winnings are paid out promptly and without hidden conditions.
5. Legal Recourse: Offering players a way to address disputes or fraudulent practices through a regulatory body.

Unregulated online casinos often fall short in these areas. Without oversight, there’s no guarantee that your money or data is safe, and players have little recourse if something goes wrong. This is where regulation becomes critical.

Who Regulates Gambling in France?

In France, gambling regulation is overseen by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), or National Gambling Authority. Established in 2020 as a successor to the Autorité de Régulation des Jeux en Ligne (ARJEL), the ANJ is an independent administrative authority tasked with ensuring a safe, fair, and controlled gambling environment.

The Role of the ANJ

The ANJ regulates various forms of gambling, including:

• Online gambling: Sports betting, horse racing betting, and poker.
• Land-based casinos: Overseeing responsible gambling policies in France’s 202 physical casinos.
• Lottery: Monitoring the FDJ’s monopoly on online and offline lottery games.
• Points of sale and racecourses: Ensuring compliance with gambling laws at physical betting locations.

The ANJ’s mission is threefold:

1. Protect Players: Ensure that legal gambling is fair, transparent, and recreational, with measures to prevent addiction and protect minors.
2. Combat Fraud: Fight illegal websites, money laundering, and sports manipulation.
3. Enforce Compliance: Ensure that licensed operators adhere to strict legislative and regulatory obligations.

The ANJ oversees 78% of France’s gambling market, a significant expansion from the 11% managed by its predecessor, ARJEL. However, its authority over land-based casinos is limited, with the Ministry of the Interior retaining responsibility for issues like anti-money laundering and gaming integrity.

Licensing Requirements

To operate legally in France, online gambling operators (for permitted activities like poker or sports betting) must obtain a license from the ANJ. The licensing process is rigorous, requiring operators to provide:

• Corporate Information: Details about organizational structure, ownership, and financial stability.
• Player Protection Measures: Tools to prevent gambling addiction, such as spending limits and self-exclusion options.
• Technical Compliance: Websites must meet ANJ’s technical standards, including secure payment systems and data privacy protocols.
• Location Requirements: Operators must have a registered office in the European Economic Area.

Licenses are subject to review, suspension, or revocation if operators fail to comply with regulations. For land-based casinos, licenses are granted by the Ministry of the Interior and local authorities, with additional restrictions on location (e.g., only in certain resort cities).

Why Online Casinos Are Different

Unlike sports betting or poker, online casino games are not licensed by the ANJ because they are illegal. This creates a regulatory void, leaving players vulnerable to unregulated platforms. The ANJ actively works to identify and block illegal casino sites, but the scale of the black market makes this challenging.

Are Online Casinos in France Safe?

Given the current ban, the short answer is: Most online casinos accessible to French players are not safe. Here’s why:

Risks of Unregulated Platforms

1. Lack of Oversight: Illegal online casinos operate without ANJ supervision, meaning there’s no guarantee of fair play or secure transactions.
2. Data Vulnerability: Unregulated sites may lack robust cybersecurity, putting your personal and financial information at risk.
3. Fraud and Scams: Some offshore casinos engage in predatory practices, such as withholding payouts or imposing unfair terms.
4. Addiction Risks: Without responsible gambling tools, players are more vulnerable to developing unhealthy habits.
5. No Legal Recourse: If a dispute arises, players have no regulatory body to turn to for resolution.

The Illegal Market’s Scale

The ANJ’s 2023 study estimated that illegal online gambling generates €748 million to €1.5 billion annually, representing about 10% of France’s gambling sector. These sites often operate from tax havens, making them difficult to shut down. Players are drawn to these platforms due to their accessibility and variety of games, but the risks far outweigh the rewards.

Signs of a Safe Platform

While legal online casinos don’t exist in France, players engaging in permitted activities (like poker or sports betting) can identify safe platforms by checking for:

• ANJ License: Verify that the operator is licensed by the ANJ. Legitimate sites display licensing information on their homepage or “About Us” page.
• Secure Connections: Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon, indicating encrypted data transmission.
• Responsible Gambling Tools: Licensed operators offer features like deposit limits, self-exclusion, and addiction resources.
• Transparent Terms: Clear terms and conditions, especially regarding payouts and bonuses, are a hallmark of trustworthy platforms.

For now, French players interested in casino-style games must rely on land-based casinos or travel to countries with regulated online markets, such as Malta or the UK.

The Push to Legalize Online Casinos

In recent years, the French government has begun exploring the legalization of online casinos, driven by economic and regulatory pressures. Let’s examine the key developments and what they could mean for player safety.

Recent Proposals

In October 2024, the French government included an amendment in its draft 2025 budget to legalize and tax online casinos. The proposal aimed to:

• Generate Revenue: Estimates suggest that a regulated online casino market could contribute €750 million to €1 billion annually in tax revenue.
• Combat Illegal Gambling: Legalization would allow the ANJ to regulate operators, reducing the influence of black-market sites.
• Protect Players: Regulation would introduce safeguards like responsible gambling tools and fair play certifications.

Finance Minister Antoine Armand emphasized the need to regulate existing illegal operations, stating, “Those that exist, which are sometime operating illegally must either be closed or be regulated or have to contribute” through taxes.

However, the proposal faced backlash from the land-based casino industry, which feared significant revenue losses (estimated at 20-30%) and potential closures. By late October 2024, the government backtracked, removing the amendment from the budget to avoid harming physical casinos. Instead, it announced plans for a consultation process with stakeholders to address illegal gambling.

Earlier Attempts

The 2024 proposal wasn’t the first. In 2023, Philippe Latombe of the Democratic Movement party introduced Bill 1248, which proposed a five-year moratorium to legalize online casinos for national operators before opening the market to others. The bill argued that legalization would create a safer environment and generate tax income, but it did not pass.

Why Legalization Matters

Legalizing online casinos could transform the safety landscape for French players. A regulated market would:

• Enforce Standards: Operators would need ANJ licenses, ensuring compliance with security, fairness, and responsible gambling regulations.
• Reduce Illegal Activity: By offering legal alternatives, the government could diminish the appeal of unregulated sites.
• Boost Public Health: Regulation would include addiction prevention measures, such as spending limits and mandatory warnings.

However, concerns about addiction and the economic impact on land-based casinos remain significant hurdles. Elsa Trochet-Macé of the ANJ noted that online casino games are “particularly addictive,” and their legalization could strain France’s network of physical casinos.

How to Stay Safe While Gambling Online in France

Until online casinos are legalized, French players must exercise caution. Here are practical tips to protect yourself when engaging in permitted online gambling activities:

1. Choose Licensed Operators: For poker, sports betting, or horse racing, only play on ANJ-licensed platforms. Check the ANJ’s official website for a list of approved operators.
2. Avoid Offshore Casinos: Steer clear of unlicensed online casinos, as they lack oversight and pose significant risks.
3. Use Secure Payment Methods: Opt for trusted payment options like credit cards or e-wallets that offer fraud protection.
4. Set Gambling Limits: Use responsible gambling tools to manage your spending and time spent playing.
5. Research Reviews: Read player reviews and expert analyses to gauge a platform’s reputation before signing up.
6. Protect Your Data: Ensure the site uses encryption (look for “https://”) and avoid sharing sensitive information unnecessarily.

If you’re considering playing at an offshore casino despite the risks, prioritize platforms licensed by reputable authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). However, be aware that these sites operate outside French law, and you may have no recourse in disputes.

The Future of Online Casinos in France

The debate over online casino legalization in France is far from over. While the 2024 budget amendment was shelved, the government’s acknowledgment of the issue signals a shift in perspective. Here’s what to watch for in the coming years:

• Stakeholder Consultations: The promised consultation process could lay the groundwork for a balanced approach to legalization, addressing concerns from both the ANJ and the casino industry.
• European Influence: As one of the few EU countries banning online casinos, France may face pressure to align with neighbors like Italy, Spain, and the UK, which have thriving regulated markets.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in cybersecurity and responsible gambling tools could alleviate concerns about addiction and fraud, making legalization more feasible.
• Economic Pressures: With France’s public debt and budget deficit under scrutiny, the potential tax revenue from online casinos remains a compelling incentive.

If legalized, a regulated online casino market could mirror France’s successful sports betting and poker sectors, offering players a safe, transparent, and enjoyable gaming experience.

Conclusion

The question “Are online casinos in France safe?” doesn’t have a simple answer. As of April 2025, the ban on online casino games means that most platforms accessible to French players are unregulated and potentially unsafe. The ANJ plays a vital role in regulating permitted gambling activities, but its authority doesn’t extend to online casinos, leaving players vulnerable to risks like fraud, data breaches, and addiction.

However, change may be on the horizon. Recent proposals to legalize online casinos reflect growing recognition of the need to regulate this thriving market. If successful, legalization could usher in a new era of safe, transparent, and responsible online gambling in France, backed by the ANJ’s rigorous oversight.

For now, players should stick to ANJ-licensed platforms for poker, sports betting, or horse racing and avoid unregulated casino sites. By staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy the thrill of gambling while protecting your money and personal information. Keep an eye on France’s evolving gambling laws—2025 could mark a turning point for online casinos in the country.