The rise of mobile technology has transformed the gambling industry, making casino apps a go-to choice for players seeking convenience and excitement. In France, where gambling is a popular pastime, mobile apps offer a seamless way to bet on sports, play poker, or try casino games. However, France’s strict gambling laws mean not all apps are equal. This article dives into the best casino apps for French players, covering both legally licensed options for sports betting and poker and international apps offering casino games, which operate in a legal gray area. With over 4.5 million active online gambling accounts in France as of 2020 (Cointelegraph), the demand for quality apps is clear. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned gambler, this guide will help you navigate the options, understand the legal landscape, and choose apps that suit your needs.
France has a well-regulated gambling market, shaped by the French Gambling Act of 2010. The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), formerly ARJEL, oversees the industry, licensing operators for three types of online gambling: sports betting, horse racing betting, and poker (Wikipedia). These activities are fully legal, with 17 operators currently licensed, plus two monopolies: Française des Jeux (FDJ) for lotteries and Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) for horse racing betting (ANJ).
Casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette, however, are not licensed for online play. They are considered too addictive by lawmakers, placing them in a legal gray area (Gambling.com). Many French players access these games through international apps licensed in jurisdictions like Malta or Curacao, but this carries risks, as the ANJ actively blocks illegal sites (GamblingNews). In 2024, proposals to legalize online casinos emerged, aiming to boost tax revenue and curb illegal gambling, estimated at €748 million to €1.5 billion annually (Yogonet International). As of April 2025, these proposals remain under consultation, leaving the status quo unchanged (iGaming Brazil).
For French players, this means sticking to ANJ-licensed apps for legal gambling or proceeding cautiously with international casino apps. Always verify an app’s licensing and ensure it offers responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options, to stay safe.
Selecting a casino app involves balancing entertainment with safety. Here are the key factors to consider:
These criteria will guide you toward apps that offer a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding experience.
Below, we highlight the best apps for French players, divided into two categories: ANJ-licensed apps for legal sports betting and poker, and international apps offering casino games. Each app is evaluated based on features, platforms, bonuses, and accessibility.
ANJ-Licensed Apps
These apps are fully legal in France, regulated by the ANJ, and focus on sports betting and poker.
Developer: Betclic Enterprises Limited
Platforms: Android, iOS
Key Features:
Bonuses:
Pros:
Cons:
User Ratings: High ratings on Google Play and App Store, praised for ease of use (Clubic).
How to Download:
Contact: Email: support@betclic.fr; Live chat on Betclic.
Developer: Winamax
Platforms: Android, iOS
Key Features:
Bonuses:
Pros:
Cons:
User Ratings: Generally positive, though some critique recent updates for usability.
How to Download:
Contact: Email: support@winamax.fr; Form on Winamax.
Developer: SPS Betting France Limited
Platforms: Android, iOS
Key Features:
Bonuses:
Pros:
Cons:
User Ratings: Strong ratings for reliability and variety.
How to Download:
Contact: Email: info@unibet.fr; Form on Unibet.
These apps offer casino games but are not licensed in France, so players should proceed with caution and verify their legal status.
Developer: 1xBet
Platforms: Android, iOS
Key Features:
Bonuses:
Pros:
Cons:
User Ratings: Mixed, with praise for game variety but criticism for support.
How to Download:
Contact: Email: support@1xbet.com; Form on 1xBet.
Legal Note: 1xBet is not ANJ-licensed and may be restricted in France. Verify accessibility and legal implications before use.
Developer: Medium Rare N.V.
Platforms: Android, iOS
Key Features:
Bonuses:
Pros:
Cons:
User Ratings: Positive for game quality, but some note legal concerns.
How to Download:
Contact: Email: support@stake.com; Form on Stake.
Legal Note: Stake is not ANJ-licensed and operates under a Curacao license. French players should confirm its legality before playing.
App | Platforms | Licensed in France | Games Offered | Welcome Bonus | Key Features |
Betclic | Android, iOS | Yes | Sports betting, Poker | €100 free bets, €5 poker tickets | Live streaming, Cash Out |
Winamax | Android, iOS | Yes | Poker, Sports betting | €100 free bets, €500 poker match | Multi-table poker, Live betting |
Unibet | Android, iOS | Yes | Sports betting, Poker | €100 free bets | Wide betting markets, Streaming |
1xBet | Android, iOS | No | Casino games, Sports betting | €1500 + 150 free spins | Crypto support, Live casino |
Stake | Android, iOS | No | Casino games, Sports betting | Various promotions | Crypto betting, Stake Originals |
Downloading casino apps in France varies by platform and app:
Android:
iOS:
Tips:
Gambling should be fun, not a source of stress. Here are tips to stay in control:
The ANJ emphasizes responsible gambling, requiring operators to offer tools and submit annual plans to combat problem gambling (Next.io). International apps may also offer similar features, but always check their policies.
Choosing the best casino app in France requires balancing legal compliance, game variety, and safety. ANJ-licensed apps like Betclic, Winamax, and Unibet are the safest choices, offering sports betting and poker with robust features and responsible gambling tools. For casino games, international apps like 1xBet and Stake provide exciting options, but their legal status in France is uncertain, so proceed with caution. As France considers legalizing online casinos by 2025, the landscape may evolve, potentially offering more choices. For now, prioritize apps that align with your preferences, ensure security, and promote responsible play. Whether you’re betting on football or playing poker, these apps can deliver a thrilling experience when used wisely.
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