FRANCE
France is one of the most heavily regulated Tier 1 gambling markets in Europe, with the state in complete control of both the online sector and terrestrial gambling venues. The French gambling model is built on the principles of maximum protection for players, transparency of operators and strict licensing.
The French market is characterized by high audience solvency, active interest in sports betting and sustainable development of legal online betting.
Online casinos in France
Online casinos in France are under severe restrictions. The state allows only certain formats of gambling, while classic online casinos with machines are not officially licensed for the domestic market.
Tight government regulation.
Sports betting and poker are allowed.
Complete control over payments and algorithms.
Restrictions on bonus programs.
Increased player protection requirements.
French players actively use foreign platforms aimed at a European audience.
Land-based casinos and gaming halls
Land gambling in France is represented by large casino resorts and licensed gaming halls. Casinos operate in tourist regions and are strictly controlled by the state.
National level licensing.
Strict requirements for owners of establishments.
Control of slot machines and tables.
Age limit 18 +.
Casino location restrictions.
Offline casinos remain an important part of the entertainment and tourism industry.
Sports betting and betting
The French betting market is one of the largest in Europe. Sports betting is legal and under state control.
Most popular destinations:- Football (Ligue 1).
- Tennis.
- Cycling.
- Rugby.
- Basketball.
Live bets, long-term bets and sweepstakes form the bulk of the market turnover.
Regulation and licences
The gambling regulator in France is the state body ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux).
Mandatory licensing of operators.
Stringent KYC and AML requirements.
Control of advertising activities.
Age limit 18 +.
Government self-exclusion programs.
Work without an ANJ license is blocked throughout the country.
Payment methods
French players use predominantly banking and fintech solutions.
Bank cards.
Bank transfers.
SEPA payments.
E-wallets.
Limited use of cryptocurrencies.
French players have high demands on the speed of payments and transparency of commissions.
Popular games and formats
French players' preferences are centered around:- Slots and video games.
- Poker.
- Roulettes and card games.
- Live casino.
- Sports betting.
A special place is occupied by online poker, which has received official recognition and licensing.
Mobile gambling
France is showing steady growth in mobile traffic in betting and online entertainment.
High penetration of smartphones.
Bookmakers' mobile apps.
Quick deposits from a smartphone.
One-click live betting.
Mobile platforms are the main channel of access to sports betting.
Advertising and responsible play
The state tightly controls gambling advertising.
Restrictions on bonus advertising.
Mandatory risk warnings.
Player support programs.
Prohibition of aggressive advancement.
Control of advertising channels.
Responsible play is the basic standard of the French gambling market.
Why France is a Tier 1 market
The French market is characterized by:- maximum state control;
- a large volume of sports betting;
- high solvency of players;
- developed ground infrastructure;
- sustainable economy and stable demand.
France is one of the most closed and tightly controlled Tier 1 gambling markets in Europe. It is dominated by sports betting, licensed poker and a developed offline sector. For operators, this is a market for complex entry and high competition, for players - a high degree of protection, transparency and a state guarantee of security.
