The French government is debating the legalization of online casinos, a major shift aimed at addressing a vast illegal gambling market involving up to 4 million players in 2023. France and Cyprus are the only EU countries still banning online casinos, but pressure from industry advocates has pushed the issue forward.
An amendment proposing legalization has been included in the 2025 budget plan. Advocates, such as the French gaming association AFJEL, argue that regulation could combat fraud, protect players, and redirect the estimated €1.5 billion annual illegal gambling revenue into the legal economy, generating €1 billion in tax revenue.
However, France’s brick-and-mortar casinos strongly oppose the move, warning it could cut their revenue by 20–30%, force a third of establishments to close, and lead to 15,000 job losses.
To address these concerns, the government delayed the proposal and launched working groups to study public health, economic, and security impacts. AFJEL has welcomed the consultative approach, emphasizing the benefits of consumer protection and transparency.
Legalizing online casinos could also enhance oversight, reduce addiction risks, and fight money laundering. The proposed tax rate of 55.6% on gross revenues would provide a new stream of public funding.
France’s gambling market, already heavily regulated, has seen success with digital platforms for horse racing, poker, and sports betting, contributing significant tax revenue. Land-based casinos, however, remain a critical part of the industry, generating €2.7 billion in 2023 despite restrictions dating back to 1919.
An amendment proposing legalization has been included in the 2025 budget plan. Advocates, such as the French gaming association AFJEL, argue that regulation could combat fraud, protect players, and redirect the estimated €1.5 billion annual illegal gambling revenue into the legal economy, generating €1 billion in tax revenue.
However, France’s brick-and-mortar casinos strongly oppose the move, warning it could cut their revenue by 20–30%, force a third of establishments to close, and lead to 15,000 job losses.
To address these concerns, the government delayed the proposal and launched working groups to study public health, economic, and security impacts. AFJEL has welcomed the consultative approach, emphasizing the benefits of consumer protection and transparency.
Legalizing online casinos could also enhance oversight, reduce addiction risks, and fight money laundering. The proposed tax rate of 55.6% on gross revenues would provide a new stream of public funding.
France’s gambling market, already heavily regulated, has seen success with digital platforms for horse racing, poker, and sports betting, contributing significant tax revenue. Land-based casinos, however, remain a critical part of the industry, generating €2.7 billion in 2023 despite restrictions dating back to 1919.
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