Online casino regulation in France is gaining traction. Recently, the French government launched a consultation period to determine the future of online casino regulation, with discussions expected to conclude by 2025. However, full regulatory implementation is not anticipated until at least 2026, raising questions about the potential impact on the French gambling landscape.

Current regulatory landscape in France

France’s approach to gambling regulation has traditionally been cautious. Currently, online sports betting and horse race wagering are legal, but online casino games are not. This leaves a significant gap in the market, with many operators remaining unregulated, creating challenges for player protection and revenue generation.

The government’s six-month consultation aims to assess the feasibility and implications of regulating online casinos. This process includes input from various stakeholders, such as casino operators, lawmakers, player protection organisations, and trade associations, to gauge the benefits and risks of a regulated market.

Key players include traditional casinos, online operators, and horse racing associations. The French gambling regulator Autorité de régulation des jeux en ligne (ANJ) is also involved as well as industry groups like L’Association Française des Jeux en Ligne (AFJEL) and Casinos de France (CdF), representing brick-and-mortar casinos.

Concerns about illegal online casino market

The unregulated online casino market in France has continued to grow, creating risks for players and operators. AFJEL has expressed concerns over illegal operators targeting French players, citing potential threats to consumer safety. CdF has expressed concerns that an open online casino market could lead to an imbalance, similar to what happened in the 2010 sports betting regulation. In that market, a few brands now dominate, and CdF fears a similar situation for online casinos if large, established international brands are allowed unrestricted access.

Casinos de France President Grégory Rabuel stated, “We would be on the starting line, but the contest would be rigged and CdF will not make the same mistake it made in 2010.”

Not all stakeholders are in favour of online casino regulation. Horse racing operators, along with Française des Jeux (FDJ), have voiced opposition, citing potential issues related to gambling addiction and competition for consumer spending. FDJ, traditionally focused on lotteries and scratchcards, worries about the impact online casinos could have on its revenue streams.

International insights

The UK’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), joined by major operators like bet365, attended the consultation to share insights. The BGC argued that online casinos could boost the physical sector by attracting more interest in gambling overall. Their perspective highlighted potential synergies between online and offline gambling industries.

The French government has formed three working groups to examine different aspects of online casino regulation. While details on each group’s focus are limited, the groups will work through a two-phase process, initially assessing whether regulation should happen and then determining the best approach for implementation.

Regulating online casinos in France could bring several benefits, including increased tax revenue, enhanced consumer protections, and economic opportunities for both the government and legitimate operators.