French Lawmakers Propose Lifting Online Casino Ban in 2025

French Lawmakers Propose Lifting Online Casino Ban in 2025

The French government is considering a shift that would bring online casinos into the fold of legalized gambling, potentially opening a EUR 1.5 billion market by 2025. If enacted, this change would align France with other European Union countries that allow regulated online casinos, ending the long-standing ban that France and Cyprus alone still maintain within the EU. The proposed law, submitted as an amendment to the 2025 national budget, reflects an increased interest in bringing domestic oversight to a sector that has already gained traction through offshore sites.

Currently, France allows only online sports betting and poker, as poker is classified as a game of skill rather than luck. If the amendment passes, France could provide a legally sanctioned alternative for players interested in online casino games, which may create new opportunities for industry growth and tax revenue. By channeling activity from offshore platforms to regulated, domestic options, the government aims to gain a foothold in an area that has already shown strong demand. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has long advocated for this change, noting that regulated online casinos would support player protections and ensure that the generated revenue benefits the French economy directly.

For players, the legalization of online casinos would increase access to games without needing to visit physical venues, which could diversify how they engage with casino games. France's market could incorporate digital currency options, following the model of crypto-friendly casinos in other regions. With cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, online casinos offer fast, direct transactions and transparent record-keeping—features French players could benefit from if regulations support it.

Land-based casino operators, however, are mainly resistant to the proposal. The national casino association has voiced concerns, asserting that increased competition from online platforms could severely impact physical casinos' revenues. Gregory Rabuel, the association's president, has estimated that 30% of brick-and-mortar casinos may shut down, potentially losing 15,000 jobs. Such a shift, the association argues, would alter the gaming landscape in a way that could make it difficult for traditional venues to maintain their current operations. The potential impact on local economies and employment has become a central point of opposition.

At the same time, some proponents of online casino legalization argue that the impact on land-based establishments may be overstated. With many players already accessing offshore online casinos, advocates suggest that legalization would primarily redirect this existing activity to a regulated framework rather than create significant new competition. The availability of online options would complement land-based offerings by reaching different demographics or serving those who may be less likely to visit physical locations.

From the government's perspective, the online casino market presents a significant opportunity to tap into a growing sector. Data from France's national gaming authority, l'Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), illustrates the potential value: the agency estimated that online gambling generated approximately EUR 1.5 billion in gross gaming revenue last year alone, even under the current restrictions. The government has proposed a tax rate of 55.6% on gross revenue, which could bring considerable contributions to public funds, particularly as the demand for online gambling services appears to be rising. The most recent ANJ data for the first half of 2024 showed a 24% year-on-year increase in sports betting handle, indicating sustained growth in the broader gambling sector.

If France follows through with this plan, it may influence broader regulatory trends within the European gambling industry. Regulated online casinos could encourage responsible gambling practices, bring in tax revenue, and reduce the need for players to rely on unregulated, offshore sites. In doing so, France would align itself with the majority of the EU's stance on online gambling, providing an environment where regulation, taxation, and player protections can be effectively enforced.

The government's move to evaluate this proposal marks a significant point of transition for the French gambling sector, particularly as other countries watch the process closely. The proposed changes could mean greater flexibility and access for players, while for operators, it could open up new avenues within an evolving market. As debates unfold in the coming months, the outcome of this decision will likely shape not only the future of online gaming in France but also provide insights for other nations grappling with similar regulatory questions.