France weighs 2025 online-casino legalization to curb a €0.75–€1.5B illegal market

France is considering legalizing online casino games as early as 2025, aiming to channel demand away from the black market—estimated at roughly €0.75–€1.5 billion by the National Gambling Authority (ANJ)—into a regulated, taxable ecosystem. Officials argue that bringing casino-style games (such as roulette and blackjack) under supervision would bolster consumer protections, improve addiction-prevention tools, and recapture revenue currently flowing to unlicensed operators.

The move would mark a major shift from France’s strict framework, which permits online sports betting and poker but bans most casino games. Supporters, including several licensed online operators, say regulation would align France with broader European trends favoring controlled online expansion and could reduce illegal-platform exposure for French players.

Opposition is strongest among land-based casinos, which warn that a full online launch could cannibalize brick-and-mortar revenues and threaten jobs. Industry representatives have floated transitional measures—such as a limited exclusivity window for physical casinos to operate online brands—while details like licensing scope, responsible-gaming requirements, and tax structure remain under debate.

Lawmakers are discussing the proposal within the 2025 budget cycle. If adopted, France would move closer to its EU peers by opening a path for regulated online casino play while directly targeting the illicit market identified by the ANJ.