The French authorities is intensifying discussions about legalizing on-line casinos, a big coverage shift aimed toward curbing the huge unlawful market. France and Cyprus stay the one European Union member states that proceed to ban on-line on line casino operations. Nevertheless, rising stress from trade advocates and a considerable unlawful on-line playing market, estimated to contain as much as 4 million French gamers in 2023, has introduced this difficulty to the forefront.
Push for on-line on line casino legalization positive aspects momentum:
An modification proposing the legalization of on-line casinos has been submitted as a part of the 2025 finances plan, at the moment below parliamentary debate. Advocates for this alteration, together with the French gaming affiliation L’Affiliation Française du Jeu en Ligne (AFJEL), emphasize the necessity for regulation to fight fraud, defend gamers from unscrupulous operators, and seize the estimated €1.5 billion generated yearly by unlawful platforms. In keeping with AFJEL, a authorized framework wouldn’t solely safe higher shopper protections but additionally contribute roughly €1 billion yearly in tax revenues to the state and social safety.
Whereas the federal government’s proposal has obtained assist from AFJEL and different trade gamers, France’s brick-and-mortar casinos strongly oppose the transfer. The commerce physique Casinos de France estimates that permitting on-line on line casino operations might cut back revenues at bodily casinos by 20–30%, resulting in the closure of almost a 3rd of institutions and the lack of 15,000 jobs. As France 24 reviews, Gregory Rabuel, head of France’s on line casino affiliation, described the potential influence as “catastrophic,” warning that the coverage might devastate the nation’s 200 land-based casinos.
This resistance has pressured the federal government to method the problem with warning. Initially slated for a fast-track approval through decree, the proposal was delayed in late 2024 for additional session. The federal government has since launched three working teams specializing in public well being, financial and territorial points, and safety to discover options that stability the pursuits of stakeholders. AFJEL welcomed this consultative method, with its president, Nicolas Béraud, stating, “The exact timetable and the agency will expressed by the Minister this morning oblige us collectively.”
Addressing participant security and financial positive aspects:
Proponents argue that the legalization of on-line casinos might considerably enhance shopper safety by regulating playing platforms and lowering habit dangers. The federal government highlights that legalization would enable monitoring of gamers exhibiting indicators of problematic conduct whereas concurrently introducing mechanisms to mitigate hurt. Legalized on-line casinos would even be topic to a 55.6% tax on gross revenues, creating a brand new income stream for public companies.
Along with tackling habit issues, advocates see regulation as a method to struggle fraud and cash laundering extra successfully. France’s unlawful playing market is huge, with some estimates suggesting that it accounts for 10% of the sector’s complete earnings. Legalizing on-line casinos would carry these funds into the authorized economic system, strengthening oversight and transparency.
France’s playing insurance policies have developed considerably through the years. Whereas on-line on line casino video games stay unlawful, different types of playing, comparable to horse racing betting by way of the PMU and government-run Loto, have thrived below strict laws, The Connexion reviews. The PMU has operated on-line since 2010 and expanded its choices to incorporate on-line poker and sports activities betting. In the meantime, the French Loto’s digital platform has enabled gamers to position bets conveniently, contributing €4.2 billion in taxes and social safety contributions from its €6.5 billion pre-tax revenue in 2023.
Land-based casinos, nonetheless, face distinctive restrictions. A 1919 ban prohibited casinos inside 100 kilometers of Paris to guard city employees from vice, though exceptions have been later made for spa cities like Enghien-les-Bains. Regardless of these limitations, bodily casinos have grow to be a cornerstone of France’s playing trade, producing €2.7 billion in pre-tax revenue in 2023.
