France Halts Online Casino Legalization Plans
The French government’s plan to legalize online casinos has hit a roadblock, facing strong opposition from physical casino operators and gambling addiction advocates. With important economic implications and social considerations at stake, the proposal remains a contentious issue.

The Proposal and Its Economic Potential
The French government projected that legalizing online casinos could generate €1 billion annually in tax revenue. This move aimed to not only boost state income but also enhance oversight of gambling activities. Online regulation would allow for better monitoring and assistance for individuals at risk of addiction, according to officials. Despite these potential benefits, the plan has been put on hold after facing resistance.
Physical Casino Industry Pushback
Casinos de France, representing 200 physical casinos across the country, voiced strong opposition to the proposal. The association argued that legalization could slash revenues by 20%-30%, potentially leading to the closure of one-third of the casinos. Such a downturn would jeopardize approximately 15,000 jobs and significantly reduce the industry’s tax contributions.
To safeguard their interests, Casinos de France has suggested that online gambling licenses should be restricted to operators of existing physical casinos. In 2023, the nation’s physical casinos generated €2.7 billion in pre-tax profits, representing a important portion of France’s €13.4 billion legal gambling revenue.
The Current Gambling Landscape in France
France is one of only two EU countries, alongside Cyprus, that prohibits online casinos. However, unauthorized offshore platforms attracted an estimated three million French players in 2023, according to the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ).
Legal gambling options in France include the Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), focused on horse racing, and the French Loto, which was privatized and allows online participation. The PMU, operating online since 2010, reinvests its €800 million annual net profits into the horse racing industry. Meanwhile, the French Loto recorded €21 billion in bets in 2023, contributing €4.2 billion to taxes and social security.