Gambling Laws in France

You might be forgiven for thinking that France's gambling laws would be quite permissive. Especially since the country is the origin of many types of gambling, and even a lot of the terminology is still firmly in place today. However, France has several restrictions that may surprise you.

Which Gambling Activities Are Legal in France?

French gambling regulations were once very strict, with the country's stance on activites generally being illegal. Various exceptions have been made over the years to the point that most types are now legal but with a few notable exceptions and conditions.

Offline gambling has been legal since 1907 under Article L320-1 of the French Code of Homeland Security. Whilst online gambling has been legal since 2009 according to Law 2010-476.

Playing Offline and Online Casino Games

Land-based casinos have been legal in France since 1907. Operators must obtain a licence to offer their services, but there are a few additional conditions. Venues offering slots and roulette must not be located in Paris and must be attached to a tourist resort, or on board a cruise ship. Clubs offering other types of games are permitted, but they must be run on a non-profit basis.

There are currently around 200 casinos scattered throughout France, mostly for the massive influx of tourists. However, venues never exceed their relatively small size due to steep taxes.

France has an entirely different approach to online casinos than other countries in the EU. Government officials have deemed games like online casino slots and blackjack more addictive than others. As such, online casinos are illegal in France. 

Poker Gambling

Much of France's gambling laws hinge on the distinction between games of chance and skill, with more leeway given to the latter than the former. As such, poker has been legal since 1907, and you'll find the game offered in many of the country's land-based venues.

Online poker was permitted in 2017 and French companies offering games can obtain a license to operate. There are around 12 licensed online gambling sites in operation at present.

Bingo Betting

Bingo is legal and another game that is restricted to casinos and other club venues. Interestingly, the game was initially regarded as a type of lottery when it first appeared in the country in the 17th century. Online bingo gambling has been legal since 2009 but is under monopoly control by the country's Française des Jeux (FDJ). Residents can play a variety of live games via the FDJ mobile app.

Lotto, Keno, Scratchcards and Other Instant Win Games

Lottery gaming is legal in France but operated on a monopoly basis by Française des Jeux. Draws offered by the company include the national lottery and Euromillions. The majority of Frances tabacs (cafes) offer FDJ lottery counters which also serve up keno games as well as scratchcards. After being majority state-owned, to comply with upcoming EU regulations, the French national lottery was only recently put into private hands in 2019.

Residents can only play online lottery games for real money on the FDJ's website. Bingo, keno and virtual scratchcards are also available.

Gambling Socially and Online Crypto Casinos

Despite the country's strict laws regarding certain games of chance, gambling regulations do not address such activities as social casinos, loot boxes and skins gambling. Playing card games at home or in other private residences is allowed, as long as commercial profits are not being made.

While cryptocurrencies are legal in France, gambling with virtual coins is strictly illegal. This is in line with the country's laws on anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing. There are plenty of foreign online crypto casinos though which accept players from France. Whilst technically illegal, no prosecution has been made towards any players to date.

Is Sports Betting Legal in France?

Yes though the activity comes under the control of two main domestic companies. Horse race betting is the mainstay of Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) whilst all other markets are offered by FDJ. Other operators cannot offer in-person sports or horse racing betting in the country.

Online sports betting is also legal in the country and the FDJ offers a mobile app for bettors. Offshore companies can now obtain a license to operate and the Swedish giant Betsson was the first to do this in 2023.

What's the Minimum Gambling Age in France?

This is currently 18 for all types of gambling in the country, whether online or offline.

French Gambling Tax Regulations: Do Players Pay?

France's gambling tax regulations are possibly the most crippling in the world. Casinos are liable to pay progressive rates based on revenue of up to 83.5%, with a baseline tax rate of 28%. 

Even gaming clubs face taxes of up to 70% based on gross revenue. This tends to keep the number of establishments at a minimum. French online gambling taxes are also steep, with poker revenue taxed at 40.8% and online sports betting taxed at 55.2%.

Players in France are taxed on their winnings from licensed operators. The 13.7% tax is deducted by the operators, rather than players having to declare winnings via income taxation.

History of French Gambling Laws

Many types of gambling have their roots in France, with names and terms in French still commonly used today. The first written record of gambling was from 1539 about the country's first kind of lottery (Blanque).

The idea of regulating gambling in France arose in the late 17th century when prominent church figures recognised its potential to fund construction and other social projects.

In 1757, the first number-based lottery was launched. 

In 1806, Napoleon banned all gambling establishments except those in Paris and spa towns in the high season. This remained the case for around 100 years until casinos were finally allowed to operate year-round by a change in the law in 1907. Private gaming clubs were legalised shortly after in 1923.

The country's national lottery was revamped and relaunched in 1933 and was then replaced in 1976 by Loto.

Gambling laws were modernised in 1985, but it wasn't until 2009 that online gambling laws started to follow.

In 2023 the first foreign organisation Betsson was granted a sports betting license and launched its online gambling site.

Key Facts

• Land-based casino gambling is legal in France and there are currently around 200 casinos.

• Online casino gaming is illegal.

• Online poker games are legal and operators must obtain a licence.

• Online Bingo and the national lottery are offered under the monopoly control of Française des Jeux (FDJ).

• Offline sports betting is legal but under the monopoly control of FDJ and Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU).

• Online sports betting is legal in France, with operators required to obtain a licence.