The country is ready to capitalize on the revenue iGaming can deliver
France is on the verge of potentially legalizing online casinos in an effort to combat illegal gambling and boost tax revenue. The proposal was recently discussed in the National Assembly as part of the 2025 draft budget. If approved, operators of online casino platforms would face a 55.6% tax on their revenue.
This move comes after a 2023 study by the French gaming regulator, ANJ, estimated that illegal gambling in France brings in between €748 million (US$806 million) and €1.5 billion (US$1.6 billion) each year. With such large sums being generated outside the legal framework, the government sees the potential to capture this revenue while also reducing risks related to problem gambling.
Currently, France has some of the strictest online gambling laws in Europe. While sports betting, poker, horse racing, and the state-run lottery are allowed, online casino games like blackjack, roulette, and slots are banned. By legalizing online casinos, the government hopes to crack down on illegal platforms operating from tax havens and provide safer alternatives for French players.
However, the idea has sparked concerns among land-based casino operators. Grégory Rabuel, president of the Casinos de France union, warned that legalizing online casinos could cause a significant revenue drop for physical casinos, potentially leading to closures. He stressed that if online casinos are to be legalized, they should be closely tied to existing physical establishments.
There are also concerns about the addictive nature of online casinos. ANJ spokesperson Elsa Trochet-Macé noted that while legalizing the market may not eliminate illegal offerings, it could present public health risks for gambling addicts. Nonetheless, the French government continues to weigh these challenges as it seeks new revenue sources to address the country’s growing budget deficit.
