--- title: "France gambling licensing, cost and supervision | advennt.io" canonical: https://advennt.io/jurisdictions/france/ source_html: /jurisdictions/fr/index.html description: "France gambling regulation by game: 4 open · 1 restricted · 11 closed · 4 uncertain." generated_at: 2026-10-26T22:03:01Z content_sha256: 6b175b7b16dcb63c2bf27f19513823b44d097c443652e8617aedb0b469065612 generator: "fe-fleet/md-twin@1.0" --- # France gambling licensing, cost and supervision | advennt.io [Jurisdictions](/jurisdictions/) › France # France National jurisdiction Enter for sports betting/poker via ANJ agrément; avoid prohibited online casino and assume no B2B route. [4 open · 1 restricted · 11 closed · 4 uncertain → 20 classes](#products) Collected 20 Oct 2026 · Published 20 Oct 2026 · Changed 18 Oct 2026 [PDF](report.pdf) [Sign in for PDF](https://advennt.io/auth/) [Compare](/compare/?j=france) ## Can we offer our product? Every product class, in fixed taxonomy order. The band is what you can do; where the recorded legal status says something the band does not, it is shown beside the product. ### Player products - CasinoProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - PokerOOpen - BingoState monopoly (sole exception to a general prohibition) · Models agreeXClosed - LotteryState monopolyXClosed - Sports bettingModels agreeOOpen - Other event bettingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Horse and greyhound racing bettingState monopolyXClosed - Esports bettingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Exchange bettingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Pool bettingModels agreeOOpenVaries by form · 1Other events: prohibited - Virtual event bettingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Fantasy sportsGrey zone?Uncertain - Skill gamesGrey zone?Uncertain - Prediction marketsProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - SweepstakesProhibitedXClosed - Free playOutside the regulatory perimeter · Models agreeOOpen ### Supply roles - Software / B2BNot yet regulated?Uncertain - Affiliate marketingGrey zone?Uncertain - Payments for gamblingRRestricted ### Settlement rail - Crypto gamblingProhibitedXClosed Class-level certainty is graded for 10 of 20 classes. ## Board briefing France: large but tightly capped market — online casino remains prohibited with no pathway. #### What has changed - GGR reached EUR 14bn in 2024 (+4.7%); social-charge tax on online sports betting rose to 15% and a new 15% advertising tax took effect 1 July 2025. The October 2024 online-casino legalisation amendment was withdrawn, replaced by ongoing consultation. #### What to do now - Pursue ANJ agréments only for sports betting and/or poker via an EEA entity; do not assume online casino or a B2B agrément route. Budget for heavy effective tax and strict RG/AML obligations. #### What to watch - Online-casino consultation outcome into 2026; JONUM experiment; further advertising/tax tightening. ## 11 answers, each dated and graded The weather grades favourability for an operator, not legality: legality is the product table above. The left rule is our confidence: solid confirmed, dashed probable, dotted uncertain. 01 · What kind of market is this? ### Overview Mixed France's licensed gambling market operates under the Autorite nationale des jeux, and this period's record is dominated by two developments rather than a change to market structure. First, the ANJ referred a licensed operator to the commission nationale des sanctions, the Monetary and Financial Code… Full analysis · 124 words France's licensed gambling market operates under the Autorite nationale des jeux, and this period's record is dominated by two developments rather than a change to market structure. First, the ANJ referred a licensed operator to the commission nationale des sanctions, the Monetary and Financial Code's AML/CFT sanctions body, for the first time in its history, and the commission confirmed sanctions on 8 July 2026. Second, Loi no 2025-199 du 28 fevrier 2025 (LFSS 2025), article 32, reset levy rates across casino, lottery, sports-betting and poker verticals with effect from 1 July 2025. Together these developments point to a regulator and fiscal authority both tightening their grip on an already-licensed market, rather than to any change in which operators or products may participate in it. - Online casino entirely prohibited — no pathway - Stake/social-charge tax burden among heaviest in Europe - FDJ/PMU statutory monopolies in lottery and horse racing - New 15% advertising tax from July 2025 Confirmed AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/france/overview/) 02 · Can we get a licence? ### Licensing and regulation Mixed Decree No. 2026-60 of 4 February 2026 activated the JONUM experimental trial framework for games involving monetisable digital objects, entering into force on 7 February 2026 and supervised by ANJ. JONUM operates via declaration rather than authorisation, a distinct and lighter-touch route compared … Full analysis · 132 words Decree No. 2026-60 of 4 February 2026 activated the JONUM experimental trial framework for games involving monetisable digital objects, entering into force on 7 February 2026 and supervised by ANJ. JONUM operates via declaration rather than authorisation, a distinct and lighter-touch route compared with the standard ANJ gambling licensing regime, and is structurally excluded from the gambling test because JONUM winnings cannot be paid out in legal tender. This corroborated finding (ANJ primary source plus National Law Review, Pinsent Masons and Esports Insider secondary commentary) is confirmed as to the decree's existence and effective date, while the declaration-route characterisation itself carries probable rather than confirmed confidence, and the instrument overall carries mixed durability as an experimental trial decree rather than primary legislation. Standard licensing for existing verticals is otherwise unchanged this cycle. Confirmed AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/france/licensing/) 03 · How hard is entry, really? ### Market entry in practice Mixed Entry is restricted to three online verticals plus land-based casino. EEA establishment required; ANJ agrément review takes several months with technical audits and background checks. No online-casino pathway exists. B2B suppliers have no agrément class. Adviser stack (French gaming counsel, certifi… Full analysis · 44 words Entry is restricted to three online verticals plus land-based casino. EEA establishment required; ANJ agrément review takes several months with technical audits and background checks. No online-casino pathway exists. B2B suppliers have no agrément class. Adviser stack (French gaming counsel, certification lab) is mature. Probable AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/france/market-entry/) 04 · What do the licences cost? ### Licence fees Mixed ANJ agrément application fees apply per product category (historically ~EUR 60,000 per category), plus an annual supervisory fee based on activity level. Capitalisation/guarantee requirements apply via financial guarantees demonstrated at application. Probable AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/france/fees/) 05 · What is the tax take? ### Tax Unfavourable France taxes gambling on a GGR basis with vertical-specific social-security contributions. From 1 July 2025 the online sports betting social contribution rose from 10.6% to 15%, and on-premises sports betting from 6.6% to 7.6%; a new 15% tax on advertising/promotional spend also applies. A mooted on… Full analysis · 74 words France taxes gambling on a GGR basis with vertical-specific social-security contributions. From 1 July 2025 the online sports betting social contribution rose from 10.6% to 15%, and on-premises sports betting from 6.6% to 7.6%; a new 15% tax on advertising/promotional spend also applies. A mooted online-casino regime floated a 55.6% GGR rate. Corporate IS is 25%; gambling services are VAT-exempt; non-professional player winnings are not taxable. Effective burden is among the heaviest in Europe. Confirmed AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/france/taxes/) 06 · Can we move player money? ### Payments and banking Mixed Card, e-wallet and bank-transfer rails are available to licensed operators; credit for gambling is prohibited. PSPs face ACPR/AML obligations. France/Douanes can order payment blocking against unlicensed operators. As an EU member there are no cross-border capital controls. Probable AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/france/payments/) 07 · Can we advertise? ### Marketing Mixed Advertising is permitted but heavily controlled: broadcast watershed restrictions, mandatory responsible-gambling messaging, and ARPP standards. A new 15% tax on online sports betting advertising/promotional spend took effect 1 July 2025. ANJ scrutinises cross-selling and bonus practices; marketing … Full analysis · 44 words Advertising is permitted but heavily controlled: broadcast watershed restrictions, mandatory responsible-gambling messaging, and ARPP standards. A new 15% tax on online sports betting advertising/promotional spend took effect 1 July 2025. ANJ scrutinises cross-selling and bonus practices; marketing budgets reached ~EUR 144.5m in 2024 (+23%). Confirmed AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/france/marketing/) 08 · What must the platform meet? ### Technical compliance Mixed The EUR75,000 sanction imposed by ANJ this cycle concerned an operator's failure to transmit player-activity and return-rate data required for ANJ's ongoing monitoring of return rates and detection of pathological gambling. This is a probable-confidence, source-tier T2 finding and it indicates that … Full analysis · 89 words The EUR75,000 sanction imposed by ANJ this cycle concerned an operator's failure to transmit player-activity and return-rate data required for ANJ's ongoing monitoring of return rates and detection of pathological gambling. This is a probable-confidence, source-tier T2 finding and it indicates that data-archiving and reporting infrastructure is an active technical-compliance enforcement focus for ANJ, not a passive administrative requirement. Operators should treat the underlying data-transmission obligation as a concrete compliance risk area with demonstrated enforcement consequence this cycle, distinct from the cost-to-operate baseline, which was not disturbed this cycle. Probable AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/france/technical/) 09 · Can we ship through apps and platforms? ### Distribution and platforms Mixed The prediction-market geofencing order issued by ANJ carries direct distribution and platform-access consequences, requiring platforms to block French traffic from products the regulator has formally classified as illegal gambling. This confirmed development, corroborated across multiple Tier 3 sour… Full analysis · 72 words The prediction-market geofencing order issued by ANJ carries direct distribution and platform-access consequences, requiring platforms to block French traffic from products the regulator has formally classified as illegal gambling. This confirmed development, corroborated across multiple Tier 3 sources, establishes geofencing as an active enforcement mechanism this cycle rather than a dormant statutory power, and follows the escalation of ANJ's stance from a February 2026 warning to an active crackdown by April 2026. Probable AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/france/distribution/) 10 · How hard does the regulator enforce? ### Enforcement Mixed The Autorite nationale des jeux referred a licensed gambling operator to the commission nationale des sanctions, the Monetary and Financial Code's dedicated AML/CFT sanctions body, in July 2025 — the first such referral in the ANJ's history. The referral followed an ANJ inspection that found the ope… Full analysis · 163 words The Autorite nationale des jeux referred a licensed gambling operator to the commission nationale des sanctions, the Monetary and Financial Code's dedicated AML/CFT sanctions body, in July 2025 — the first such referral in the ANJ's history. The referral followed an ANJ inspection that found the operator had apparently failed to meet its anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing obligations. At a hearing held on 8 July 2026, the commission nationale des sanctions confirmed the failings the ANJ had identified and imposed financial penalties together with a two-month suspended prohibition on carrying on online-gaming activity. The prohibition was applied not only to the operator but individually to one of its directors and to its compliance officer. The ANJ's public release does not name the sanctioned operator. The case establishes that the commission nationale des sanctions route is now an active enforcement channel against licensed operators for AML/CFT failings, with personal liability extending to individual directors and compliance officers rather than resting on the corporate licence-holder alone. Confirmed AI-generated 14 enforcement events [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/france/enforcement/) 11 · What is coming? ### Outlook Mixed The dominant question is online casino liberalisation. An October 2024 government amendment to the Draft Finance Bill 2025 (proposing a 55.6% GGR tax) was withdrawn within a week after fierce land-based casino opposition, replaced by ongoing consultation and three working groups. Outcome remains unc… Full analysis · 61 words The dominant question is online casino liberalisation. An October 2024 government amendment to the Draft Finance Bill 2025 (proposing a 55.6% GGR tax) was withdrawn within a week after fierce land-based casino opposition, replaced by ongoing consultation and three working groups. Outcome remains uncertain into 2026. Separately, the JONUM monetisable-digital-objects experiment under the SREN law was scheduled to begin September 2025. Confirmed AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/france/outlook/) Evidential record & source register 1 enforcement · 25 red flags · 12 sources · Expand full record ## Enforcement record What the regulator has actually done, newest first. 1 recorded event. - 15 Jan 2025ANJ · SPS Betting (Unibet)ConfirmedSource 4 · T3 ## What gets operators fined 25 red flags (11 high, 10 medium) and 5 controls that address them. - highUnderestimating effective tax burdenGGR + social charges among heaviest in Europe; 15% from July 2025.Source 7 · T3 - highNon-compliant advertising / missing RG messagingANJ sanctions; new 15% advertising tax.Source 4 · T3 - highNo self-exclusion programmeEUR 800k fine precedent (SPS Betting).Source 4 · T3 - highAssuming B2B agrément existsNo B2B pathway; supply only to ANJ-licensed B2C.Source 1 · T1 - highWeak CDD/STR processesTracfin enforcement; designated reporting entity duties.Source 1 · T1 - highNo geolocationGeolocation mandatory for FR-licensed operators.Source 10 · T3 - highUncertified gaming systemsPre-launch ANJ approval required.Source 1 · T1 - highOffering credit for gamblingProhibited.Source 10 · T3 - highNon-EEA establishmentEEA establishment required to apply.Source 10 · T3 - highNo deposit/loss limitsMandatory limits and session controls.Source 10 · T3 - highRepeat compliance breachesAgrément withdrawal risk.Source 1 · T1 - mediumIgnoring ANJ black-list1,335 URLs blocked in 2024.Source 6 · T3 - mediumTargeting minors / 18-24 aggressivelyANJ flags problem-gambling among young players.Source 4 · T3 - mediumBetting on imminent online casino legalisationAmendment withdrawn Oct 2024; outcome uncertain.Source 3 · T2 - mediumStake/turnover assumptionsVertical-specific bases differ; high effective burden.Source 7 · T3 - mediumAd-platform policy breachGoogle/Meta restrict to licensed entities.Source 4 · T3 - mediumIgnoring ANJ blocking and delisting ordersArticle 61 of the loi du 12 mai 2010 gives the ANJ an administrative power to order ISP blocking and search-engine delisting without a prior court order. The SREN law is not the source of this power; its gambling relevance is confined to the JONUM regime in Articles 40-41.Source 11 · T3 - mediumMispricing 55.6% proposed casino taxProposed online-casino rate is among highest in Europe.Source 5 · T3 - mediumJONUM mislabelled as gamblingANJ enforces strict boundary between JONUM and gambling.Source 11 · T3 - mediumPSP de-risking offshoreSelective de-platforming of FR-facing unlicensed operators.Source 6 · T3 - mediumExcessive bonus/cross-sellingANJ scrutiny of cross-selling and incentives.Source 4 · T3 - criticalOffering online casino to FR playersEntirely prohibited; criminal exposure up to 3 years + EUR 90,000.Source 3 · T2 - criticalOperating without ANJ agrémentCriminal and administrative sanctions; ISP/payment blocking.Source 1 · T1 - criticalCompeting with FDJ lotteryStatutory 25-year monopoly.Source 2 · T1 - criticalPari-mutuel horse racing without PMUPMU monopoly.Source 3 · T2 ### Controls - 001Geolocation enforcementVerify player presence in France per ANJ requirements.Source 10 · T3 - 002Self-exclusion integrationConnect to ANJ national self-exclusion register.Source 10 · T3 - 003Tracfin STR pipelineAML CDD and suspicious-transaction reporting to Tracfin.Source 1 · T1 - 004System certificationPre-launch ANJ-accredited lab certification of platforms.Source 1 · T1 - 005Advertising complianceRG messaging, watershed rules, and 15% advertising-tax provisioning.Source 4 · T3 ## Worked scenarios 5 entry scenarios, each with the move we would make. #### EU sportsbook seeks FR entry Establish EEA entity, apply for ANJ sports-betting agrément, integrate geolocation/self-exclusion, provision for 15% social charge + advertising tax. Do this: Proceed via ANJ agrément. Source 1 · T1 Source 7 · T3 #### Online casino operator targeting FR No pathway; prohibited; ISP/payment blocking and criminal exposure. Do this: Do not enter; await legalisation outcome. Source 3 · T2 #### B2B platform supplier No ANJ B2B agrément class; supply only to ANJ-licensed B2C operators. Do this: Contract as supplier to licensed B2C; no direct licence. Source 1 · T1 #### Poker network entry Standalone poker agrément (jeu de cercle) under art.14; shared liquidity only within permitted frameworks. Do this: Apply for poker agrément. Source 1 · T1 #### Affiliate promoting FR-licensed brands Permitted but content rules strict; cannot promote unlicensed/online-casino offers. Do this: Promote only ANJ-licensed brands with compliant content. Source 4 · T3 ## What we looked for and could not find Confirmed absence is a finding of its own. These are the questions we searched and could not answer from a citable source, with the searches we ran. Never behind the paywall. Fees. exact current ANJ application and annual supervisory fee schedule not confirmed from primary ANJ source in this run. - searched: ANJ agrément application fee 2025 - searched: ANJ frais de dossier agrément - searched: ANJ annual supervisory fee schedule - checked: anj.fr ## Source register Every source on a four-step tier scale. A claim is never shown at a stronger tier than the source it cites. 12 sources · 2 tier 1 · 1 tier 2 · 9 tier 3 No. Source Tier Verification 1 LOI-2010-476 T1 of 4 Source 1 · Open in drawer → 2 LOI-2019-486 T1 of 4 Source 2 · Open in drawer → 3 ONLINE-CASINO-WITHDRAWAL-2024 T2 of 4 Source 3 · Open in drawer → 4 ANJ-ANNUAL-2024 T3 of 4 Source 4 · Open in drawer → 5 ONLINE-CASINO-AMENDMENT-2024 T3 of 4 Source 5 · Open in drawer → 6 ANJ-ENFORCEMENT-2024 T3 of 4 Source 6 · Open in drawer → 7 FR-TAX-2025 T3 of 4 Source 7 · Open in drawer → 8 FR-BLACKMARKET-2023 T3 of 4 Source 8 · Open in drawer → 9 CE-ANJ-2025 T3 of 4 Source 9 · Open in drawer → 10 FR-LICENSING-GUIDE-2026 T3 of 4 Source 10 · Open in drawer → 11 SREN-LAW-2024 T3 of 4 Source 11 · Open in drawer → 12 FR-CASINO-OPPOSITION-2024 T3 of 4 Source 12 · Open in drawer → ### Claims with their own provenance Online casino games remain prohibited for private operators in France; only sports betting, horse racing and poker are licensed online. FR-CP-001 · T2 of 4 · published 28 Oct 2024 · Confirmed Pipeline-sourced · From Advennt research · Rule detail not yet extracted Source 3 · T2