France's iGaming Sector Gets Ready for Regulatory Shifts in 2025

The State of France’s Gambling Market

The regulatory proposal to legalise the niche was originally introduced by the Ministry of Economy and Finance as part of a comprehensive budget plan.

The initiative aimed to establish a transparent digital sector, boosting tax incomes and curbing the performance of illegal operators. However, the proposal was withdrawn following opposition from land-based entertainment venues.

At present, France permits only 2 forms of online amusement:

• sports betting;
• poker.

Steps Towards iGaming Legalisation: Current Preparations

The bill is in its initial development phase. Following the document’s official release, a review and consultation period will commence, with specialists anticipating debates and amendments to last throughout 2025.

This extensive preparatory process seeks to establish transparent, convenient, and secure conditions for all stakeholders. Moreover, gaming legislation must align with numerous global norms.

France’s government considers the regulatory frameworks of these leading European jurisdictions as benchmarks:

• the United Kingdom;
• Germany;
• Italy.

The tendency to legalise online gambling markets is swiftly advancing. For example, appropriate laws have recently been presented in the Netherlands and Sweden.

The introduction of the domestic iGaming sector will not only provide a rapid boost to France’s treasury but also address the issue of the expanding black market. According to data from the local authority ANJ, illicit entertainment platforms generated up to €1.5 billion in income for Q1 2023.

One of France’s lawmakers highlighted that the flourishment of unregulated websites leads to lost revenue for the state and substantial threats for gamblers. Legalisation would help curb these illicit services and provide the public with safer options.

Obstacles in the Domestic Gaming Sector

Not all industry participants support the regulation of digital gambling. The country’s land-based amusement facilities and Casinos de France strongly oppose the legislative proposal.

Instead of a complete market opening, members of the brick-and-mortar sector have suggested granting them exclusive privileges to run online platforms for a set period. After this phase, other operators could be allowed entry. They argue that this strategy would avert a monopoly while enabling domestic firms to adapt to the new conditions smoothly and swiftly.

Fabrice Paire, Partouche’s board member, cautioned the government not to repeat the regulatory misstep of 2010 when online sports wagering and poker were permitted. Operators, who had spent years targeting France, immediately entered with established customer bases, quickly securing significant market shares.

Despite the opposition, the proposal’s promoters remain firm in their belief that swiftly boosting the country’s budget is the top priority. Public consultations are anticipated to start in 2025.

The following parties will be involved in the debates:

• advocacy organisations;
• regional gambling operators;
• healthcare suppliers.

The document containing all amendments will be compiled into a bill to be presented to the National Assembly for review. According to some projections, the decision to legalise the French iGaming sector could be made by the end of 2025.

Gain insights into the latest developments in leading gambling jurisdictions and order the creation of a legal entertainment business at the Gaminator studio.