Online casinos in France

Best Online Casinos in France

As of now, France legally allows online sports betting, horse race betting, and online poker through operators licensed by the national regulator ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux). Traditional online casino games such as online slots, roulette, blackjack, and live dealer tables are not legally regulated and remain restricted to land-based casinos. This is important for readers searching for best online casinos in France, online casino sites in France, or no deposit bonuses for France.

What does this mean in practice? If you’re in France and looking for real-money entertainment online, the legal route is through ANJ-licensed platforms offering sports betting, poker, and gambling products under the state monopoly (lotteries/scratch cards from FDJ, etc.). Any online casino site offering slots or table games to French players without a French license operates outside the local regulatory framework and is not permitted by law. The regulator maintains a firm stance on keeping these activities strictly controlled while potential future iGaming models are being discussed.

Online Casino Sites in France

Currently, ANJ licenses only online sports, poker, and horse race betting; classic online casino games are not part of the approved verticals. So, when comparing sites, refine your search: look for “ANJ-licensed” for sports/poker, and avoid offshore casino sites promoting slots and tables to a French audience without a national license. This reduces risks related to payment issues, legal uncertainty, and the lack of local safeguards (limits, self-exclusion, age verification, etc.).

Reliable operators in France stand out with: transparent bonus terms, clear responsible gaming limits, localized customer support in French, proven KYC/AML processes, iOS/Android apps, and fast payouts via popular methods (cards, bank transfer, licensed e-wallets). Even if you come across international brands claiming to accept French players, check whether they only offer permitted verticals (sports, poker, horse betting) and whether the mandatory French ANJ license and seal appear at the bottom of the site/app.

It’s also important to note the broader context: ANJ maintains a highly controlled position toward any potential legalization of online casino games due to the higher risk of harm. This means that, no matter how often you search for best online casinos in France, the real legal online alternatives remain sports/poker, while a classic “online casino” experience is only available in land-based venues.

No Deposit Bonuses for France

No deposit bonus is one of the most searched keywords but in the French context, here’s what you should know. Since online casino games (slots/roulette/blackjack/live) are not legal online, casino no deposit bonuses for France from offshore sites are not compliant with local law and are not recommended. Licensed French operators can offer promotions for sports or poker, but these must follow strict rules on marketing, responsible play, and communication to vulnerable groups. Always read the terms and conditions, wagering requirements, and deadlines, and check ANJ’s regulatory notes on advertising and promotions.

Gambling Laws and Regulations in France

The French model follows the principle prohibited by default, permitted by exception: all forms of gambling are banned unless the law specifically allows them and they are overseen by ANJ. Online, only sports betting, poker, and horse race betting are allowed under license; lotteries and scratch cards are managed under the state monopoly of Française des Jeux (FDJ) through retail and their online channels. In 2020, ANJ replaced ARJEL with an expanded mandate over the entire legal market.

In 2024–French, the European Commission confirmed the legitimacy of FDJ’s exclusive rights in certain segments, adjusting the payment for these rights further proof of the highly controlled nature of France’s framework. Meanwhile, ANJ has stressed in its annual reports and statements that any opening toward iGaming (including online casinos) must be gradual and heavily supervised. For now, online casino games remain illegal.

For consumers, this means: only play with operators holding a French license for the permitted verticals; use responsible gaming tools and self-exclusion options; be cautious with ads and bonuses that bypass local rules. If changes occur (such as trial models for a limited number of online casino licenses), ANJ will communicate them publicly in advance and set clear technical and responsible gaming requirements.

FAQs

History of Gambling in France

France has deep historical roots in games of chance. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, land-based casinos thrived in resort towns and spa destinations, becoming centers for entertainment and social life. Even today, the country maintains a network of licensed casinos under strict control a model that prioritizes responsible gambling and oversight rather than aggressive commercial expansion. This explains why the online casino segment remains restricted: traditionally, the focus has been on physical venues, where risks and player protection are easier to manage.

With the arrival of the internet after 2000, France opened its market to certain online segments – sports betting, poker, and horse racing under strict technical requirements, regular audits, and responsible gambling tools (self-exclusion, deposit limits, age verification). Since then, the guiding principle has been balancing innovation with player protection. If online casinos re-enter the legislative agenda, the most likely approach according to ANJ statements would be pilot-based, gradual, and precautionary, aiming to minimize harm and build a sustainable market.

For those searching for the best online casinos in France, the safest and legal choice at present remains licensed sports betting platforms, poker rooms, and gambling products offered under the state monopoly.

Article by Gabriela Toneva - Casino Expert & Author

Gabriela Toneva is a writer and translator with solid experience, currently focused on the online casino industry. For the past year, she has been creating clear and informative reviews of casino sites, games, and bonuses, making complex topics easy to understand for readers.