France’s online gambling market has experienced a turbulent year, dominated by tax adjustments, unregulated activity, and postponed iCasino reform. Despite these challenges, the sector remains attractive to international operators seeking access to a lucrative market.
Regulation Setbacks and Unregulated Growth
The year began with a surprising move from then-Prime Minister Michel Barnier in October 2024, introducing an amendment aimed at regulating online casinos. While initially welcomed by the industry, the optimism was short-lived. Trade group Casinos de France successfully lobbied to establish committees to evaluate potential impacts on public health, player safety, and land-based casinos.
“These evaluations were supposed to go on for six months, but barely six weeks later Michel Barnier was forced to step down following a no confidence vote and, as he left office, so did any hope of seeing online casino regulated in France.”François Bayrou succeeded Barnier and showed little interest in pursuing the committees, leaving regulation on hold.
Meanwhile, unregulated operators continue to draw French players. In November, trade body AFJEL reported that illegal iGaming participation had risen 35% over two years to 5.4 million consumers, underlining the market’s persistent appeal.
Operators and Controversies
The unregulated environment has allowed numerous operators to generate millions. Cresus Casino became embroiled in legal controversy when its CEO Grégoire Auzoux was arrested by Cypriot police in September following a Europol operation. Reports indicate that Auzoux earned €70,000 per month and the company generated revenues of €1 billion and profits around €350 million since 2020.
Meanwhile, international operators continue eyeing the French market. Bet365 plans to launch in France with a licence timed for the North American World Cup, and Betano is frequently cited as a potential entrant. Despite high taxes and low payout ratios, the market’s scale offers compelling opportunities. “There is a strong hand to play,” a source close to Bet365 said.
Tax Changes Reshape the Market
Tax increases in July 2025 raised levies for lottery and Euromillions to 69%, retail sports betting from 41.1% to 42.1%, online sports betting from 54.9% to 59.3%, and online poker to 10% of GGR. Analysts note that regulating online casinos could generate up to €1.5 billion in additional tax revenue.
Established operators also faced pressure. FDJ United reported impacts from tax rises and scrutiny over its €2.5 billion acquisition of Unibet’s parent company Kindred, while PMU appointed a new CEO amid calls for reform. Betclic acquired a 65% stake in German betting leader Tipico, demonstrating that operators can succeed in tightly controlled European markets.
Returning to the potential for regulation, Stéphane Courbit, chairman of Banijay Entertainment, emphasized in May: “So it (regulation) will happen, the government of Michel Barnier started the process but it was stopped. But it’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when.”
The French iGaming market illustrates the tension between high taxation, regulatory uncertainty, and continued growth opportunities for established and international operators. While reform remains stalled, the financial and strategic incentives for regulation continue to mount.
Source:
“French gambling feels peak tax pressure as iCasino reform slips again”, sbcnews.co.uk. Dec 23, 2025
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