France: Legal Online Betting and Poker Rules (2026)
France runs a licensed market for online sports betting, horse racing and poker under the National Gambling Authority (ANJ). Online casino games are not legal. This guide explains what is allowed, payments, KYC, player protections and how to verify a licensed operator.
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1. Compliance Snapshot
| Status | Licensed sports betting, horse racing and poker. Online casino games not authorized. |
| Regulator | ANJ National Gambling Authority overview |
| Licensed operators | ANJ list of approved operators |
| Self-exclusion | ANJ Interdiction Volontaire de Jeux (IVJ) · Joueurs Info Service helpline |
| What is allowed online | Government guidance on legal products |
| Age limit | 18+ |
| Advertising and marketing | ANJ standards and policy updates |
| Last reviewed | November 2025 |
2. Is Online Casino Legal
France licenses online sports betting, horse race betting and poker. Online casino games such as slots, roulette and blackjack are not authorized for online play. See the official operator pages and government explainer for the current scope of legal products.
3. Payments
Licensed French brands typically support bank cards and bank transfers with strong customer authentication. Payment accounts must match the verified player name. Cryptocurrency is not supported on licensed sites.
| Method | Deposits | Withdrawals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank cards | Allowed | To bank account | Strong customer authentication applies |
| Bank transfer | Allowed | Allowed | Good for larger withdrawals |
4. KYC and Account Rules
- Identity: government ID checks and address verification are required.
- Name matching: payment accounts must match the verified player.
- Age: you must be 18 or older.
- One account per operator: duplicate accounts are not allowed.
5. Game Availability
- Allowed online: sports betting, horse racing and poker with licensed operators.
- Not allowed online: casino games and slots are not authorized in France.
6. Bonuses and Marketing
Advertising is tightly controlled. Communications must not target minors, must include responsible gambling messages and must comply with ANJ policy updates. ANJ can sanction operators and request blocking measures against illegal offers.
7. Taxes for Players
For individuals, casual gambling winnings are generally not subject to income tax. Professional or business gambling may be taxable under French tax rules.
8. Responsible Gambling
- ANJ Interdiction Volontaire de Jeux (IVJ) self-exclusion blocks access to licensed sites and casinos.
- Joueurs Info Service national helpline offers free, confidential support.
9. Verify a License
- Check the ANJ page of approved operators and confirm the brand and domain.
- Look for ANJ legal notices and responsible gambling links in the site footer.
- Avoid any site offering online casino games to French residents, which is not authorized.
10. FAQs (Country-Specific)
Are online casinos legal in France
No. Only sports betting, horse race betting and poker are licensed for online play in France.
Who regulates online gambling
The National Gambling Authority, known as ANJ, regulates and publishes the official list of licensed operators.
What is the legal age online
18 years of age or older.
How do I self-exclude
Use the ANJ IVJ self-exclusion portal and contact Joueurs Info Service for support.
Are winnings taxed
Casual winnings are generally not taxed for individuals. Professional activity can be taxable and should be discussed with a tax advisor.
Disclaimer: informational content only, not legal or financial advice. French rules evolve through ANJ decisions and national law. We review this page regularly.
Last updated: 05 January 2026
Damjan Daskalovski
Affiliate Manager & Content Editor
With 3 years of hands-on experience in the iGaming industry, I bring a unique perspective to our team. As Content Editor, my primary goal is ensuring all our guides are clear, honest, and genuinely helpful for you, the player. My role as an Affiliate Manager means I also manage our relationships with casino partners, allowing me to ensure we only work with reputable operators who meet our high standards for safety and fairness. My job is to bridge the gap between great content and trustworthy partnerships.