France Considers Online Casino Regulation Amid Industry Debate

France has launched discussions to evaluate online casino regulation, addressing public health, economic, and industry concerns.
A six-month consultation will explore potential impacts on problem gambling, consumer protections, and land-based casino operators.
Stakeholders aim to strike a balance between mitigating risks and unlocking revenue opportunities for France’s economy.
Dive into the key challenges, debates, and next steps shaping the future of online casinos in France.

France Kicks Off Online Casino Regulation Talks Amid Industry and Public Health Concerns

Key Points

1. France begins working groups to assess online casino regulation, focusing first on problem gambling and public health concerns.
2. Land-based casinos push for exclusivity, fearing open competition will repeat sports betting sector dominance by a few brands.
3. The ANJ plans to study international markets for insights on economic and public health impacts of online casinos.

The French government has officially commenced discussions on regulating online casinos, with working groups set to analyze potential impacts and challenges. These groups, launched as part of a six-month consultation process, aim to evaluate whether regulation should proceed and, if so, how it could be structured.

First Working Group: Problem Gambling Focus

The consultation begins with a working group led by the Ministry of Health, scheduled to meet on December 2. This initial focus on problem gambling measures reflects concerns about the potential public health impact of expanding online gambling.

Subsequent groups will tackle consumer protections and the highly contentious issue of the economic repercussions for land-based casinos. France’s government must navigate the competing interests of ministries, with the Budget Ministry advocating for regulation to generate revenue and reduce the national debt, while the Ministry of the Interior and Health Ministry emphasize caution.

Balancing Stakeholder Interests

Since legalizing online sports betting and poker in 2010, France has prohibited online casino operations. A plan to introduce a competitive online casino market in 2025 faced backlash from land-based casino operators and local authorities, forcing the government to delay its proposals.

Casinos de France (CDF), representing brick-and-mortar venues, argues that allowing free-market competition would harm traditional casinos. CDF has proposed granting exclusive rights to digital mirrors of land-based offerings during an initial phase, similar to existing models in other jurisdictions.

This stance has gained support from local mayors and the horse racing industry, both of whom fear economic losses from unregulated competition. Surprisingly, Française des Jeux (FDJ), despite owning a major stake in the online gambling space through Kindred, has expressed concerns about online casino games’ potential addictiveness.

Unlicensed Market and Economic Impacts

The AFJEL, a trade body representing online gambling operators, warns of the growing unregulated online casino market in France. It estimates that unlicensed platforms dominate the space, eroding potential tax revenues and consumer protections.

AFJEL has proposed a compensation fund for affected sectors, but skepticism remains about its feasibility. Meanwhile, the ANJ, France’s gambling regulator, plans to study international models to assess economic and public health impacts. This effort could provide valuable insights into best practices for balancing regulation with industry growth.

Legislative Uncertainty

The first three months of the consultation will determine whether online casino regulation is feasible. The following months will address how regulation might be implemented. However, political instability, including a potential vote of confidence in Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government after the 2025 budget rejection, could derail plans entirely.

France’s exploration of online casino regulation marks a pivotal moment for its gambling industry. While proponents argue for the economic benefits of a regulated market, opponents highlight risks to public health and the survival of traditional venues.

By initiating working groups and studying international models, France seeks a balanced approach that safeguards players, respects stakeholders, and unlocks economic potential. As debates unfold, the future of online casinos in France remains a high-stakes gamble with far-reaching implications for the industry.