The French gambling regulator, Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has reiterated its stance on maintaining tight control over any potential legalization of online casino gaming in France.
This message was prominently featured in ANJ’s 2024 annual report, as regulators respond to growing calls for a broader iGaming framework in the country.
Currently, French legislation permits online sports betting, poker, and horse racing, but online casino games remain prohibited. However, discussions are underway to reconsider this ban.
ANJ emphasized that if online casinos were to be legalized, a “highly controlled framework” would be crucial to protect players and uphold public safety.
The report calls for a legislative strategy that places strong limits on advertising, implements strict anti-money laundering protocols, and prioritizes player protection tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options.
ANJ also stressed the importance of learning from other European markets, some of which have experienced rising gambling-related harm following the liberalization of iGaming laws.
ANJ’s President, Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, noted that the gambling environment in France is shifting and that regulating iGaming must be approached carefully to avoid creating social or financial risks.
The regulator believes that any future iGaming rollout must reflect the country’s strong commitment to responsible gambling and consumer safety.
As France weighs its options, ANJ’s position will likely play a central role in shaping the next phase of regulatory development.
