France’s regulated gambling market demonstrated robust growth in the first half of 2025, with total gross gaming revenue (GGR) reaching €5.8 billion, according to the latest figures released by the national regulator, L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ).
This represents a notable increase over the same period in the previous year, with the sports betting vertical emerging as the primary engine of this upward trend.
The online sector, in particular, showcased significant momentum. Online GGR, which includes sports betting, horse racing, and poker, climbed to an impressive €1.3 billion.
The standout performer was online sports betting, which single-handedly generated €1 billion in GGR from €6.6 billion in total stakes. This marks a substantial surge in activity and revenue, underscoring the vertical’s increasing dominance within the regulated online gambling market of France.
The growth in sports wagering has been a consistent trend, reflecting high player engagement, particularly around major European football leagues and other international sporting events that took place during the first six months of the year.
In contrast, other online verticals reported more modest results. Online horse race betting saw its GGR remain relatively stable at €153 million, while the online poker market experienced a slight downturn, with its GGR falling by 3 per cent to €192 million.
This decline in poker revenue suggests a potential shift in player preferences towards the more dynamic and event-driven sports betting market.
Despite the strong performance of the online segment, the majority of the market’s total GGR continues to be generated by the two major state monopolies.
Française des Jeux (FDJ), the national lottery operator, and Pari-Mutuel Urbain (PMU), the horse racing operator, along with the country’s land-based casinos, collectively accounted for a commanding 78 per cent of the total market revenue.
The ANJ continues to monitor these trends closely as it works to maintain a balanced and secure gambling environment for French consumers.
