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Online casinos in France can be confusing for many players. Gambling is legal in the country, but not all types of online games are allowed. The law clearly separates what people can play online and what is still banned.
If you are searching for safe and legal ways to gamble online in France, it is important to understand how the system works.
Legal Status of Online Casinos in France
France allows some forms of online gambling, but classic casino games are not part of the legal market.
You can legally play online sports betting, horse racing betting, and online poker. These services must be offered by companies that hold a license from the national regulator.
However, online casino games like slots, roulette, blackjack, and live dealer tables are not allowed under French law. This means no company can legally run a real money online casino inside France.
The gambling market is supervised by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux. This authority checks licensed platforms, blocks illegal websites, and makes sure rules are followed.
What “Best Online Casinos” Means for French Players
Because online casinos cannot get a legal license in France, there is no official list of approved casino sites.
When people search for the “best online casinos in France,” they often find foreign websites. These platforms usually operate under licenses from places like Malta or Curaçao.
These sites are not legally allowed to target players in France. From a legal point of view, the safer option is to use approved services like sports betting sites, poker platforms, and the national lottery.
Legal Gambling Options in France
French players still have many legal choices for online gambling.
- Sports betting is fully regulated and covers both local and international events.
- Horse racing betting is also legal and mostly offered through the national racing system.
- Online poker is allowed and follows strict player safety and fairness rules.
- The national lottery and instant games are available online through the state-run system.
All these services must follow rules for fair play, safe spending, and user protection.
Risks of Using Offshore Casino Sites
Some foreign casino websites still accept players from France, even though they are not allowed to operate there.
Using these sites can be risky. There is no local authority to help if a site refuses to pay your winnings or closes your account. Payment problems, data safety issues, and weak support systems are common risks.
There is also a chance that banks or payment services may block transfers linked to unlicensed gambling platforms.
Why Online Casinos Are Still Banned
France opened parts of its online gambling market in 2010. At that time, the government chose not to allow online casinos. The goal was to limit gambling risks and protect players.
In 2020, all gambling regulation was placed under one main authority to improve control and oversight.
Even with the ban, many French players still visit foreign casino websites. This shows strong demand, but the law has not changed.
Also Read: Online Casino In Pakistan: Legal Status And Risks In 2026
