The French Online Gaming Association (AFJEL) has warned that the growth of the country’s market in 2024 “hides structural weaknesses and a risk of downturn in 2025.”
The French gambling regulator, L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), reported earlier this month that total online gross gaming revenue (GGR) rose 12 per cent year-on-year to a new high of €2.6bn, with sports betting’s €1.8bn in GGR up 19 per cent.
Meanwhile, gaming tax revenues for the state hit €1.4bn in 2024.
Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the ANJ, said the pace of growth in the French market is “comparable to major European markets,” but that has now been contested by the AFJEL.
The association said that despite a “short-term boost” in GGR, which was “artificially boosted” by events such as Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics, the online betting sector’s share of total revenue still accounts for less than 20 per cent of the total gaming market.
It said land-based gaming occupies 80 per cent of the French market – and that the average share of online gaming across Europe – as outlined by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) – is 39 per cent.
What’s more, the AFJEL said the tax rises and a new tax on advertising investments on the French gaming industry could weaken licensed operators - “who are essential in combating the illegal market and protecting players.”
The association said illegal operators are “proliferating in France, endangering more than four million players who are exposed daily to aggressive advertising, fraud risks, cyberattacks and problem gambling.”
While online betting is a major market in France, online casino remains illegal in the country.
AFJEL president Nicolas Béraud, who is also the founder and CEO of Banijay Gaming brand Betclic, said there is an “urgent need to restart discussions on legalising online casinos and restore fair conditions to ensure balance across the sector."
“Although 2024 stands out with record contributions to public finances and momentum boosted by an exceptional sports calendar, this is illusory growth,” he added.
“The drastic tax increase in 2025 will threaten the viability of strategic companies, while illegal sites will gain even more ground.
“We issue a clear warning: allowing this illegal market to grow unchecked poses a serious risk to our economy, our security and the protection of millions of French citizens.”
