France is on the brink of a significant shift in its gambling landscape. The French government has announced plans to legalize online casinos starting next year, aligning its regulations with most other European Union (EU) countries. This move, Online Betting spearheaded by Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s administration, aims to modernize France’s gambling laws and address the growing presence of illegal online casinos.
Background and Current Situation Currently, France and Cyprus are the only EU member states where online casinos are still illegal. While online betting is permitted in France, Online Betting online casino games have been banned due to concerns about gambling addiction. Poker is an exception, as it is considered a game of skill rather than luck. Despite the ban, illegal online casinos have flourished, Online Betting generating an estimated €1.5 billion annually, which accounts for about 10% of the sector’s total income.