Key points:
- The decision is part of the country’s 2025 budget plan
- Land-based casinos have spoken against the idea
- The Government believes it will help to curb illegal gambling
The French Government are looking to legalise online casino next year.
At the moment, France does allow online betting, but not online casino games. Along with Cyprus, it is the only EU member state that currently does not allow online casinos.
This amendment comes as part of the draft budget for 2025 in France, with the Government likley hoping that by legalising online casino games, it could help the finances of the country through collected tax revenue. It is proposed that online casino games would be taxed at 55.6% of their turnover.
Not only would it bring in tax revenue, but the French Government has argued that the move would also help deal with illegal gambling and in turn help limit the public health risk of online games on those with problem gambling habits.
Good to know: In December, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) called for France to regulate online casinos, citing a study finding that black market gross gaming revenue could account for up to €1.5bn ($1.6bn) annually
However, not all are in favour of the move, with land-based casinos emphasising their opposition to it, owing to the impact it may have on turnover and jobs within the sector.
While speaking to French media outlet Les Echos, Casinos de France Union President Grégory Rabuel said: "According to our calculations, opening up online casinos to competition will lead to a drop in the gross gaming revenue of land-based casinos of around 20 to 30%, and the closure of 30% of establishments.”
On the topic of online casino, Chair of the National Gambling Authority (ANJ) Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin appeared on the Huddle previously, touching on the topic of the potential regulation of online casino in France.
