France Online Casinos

The most romantic country in the world, and namely France has adopted a gambling-friendly approach. According to industry insiders, that was the best move which the country could have done as in this way it will boost the French economy and protect the interests of its residents who enthuse over gambling. Currently, all forms of gambling are regulated in France but we must note that the gambling industry needed to make its way through a long thorny path.

Over the past decade, the gambling industry in France has grown at a rapid pace. At this moment, there are over 200 land-based casinos that offer various casino games. For the Q3 2019, it was estimated that the total revenue derived from the gambling market rose by 27.7% to €346 million. Statistics show that the most popular games among French players are video slots, roulette, and online poker.

Gambling Regulations in France

Blackjack Rules France is a country that has a rich history when it comes to gambling The mere fact that some of the most iconic games, and namely roulette and blackjack originate from this country is self-evident that France is fond of this leisure activity. The history of gambling in France can be traced as far back as the 1500s when the Queen was introduced to the card deck.Another proof that France is a gambling-friendly country is the fact that its government regulated the slots sector the moment this game genre started to explode in popularity. What is more, in 1997, the government passed a law that reduced the legal gambling age from 21 to 18.

However, the gambling industry in France witnessed a significant change in 2010 when the government passed the Gambling Act. It is interesting to explain that this happened under EU pressure imposed on the French authorities to relax the rules. Prior to enacting the Gambling Act, the French online gambling industry was under state monopoly.

The new law put an end to the state monopoly and saw the creation of the Autorité de régulation des jeux en ligne (ARJEL) – the country’s gambling watchdog that is in charge of issuing licenses and overseeing the online gambling industry in France. With the regulation of the online gambling industry, many casino operators decided to set foot on the French market. However, traditional casino games such as roulette, slots, and table games were not included in the Gambling Act as the legislators considered them too addictive.

Unfortunately, the Gambling Act imposed unbearable taxes on poker and sports betting. In addition to that, the law allows the pool to be shared only among players who reside in France. Hence, many licensed casinos decided to leave the French market and these restrictions also led to a huge number of players placing bets at unlicensed offshore casinos. However, we must say that there are no laws that target French casino enthusiasts who prefer to play at unlicensed virtual casinos.

Currently, ARJELS is responsible for online poker and online sports/horse betting Land-based gambling activities fall under the powers of the Minister of the Interior. Bingo and lotteries in their online and offline form are entrusted in the hands of the Budget Minister and the Minister of the Interior.

The Future of the Online Gambling Industry in France

In 2019, it became clear that the French government is considering amendments regarding the gambling tax. According to the latest information, the tax will be imposed on the gross gaming revenues instead of the overall gaming turnover. Online sports betting will be taxed 33.8% and the tax levied on the online poker will be 36.7%. Horse racing will be taxed at 19.9%. What is more, the government proposed social security payments to be based on revenue which will result in a tax of 6.8% on horse racing, 10.7% on sports betting, and 4.1% on online poker.

According to the Senate, the new changes will allow the operators and the state to have their fair share of the pie based on the players’ success.

Gambling at online casinos is intended to be a leisure activity. Hence, operators have gone to great lengths to make banking quick, easy, and safe. It is important to mention that most legitimate gaming sites offer a variety of payment solutions.

However, due to legal specifications, a certain payment solution might be not available in your country. What is more, some payment options support only deposits and players need to select another method when they would like to make a withdrawal.

Before choosing your preferred payment method, it is important to consider several aspects, and more precisely transaction times, fees, and fraud prevention measures. In the lines below, we will discuss some of the most trustworthy payment solutions that are at the disposal of French players:

Cryptocurrency

Virtual wallets

Debit/credit cards

Online voucher system

Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin is the most popular digital currency at every online casino that accepts cryptocurrencies as a payment method. When it was introduced for the first time, many people were kind of scared to make use of it. Over the years, the situation changed significantly and currently, a growing number of players prefer to use Bitcoin as it cuts the bank fees and offers prompt transactions.

Furthermore, this payment method does not require casino aficionados to disclose personal information. Deposits are processed instantaneously and payouts take a few hours. Due to its multiple advantages, casino operators are trying to encourage more players to make use of the cryptocurrencies. Therefore, a good-enough number of interactive casinos offer special bonuses for players who prefer to make their deposits via cryptocurrencies.

Virtual wallets

are hassle-free payment solutions that are embraced by a huge number of virtual casinos. Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal are some of the most popular e-wallets among French players. Apart from being widely accepted, digital wallets are extremely fast. You will receive your profits in a matter of 24 hours following the casino’s approval.

However, we must note that some casinos do not allow players who are using e-wallets to benefit from the Welcome Bonus or any other promotion available at the casino. In addition to that, the maximum bet amount might be also reduced. So, prior to selecting a digital wallet as a preferred payment method, make sure that you are clear with the casino’s terms and conditions.

Debit/credit cards

bank cards are among the most popular payment methods around the globe. There is barely any person who does not have at least one bank card. Visa and Mastercard are the two most popular brands among French players. These offer great convenience as almost every web-based casino accepts bank cards as payment options. Making a deposit or a withdrawal via Visa or Mastercard is extremely easy.

As far as processing times are concerned, we must say that the cashouts are cleared in a matter of a few days, while deposits are processed in the blink of an eye. Needless to say, this payment solution has its disadvantages, and namely not all casinos allow players to make withdrawals via Visa or Mastercard. Another important thing to mention is that these require casino enthusiasts to provide their bank details in order to make a payment.

Online voucher system

Paysafecard and Neosurf are other options that are available to players who reside in France. Paysafecard’s greatest downside is that it does not support withdrawals. However, both Neosurf and Paysafecard come with a bunch of advantages.

One of the major reasons why a lot of casino enthusiasts prefer to upload funds to their gaming accounts via prepaid cards is that they do not need to share their bank details with a third party. In addition to that, the prepaid cards help players to control their bankrolls as they cannot spend more than the available balance at their Paysafecard or Neosurf.

There are thousands of web-based casinos and all of them are offering various promotions in an attempt to attract the attention of newcomers and retain their already existing players. Needless to say, not all bonuses are of the same value.

Some might seem to be more generous than others, but do not forget to always check the terms associated with the promotion you are considering to claim. Players should keep in mind that the casinos are not just giving away money for free and there are always certain conditions that should be fulfilled in order to claim your winnings.

Depending on the casino’s policy, there are three basic ways to activate a bonus – manually from your gaming account, by using a promo code provided by the casino, or by claiming it via the live chat facility. Now we would like to provide our readers with a complete breakdown of some of the bonuses they will come across most often.

Welcome Bonus

No Deposit Bonuses

Cashback Bonuses

Casino Loyalty Programs

Common Bonus Terms

Welcome Bonus

There is no online casino that does not offer a juicy sign-up bonus to its new recruits. Some of them might come in the form of free spins, others might match your deposit up to a certain amount. A huge number of virtual casinos even offer a combination of free spins and bonus funds. Some casino operators even introduce Welcome Packages that cover your first several deposits.

Most often, the free spins are intended for playing a certain casino game. As for the bonus funds, the most common match percentage is 100%, even though multiple gaming websites offer a much higher match percentage rate and thousands of dollars in bonus funds. Of course, the more you can claim in bonus funds, the better, but do not forget to check the wagering requirements tied to the bonus.

No Deposit Bonuses

As the name suggests, players do not need to deposit any funds in order to make use of this bonus. In case you claim it, you will receive a small amount of free credits or some free spins to play at a certain casino. What is more, you will be even able to win real money with the no deposit bonuses assuming that you stick to the terms related to this promotion. Keep in mind, that you will not be allowed to withdraw all of your winnings as most casino operators capped the maximum cashout.

According to our humble opinion, it is in the interest of the players to take advantage of no deposit bonuses as these offer a great opportunity to newcomers to test the waters and become familiar with the casino’s gaming products without investing even a dollar.

Cashback Bonuses

Cashback bonuses are added relatively recently to the list of casino bonuses. In fact, these incentives provide players with peace of mind that they will be able to get back some of their losses. Generally speaking, casino enthusiasts can claim a percentage of the amount they lost over a certain period. The size of the percentage might depend on various factors such as how much you lost or what is your VIP status.

It is important to note that some casinos will credit the funds from this promotion to your real money account, while others will stack the funds to your bonus money account, meaning that you will need to firstly deal with the wagering requirements associated with this promotion prior to requesting a withdrawal.

Casino Loyalty Programs

To express their gratitude towards regular players, many casino operators designed loyalty programs that come with a broad range of merits and perks. In most cases, loyal players will receive comp points for their real money wagers. In addition to that, most VIP programs feature various tiers and the higher level you reach, the better benefits you will enjoy.

Once you collect a certain amount of points, you can convert them into cash. Each casino determines its exchange rate, so it depends on the operator how much you will receive for your points. In most cases, 100 comp points will give you 1 currency unit. Here it is important to explain that the number of points you will receive also depends on the games you are playing.

Common Bonus Terms

When you decide to play at a virtual casino, you will notice that there is a huge number of casinos offering many different bonuses. In that sense, players should keep in mind that each gaming site has its own bonus-related terms. We understand that you might be tempted by the idea to skip reading the conditions that are usually written in fine prints and just embark on an exciting gambling adventure, but this is not in your interest. To help you better understand the casinos’ terms and conditions, we would like to discuss certain notions:

Wagering requirements – each casino bonus is tied to certain wagering requirements that should be cleared by the player within a designated time frame prior to requesting a withdrawal. A wagering requirement is a term used to denote the number of times players need to stake the bonus funds (in some cases the total value of the bonus funds and the deposit) to be eligible to pull out their winnings generated thanks to the bonus.
Game contribution – each game has a different contribution towards clearing the wagering requirements that is usually expressed in percentage. This occurrence is also called game weighting. Usually, slots are the games that come with a 100% contribution towards the wagering requirements. To explain it better, we will give an example. If you decide to play a game that has a 50% contribution, all bets you place on that game are worth 50% of their face value.
Maximum bet size – bonus abusers have never been welcomed to any virtual casino. For that reason, operators set a maximum bet size while a bonus is active. This means that your wagers per spin/round cannot exceed a certain amount designated by the casino while you are playing with bonus funds. In case you do not comply with these requirements, the casino has the right to consider your winnings accrued from the bonus funds and the bonus funds void.

It is important to understand how casino software providers work in order to realize their importance to the gambling industry. In fact, virtual casinos offer games that are developed by a third party, and namely software suppliers. Hence, do not underestimate the importance of the software suppliers that power a certain casino as these determine the quality of the games, their features, storylines, etc.

Reputable web-based casinos that are struggling to keep their strong positions on the market usually partner with a huge number of software companies. Some of the most prominent casino software suppliers in France include:

Playtech

Microgaming

Play’n GO

NetEnt

Evolution Gaming

Playtech

is a leading software company which history can be traced as far back as 1999. The company received a license by the UK Gambling Commission that is known for its high standards. Playtech’s gaming portfolio encompasses various game genres, and namely casino games, poker, live gaming suite, sports betting, and bingo.

The company’s high-end products feature top-quality graphics and engaging themes. Currently, Playtech collaborates with a remarkable number of casino operators that aim at expanding their customer base. Some time ago, the Isle of Man-based company Playtech announced the launch of its French poker network.

Microgaming

is among the first software companies to appear on the online gambling scene. It was established in 1994 and it provides its gaming products under a license issued by the UK Gambling Commission. As for now, Microgaming is one of the heavyweights in the industry that offers varied gaming catalog. The slots have the strongest presence, but this software provider also offers interesting variations of the highly popular casino table games.

What is more, Microgaming took the needs of mobile players into consideration and developed a number of games that are compatible with handheld devices based on Android and iOS. In 2010, it became clear that this software provider submitted applications together with 888 Holdings, one of the largest online gaming operators, to offer online poker to French residents. Just a month later, the French regulator ARJEL approved the applications.

Play’n GO

has the reputation to be one of the first software companies to embrace the needs of casino enthusiasts who prefer to play on the go. The software provider offers a wide range of casino games that work like a charm on various touchscreen devices. The company was founded in 2005 and it quickly managed to gain momentum and turn into a driving force.

The main reason for the software company’s success is its precision in every detail. Its gaming products are highly popular for their high quality of the graphics and the sound. It is important to note that this software supplier is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, which means that Play’n GO adheres to the highest industry standards.

NetEnt

this software company was founded in 1996 and it received a license by the Malta Gaming Authority. Currently, the company is recognized as one of the most prominent software suppliers that are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the gambling industry. Hence, the company adopted an innovative approach to ensure a first-class gaming experience.

What is more, NetEnt’s gaming library does not lack anything as all major game genres such as slots, table games, live dealer games, and others are included in the company’s list of products. According to the latest information, Evolution Gaming plans to acquire NetEnt for more than $2 billion.

Evolution Gaming

undoubtedly, Evolution is the leader in live dealer games. Its unbeatable portfolio is comprised of various table games that are run by professional human croupiers. The company was unveiled in 2006 and it provides its gaming products thanks to a license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority.

Its products are offered at a remarkable number of web-based casinos as these come with a crystal-clear quality of the graphics and interesting features. The company utilizes the latest technologies in order to provide players with an authentic casino environment.

Choosing an online casino is not as easy as it seems to be at first glance. Players need to take into account multiple factors that make a certain casino a reliable and trustworthy gambling stop. In all of our articles, we recommend our readers to always check the casino’s license and its reputation. That should be the first thing to do when you visit a particular gambling website. What is more, every reputable interactive casino offers various promotions for newcomers and loyal players.

Another important thing to do is to try the casino’s customer support department in order to make sure that you can rely on the casino’s representatives in case of an issue. The payment options are also of crucial importance when you are about to set up an account at a certain virtual casino.

Players should also check if the platform of the casino is available in different languages, especially if they are not fluent in English. If you are looking for an online casino that accepts players from France, we would like to draw your attention to 10 gambling sites we consider worth your attention.

Unique Casino

Cresus Casino

MonteCryptos Casino

Enzo Casino

Rich Casino

Casino Moons

PlayPCF Casino

Lucky31 Casino

Casino Estrella

Casino Extra

Unique Casino

Unique Casino is an engaging gambling website that appeared on the scene in 2016. Its stylish design together with its abundant gaming portfolio are the first things that appeal to the players’ interest. The virtual casino joined forces with high-profile software companies such as Microgaming, Evolution, Play’n GO, Betsoft, Vivo Gaming, and others to make sure that its customers will have access only to top-quality gaming products.

Players who enthuse over slot games will be more than happy to find out that there are over 900 titles in this selection. Unique Casino also caters to players who prefer other game genres such as table games, video poker, jackpot games, and live dealer games. We must note that the casino’s platform is available also in French and players will be able to benefit from a bountiful Welcome Bonus.

This casino received a license from the Government of Curacao. To ensure a hassle-free gaming experience to its much-appreciated fans, Unique Casino offers a customer support department that is available around-the-clock. In case of a hurdle, do not hesitate to get in touch with the casino’s representatives.

Cresus Casino

The story of Cresus Casino began in 2014 when the operator received a license by the Government of Curacao. The gaming website has become an epitome of a well-rounded casino that offers various games developed by top providers such as Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, Betsoft, Evolution Gaming, and others.

We must admit that Cresus Casino cannot brag about an extensive gaming portfolio but you will certainly not be disappointed with the titles included in it. What is more, the available games adapt well to different screen sizes, so you can play even via your smartphone or tablet.

The casino also offers several reliable payment solutions, including e-wallets, online banking, bank cards, prepaid vouchers, and bank transfers. French casino buffs are not expected to meet any troubles as the casino is available also in French. Cresus Casino knows how to spoil its newcomers by offering them the chance to benefit from a lucrative Welcome Bonus.

MonteCryptos Casino

MonteCryptos is yet another brand that is worth its salt. It was unveiled in 2018 and it provides its services thanks to a license issued by the Government of Curacao. What is laudable here is that the virtual casino has a peerless selection of games that is courtesy of reputable software suppliers such as Evolution Gaming, Ezugi, NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, etc.

The casino operator caters to its international players by offering various language options, including English, German, Finnish, French, and Norwegian. As far as currencies are concerned, there are several options, including EUR that is most convenient for players who reside in France. Assuming that you have some queries, you can easily contact the customer support agents via the live chat facility or by sending them an email.

MonteCryptos also offers various promotions for newcomers as well as casino patrons. To get off on the right foot, the casino operator provides its new recruits with the opportunity to claim a Welcome Package that comes in the form of a match bonus and free spins.

Enzo Casino

Enzo Casino is among the most popular gambling websites just because it knows how to combine the classic casino experience with some of the latest creations, piping-hot out of the developers’ ovens. The casino operator relies on Betsoft, Evolution Gaming, Vivo Gaming, 1×2 Gaming, and others for its top-quality selection of games.

The slots selection rolls over 400 titles and it is the most diverse category at Enzo Casino. Of course, the casino operator did not miss the chance to include classic table games, video poker, jackpot games, and live dealer games to its portfolio.

All newcomers will be greeted with a mouth-watering sign-up bonus that comes with reasonable wagering requirements. As a reputable casino, Enzo adopted various payment solutions that are recognized to be among the most reliable ones in the industry. In addition to that, the casino’s professional customer support representatives are always ready to assist you.

Rich Casino

Rich Casino went online in 2009 and it managed to build an untarnished reputation over the years of experience. The operator provides its services thanks to a license obtained by the jurisdiction of Curacao. The virtual casino offers a neat and varied gaming catalog that is powered by Betsoft, Vivo Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Rival, Habanero, and Octopus Gaming.

The jewel in the crown of Rich Casino’s gaming catalog is Betsoft’s remarkable collection of 3D slots. Mobile players will be excited to know that the games run smoothly on any handheld device based on Android or iOS. This interactive casino is appropriate for French players as it is available in their native language.

Furthermore, Rich Casino employs several payment solutions, including Bitcoin. The interactive casino is bursting at the seams with various promotions and bonuses that are designed to attract newcomers and keep the interest of the already existing players. The website of the casino is well-organized and the games are arranged in different categories depending on their genre.

Casino Moons

Casino Moons was founded in 2008 with the main goal to provide players with a reliable, hassle-free, and enjoyable gaming environment. The web0based casino features a catalog that is a smorgasbord of different genres. Casino Moons joined hands with software companies such as Pragmatic Play, Octopus Gaming, Betsoft, and Vivo Gaming. In case you prefer to play on the go, you should be informed that the majority of the games are compatible with various mobile devices.

Casino Moons is quite generous towards its newcomers as the gaming site offers a no deposit bonus upon registration and a Welcome Package that covers your first three consecutive deposits. Players from France should be informed that the platform of the casino is available in several languages, including French.

Assuming that you are ready to make your first deposit, you will be interested to know that the casino adopted multiple trustworthy and prompt payment solutions. In addition to that, Casino Moons accepts payments in various currencies, providing its fans with the opportunity to choose the one they are most familiar with.

PlayPCF Casino

PlayPCF Casino offers diverse and rich game offerings, and that is the reason why it appears to be a preferred gaming stop for many players from different markets. The casino operator caters to its international casino enthusiasts by providing them with the opportunity to enjoy the casino platform in different languages, and French is one of them.

The casino’s gaming content is powered by software suppliers such as 1×2 Gaming, Evolution, Blueprint, Betsoft, Play’n GO, ReelTime Gaming, Microgaming, and many others. The mobile version of the casino mirrors to a great extent the casino’s desktop counterpart. As is the case with all virtual casinos, there are various bonuses and promotions at PlayPCF. Making a deposit or a withdrawal is as easy as pie as the casino operator offers a plethora of payment solutions.

This web-based casino was unveiled in 2019 and it operates under a license issued by the Government of Curacao. This casino is a good choice for French-speaking players as the casino’s platform is available also in this language.

Lucky31 Casino

Lucky31 Casino was established in 2012 with the main goal to provide a first-class gaming experience. Hence, the operator joined forces with several high-profile software companies, and more precisely Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil, Play’n GO, NetEnt, Betsoft, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, and others.

The casino’s selection of games is comprised of various game genres that can cover players’ different preferences. The quality of the games is unrivaled even if you prefer to play via your smartphone or tablet. As for the available promotions, newcomers and casino patrons will certainly not be disappointed. Apart from all the available incentives, the casino operator crafted a special VIP Club.

This casino is dedicated to providing its players with a high level of transparency. The Curacao-licensed operator published all the information one might need to know on the homepage of the casino. French players are more than welcomed to visit this casino that is also available in their native language.

Casino Estrella

Founded in 2012, Casino Estrella is a well-established gaming site where players can enjoy a fun-filled and trustworthy gaming environment. The casino holds a valid license obtained by the Curacao eGaming licensing authority that proves its legitimacy. Casino Estrella’s bulky gaming catalog is powered by a huge number of top software providers such as Evolution Gaming, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, Betsoft, Microgaming, and others.

The Welcome Bonus offered at Casino Estrella is quite alluring as it should be. Loyal players are also not left behind as the operator features a VIP Club as well as a huge number of other promotions. The payment methods are various and trustworthy. If you have any questions regarding your stay at Casino Estrella, you should not hesitate to get in touch with the knowledgeable customer support representatives that are available 24/7.

The website of the casino is uncluttered and it is easy to navigate through its various sections. In that way, even if you play on the go, you will face no difficulties in finding what you are looking for.

Casino Extra

Since its inception in 2013, Casino Extra established an immaculate reputation thanks to its customer-oriented approach. The casino’s gaming catalog hosts over 1,300 titles that are courtesy of prominent software companies, including Ezugi, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Yggdrasil, Play’n GO, Microgaming, and others. Casino enthusiasts can reach the gaming content of Casino Extra even via your smartphone or tablet without compromising with the quality.

It was the Government of Curacao that gave the green light to this casino to provide its services. Non-English speakers should not worry too much as the casino’s platform is available in several languages, including French. The color palette of the website includes black and gold making the interface of the casino eye-pleasing. In case you are interested in the available promotions and bonuses, Casino Extra features a good-enough number of incentives that come with modest wagering requirements.

Topping up your gaming account is extremely easy and quick. Deposits are processed in a snap regardless of the payment solution you opt for. As for the withdrawals, the processing time depends on the payment solution you selected.

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Find the answers of questions people asked so far:

Is there any chance for the legalization of online casinos in France?

Asked by: Lois | Asked on: 2023-06-13

Answered by: Dan | Answered on: 2023-06-14

There is hope that online casinos can be legalized very soon in France, offering French players several years of legal gambling on licensed casino sites. In May 2023, a new bill was introduced by Philippe Latombe of the Democratic Movement Party. If Bill 1248 is passed as a law, it will allow a five-year moratorium, which means that online casinos will be licensed to operate in France only for five years, with the proviso that licenses are issued only to local actors. While the bill could finally introduce a legal online casino sector in France, at the time of writing this answer, it is yet to be reviewed by France’s National Assembly.

What is the current tax imposed on online poker and online sports betting in France?

Asked by: Victoria | Asked on: 2023-07-19

Answered by: Dan | Answered on: 2023-07-20

At the time of writing this answer, the tax rates which were imposed on online poker and sports betting have surpassed the numbers mentioned in the future predictions covered in this guide. In 2023, operators who offer online horse racing bets and online poker games must pay a tax, which is calculated on the gross revenue generated through wagers. The tax imposed on online poker is 40.8%, while online horse race betting operators are required to pay a levy of 55.2% of their gambling revenue. As you can see, France is still imposing extremely high taxes on operators who have been authorized to legally offer online horse race betting and online poker services to French punters. Luckily, bettors are not required to pay a tax on their winnings from horse race betting and online poker play but the interest they accumulate through these wins is levied with an income tax.

Gambling Regulations in France

The Future of the Online Gambling Industry in France

Popular Banking Solutions for French Players

Cryptocurrency

Virtual wallets

Debit/credit cards

Online voucher system

Special Casino Promotions for French Players

Welcome Bonus

No Deposit Bonuses

Cashback Bonuses

Casino Loyalty Programs

Common Bonus Terms

Popular Software Providers on the French Market

Playtech

Microgaming

Play’n GO

NetEnt

Evolution Gaming

Top 10 Online Casinos in France

Unique Casino

Cresus Casino

MonteCryptos Casino

Enzo Casino

Rich Casino

Casino Moons

PlayPCF Casino

Lucky31 Casino

Casino Estrella

Casino Extra

Ask a Question. Get an Answer.

Is there any chance for the legalization of online casinos in France?

What is the current tax imposed on online poker and online sports betting in France?