France gambling statistics: participation, regulation, and industry data

France operates a distinctive "monopoly model" of gambling regulation: state-controlled operators dominate the lottery, horse racing, and land-based casino sectors, while a limited competitive online market covers sports betting, horse racing betting, and poker only. Online casino games remain illegal. The total market reached a record €14 billion in gross gaming revenue (produit brut des jeux, PBJ) in 2024, making France Europe's fourth-largest gambling market. The sector is regulated by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), with prevalence research conducted by the OFDT. For a broader view, see our statistics hub.

How many people gamble in France?

According to the OFDT's 2024 report, approximately 24 million French adults participate in some form of gambling (OFDT, 2025). Online players numbered 3.9 million in 2024, up 7.7% from 2023, with 5.7 million active player accounts across licensed platforms (ANJ, 2025). The Baromètre Santé 2019 (the most recent national prevalence survey) found that approximately 47% of French adults aged 18–75 had gambled at least once in the prior year (Santé publique France, 2020).

Problem gambling in France

The OFDT estimated in 2024 that approximately 1.17 million French adults are "joueurs problématiques" (problem gamblers), including approximately 360,000 "joueurs excessifs" (severe problem gamblers, ICJE/CPGI score ≥8) (ANJ, 2025; OFDT, 2024). This represents approximately 4.9% of all gamblers, or 2.5% of the adult population aged 18–75, a rate that has remained broadly stable since 2019 (OFDT, 2025).

The ANJ has highlighted that problem gamblers account for a disproportionate share of industry revenue: 38.3% of total PBJ was attributable to problem gamblers in 2019, including 20.7% from severe problem gamblers alone. By vertical, problem gamblers generate 62% of sports betting revenue, 57% of poker revenue, and 41% of casino revenue (ANJ, 2025). Self-exclusion registrations on the national register rose sharply from 58,319 in 2023 to 73,439 in 2024, a 25.9% increase (ANJ, 2025). Using a cost-of-gambling calculator can help individuals understand the long-term financial impact of regular play.

Treatment and help-seeking

Treatment for gambling disorder in France is delivered through the network of Centres de Soins, d'Accompagnement et de Prévention en Addictologie (CSAPA). However, with only approximately 2,229 gambling patients treated annually, addiction centres report being already at capacity and unable to accommodate all those in need (OFDT, 2024). The national helpline Joueurs Info Service (09 74 75 13 13, non-surtaxé) provides telephone and online counselling. The ANJ has set the reduction of the number of severe problem gamblers as a priority objective in its 2024–2026 strategic plan.

France gambling regulation

France's gambling market operates under a hybrid monopoly/competitive structure established by the Law of 12 May 2010, which partially liberalised online gambling. The ANJ (created in 2020, succeeding ARJEL) oversees all gambling activity. State monopoly operators — FDJ (lottery, scratch cards, POS sports betting) and PMU (horse racing) — hold exclusive rights in their segments. The competitive online market is limited to three verticals: sports betting, horse racing betting, and poker. Online casino games, including slots, roulette, and blackjack, remain illegal in France.

A new fiscal regime took effect from 1 July 2025, raising the sports betting social contribution from 10.6% to 15% of PBJ and introducing a 15% tax on gambling advertising spend. An experimental framework for "jeux à objets numériques monétisables" (JONUM) — monetisable digital item games — is expected to launch in September 2025 under the SREN law.

Online gambling in France

France's licensed online market generated €2.6 billion in PBJ in 2024, a 12% increase, representing 18.6% of total market GGR (ANJ, 2025). The sector is served by 16 licensed operators (including both monopoly and competitive licence holders), with FDJ United holding a dominant position following its October 2024 acquisition of Kindred Group. Online sports betting was the growth engine: €1.8 billion PBJ (+19%), driven by over €10 billion in stakes. Active player accounts reached 5.7 million (+11%).

France's refusal to legalise online casino makes it an outlier among major European markets. The ANJ has consistently flagged an illegal online casino market, with over 510 illegal gambling sites or apps identified in Q1 2023 alone, approximately half offering casino and slot games (PwC study for ANJ, 2023). The online market's growth has been strong despite this restriction, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 12% since liberalisation in 2010.

Young people and gambling

Youth gambling is a policy concern in France. The OFDT's EnCLASS survey (2021) found that 27.5% of 17-year-olds had gambled in the prior year, down from 38.8% in 2017. Among younger adolescents, three in four collégiens de 3ème (approx. age 14–15) reported having gambled at least once during the year (OFDT/ANJ, 2025). The ENJEU-Mineurs study (SEDAP, 2021) found 34.8% of surveyed minors were gamblers. Scratch cards and sports betting are the most common activities. Among 18–24-year-olds, 18.8% gambled online in 2024 (ANJ, 2025). The legal gambling age in France is 18 for all activities.

Gambling harm and support

Gambling harm in France is associated with financial distress, relationship breakdown, mental health difficulties, and elevated suicide risk — approximately 20% of severe problem gamblers engaged in treatment have attempted suicide, compared with 8% in the general population (OFDT / Grall-Bronec, cited in Généralistes et Addictions HdF, 2025). The ANJ has highlighted that the 25.9% increase in self-exclusion registrations in 2024 signals growing demand for harm reduction, while addiction treatment centres (CSAPA) report being at capacity.

Key support services include Joueurs Info Service (09 74 75 13 13), the national self-exclusion register (covering all licensed operators), CSAPA addiction centres, and SOS Joueurs (association for pathological gamblers). The ANJ's 2024–2026 strategic plan makes reducing the number of severe problem gamblers its central priority.

France's gambling market reflects a carefully calibrated regulatory model that balances state monopoly control with limited competitive liberalisation. With €14 billion in annual GGR, rising online activity, and the ANJ's sharpened focus on problem gambling reduction, the French market is undergoing a period of both growth and regulatory tightening. The planned JONUM experiment and ongoing debate over online casino legalisation will shape the market's next chapter.