The French population felt a wave rolling over them when the French government introduced a potential legislative shift, that could materialize into the legalization of online casinos as early as in 2025. The National Assembly made the proposal as a part of a broader budgetary measure and is a proposal which comes after years of reluctance toward liberalizing online gambling beyond sports betting and poker. It was the Ministry of Economy and Finance which forwarded this new approach, referring to the substantial economic benefits it could have for the nation, especially in offsetting current fiscal deficits. It is also a move that aligns with a wave that has taken over other European countries as well.
The proposal is expected to undergo a consultation process that is expected to last into 2025. The proposal is still in its early stages, but both lawmakers and industry experts are anticipating that it will both bring a new source of revenue, while also addressing the rise in unauthorized online gambling activity across France. The aim of the government would be to develop a regulated framework mirroring current controlled environments such as the ones in UK, Italy, and Germany, as these are examples of countries where online gambling is legal and heavily monitored.
Global context and lessons from other markets
It is not only France that is taking steps in legalizing online casinos. There is a global trend where many nations are reevaluating their gambling policies to harness economic benefits. Take for example Europe, where countries such as the UK, Sweden, and the Netherlands have implemented regulatory frameworks for online gambling, resulting in increased tax revenues and a reduction in illegal gambling activity. Many European nations have introduced responsible gambling measures, to balance revenue generation with robust consumer protections. France are finding inspiration from these other examples to avoid pitfalls.
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Financial motivation and expected economic impact
The timing of the proposal is not a coincidence. France is facing significant budget deficit and increased social spending needs, which is why France sees regulated online casinos as an untapped resource. A study from France’s gaming authority l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), which was conducted during the first three months of 2023, found that the gross revenue from illegal gambling sites was somewhere between €748 million and €1.5 billion, which is reflecting the huge revenue potential the legalization could have. The idea is that a portion of this income would be allocated towards initiatives tackling gambling addiction, which is a preventive measure that aligns with trends in other countries. According to IMARC Group, the French online gambling market could reach $12.1 billion in annual revenue by 2030. Experts argue that this would be a significant portion to support the country’s mounting expenses in health, education, and public infrastructure.
The consultation period for the proposal will include detailed evaluations of the economic gains, but also the potential social risks associated with online gambling. Without a regulatory framework, France would stand to lose both tax income and control over their citizens’ online gambling activities. Currently, unregulated and sometimes illegal platforms, some operating offshore, draws millions of French gamblers, while they are providing no financial benefits to the French economy.
A shift addressing the rise of unlicensed online gambling
This new move by France is a significant departure from the historically conservative stance on gambling regulation. Currently, the French Government restricts online gambling to sports betting and poker, which are all licensed under the national authority of ANJ. However, online casinos remain prohibited, but ANJ consistently reports on increasing illegal online casino activity in the country. The rise of unlicensed platforms has both deprived the government of potential revenue, but it has also increased the concerns about player safety and financial security.
The growing trend underscores the necessity of a regulated and legal framework, which can protect French players from fraud, ensure tax revenues to benefit the public, and support problem-gambling prevention. The hope for France is that by legalizing and regulating online casinos, the country can curb the use of unauthorized platforms to establish safer and more controlled gambling environments.
What’s next? The road to legalization
As the proposal for online casino legalization in France is making headlines, the road to implementation is long. The upcoming public consultation, which is set to launch in early 2025, has the purpose of gathering input from stakeholders across various sectors. This will include healthcare providers, gambling operators, and advocacy groups. After this consultation, the Ministry of Economy and Finance will draft the legislation, aiming to submit it to the National Assembly for review and approval. If all this goes according to the time plan, and the proposal is passed, then online casinos could be fully operational in France by late 2025.
It will be interesting for operators and players alike to follow this new path of France, as the outcome of the consultation and the legislative process will gain full focus on domestic and international stakeholders. If passed, it could mark a significant shift in European gambling regulation, as France is an economic powerhouse in Europe.
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