France’s gambling market hit €14 billion in 2024 as online bets climbed
France’s gambling sector recorded a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €14 billion ($15.9 billion) in 2024, reinforcing its status as the fourth-largest market in Europe, according to the annual report from the national regulator, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ).
The figure marks a 4.7% increase year-on-year, driven primarily by growth in online sports betting and an exceptional sports calendar that included the UEFA Euro and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Online sports betting accounted for €1.8 billion ($2 billion) in GGR, a 19% rise from the previous year, and contributed 43% of the industry’s overall growth. The online segment as a whole represented 18.6% of the total market, with GGR from this channel reaching €2.6 billion ($2.95 billion), up 12% year-on-year.
The total number of Active Player Accounts (APAs) rose to 5.7 million in 2024, marking an 11% increase. Growth was seen across verticals, with poker and horse racing accounts rising by 11% and 4% respectively. The number of unique players also climbed 8% to 3.9 million, reversing two consecutive years of decline.
The ANJ reported notable demographic shifts, with players aged 18 to 24 making up 30% of all sports bettors. Female participation in sports betting increased by 14.5% to 500,000 players, with the 25-34 age group comprising the largest share. The regulator attributed this rise in part to increased visibility of women’s sports competitions.
Four sports dominated the online betting that are football, tennis, basketball, and rugby, collectively accounting for nearly 88% of all stakes. However, other sports such as volleyball, ice hockey, and cycling posted a combined 31% increase in betting activity.
FDJ United, which holds exclusive rights to France’s lottery, crossed the €7 billion ($7.95 billion) GGR threshold for the first time, led by a 5% rise in lottery sales. Meanwhile, PMU, the monopoly operator in horse betting, reported a 2% drop in GGR but saw its player base grow to 3.5 million, the highest since before the pandemic.
Despite the market's expansion, the ANJ issued a cautious outlook for 2025, citing increased marketing spending, projected to hit €695 million ($789 million), and the absence of major international sporting events. Promotional budgets have reportedly risen 11%, intensifying concerns around cross-selling practices and potential problem gambling.
As part of the 2025 Social Security Financing Bill, a 15% tax on commercial advertising by online sports betting operators is set to take effect from 1 July. The ANJ warned that the financial pressure may impact operator investment in the second half of the year.
FDJ United and Betclic parent Banijay Group have already flagged the increased tax burden as a major concern. Banijay expects a €20 million ($22.71 million) hit to its 2025 bottom line and has indicated plans to challenge the policy on grounds of competitiveness.
France also plans to launch its regulated trial for monetizable digital objects (JONUM) in September 2025.
https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/05/09/104036-frances-gambling-market-hit-14billion-in-2024-as-online-bets-climbed