France’s regulated gambling market expanded by 3% in 2025, reaching a total gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €14.1 billion ($16.6 billion), according to the latest annual market review from the French gambling regulator l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ).
This growth, which was reported on Thursday, was primarily driven by online betting, the state lottery and a resurgence in casino operations.
The 3% increase in GGR, up from €13.7 billion in 2024, places France’s gambling market growth broadly in line with other major European markets. It trails behind the UK’s 4.3% expansion but outperforms Italy’s 1.9% growth.
Online gambling demonstrated robust momentum, with GGR from competitive online gambling jumping 8.5% to €2.617 billion. This now accounts for 18.5% of the total market, up from 16.4% in 2023. The online sector comprises three key segments, sports betting, horse racing betting and poker, all of which recorded revenue increases.
This expansion comes as France broadens its regulatory scope to cover emerging digital formats.
The recently operationalised Jeux à Objets Numériques Monétisables (JONUM) regime introduces oversight for monetisable digital games that incorporate gambling-like mechanics, such as tradeable in-game items. While not formally classified as gambling, these products are now subject to tailored regulation.
Player participation also increased. Unique online players rose by 7.5% to 4.2 million, while active player accounts grew 7.1% to 6.1 million.
Notably, multi-activity players – those engaged in more than one segment – surged by 25%, signalling diversification in user behaviour.
Sector by sector
The sports betting sector led online growth with GGR of €1.766 billion, marking a 10.4% rise. Stakes increased 12% to €11.517 billion. Sports betting now represents approximately 68% of the online GGR, up six percentage points over two years.
Football and tennis were key contributors, accounting for 49% and 30% of the increase in stakes respectively.
The number of active sports betting accounts reached 5.3 million (+7.9%), with unique sports bettors at 3.6 million (+8.6%).
Horse racing GGR increased 2.4% to €326 million. Active accounts and unique players grew by 8.1% and 8.4% respectively to 718,000 and 604,000.
Poker revenue rose 6.5% to €525 million, driven entirely by tournament play. The poker player base grew significantly, with active accounts up 16.5% to 2.5 million and unique players increasing 15.1% to 1.9 million.
FDJ United, operator of the state lottery and retail sports betting monopoly, generated GGR of €6.95 billion (+2.8%), representing nearly half (49.2%) of the total market.
The French lottery was a major driver of growth, while European online operations (notably in the UK and the Netherlands) declined by 8%.
Casinos posted a 3.4% increase in GGR to €2.816 billion, with admissions rising 2% to 31.6 million visits. Slot machines remained dominant, contributing about 82% of casino GGR, while traditional table games and poker/blackjack segments remained stable. Groups controlled approximately 93% of casino revenues.
Looking into the future
On a global scale, France ranks seventh worldwide and third in Europe by GGR, trailing Italy and the UK.
Despite this growth, the ANJ has warned that further efforts are needed to reduce problem gambling levels by 2027. This is according to a review published by the ANJ.
It highlighted concerns that increased participation, particularly in online segments, could heighten exposure to gambling-related harm.
The French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction estimated in 2024 that approximately 1.17 million people in France exhibit problematic gambling behaviour, with roughly 360,000 classified as excessive players.
The regulator has emphasised the need for operators to strengthen player protection measures, including improved monitoring of risky behaviour and more effective intervention tools.
The regulator identified several key factors to watch in 2026 which included the full-year effects of new fiscal policies and the impact of major sporting events, notably the 2026 Fifa World Cup, on betting volumes.
“2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the entire gambling market. Whether it’s consolidating acquisitions, quickly reversing a growing decline, or facing increased competition on the eve of the Fifa World Cup, all indicators are flashing red for the regulator,” said Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the ANJ.
“In this tense context, compounded by the emergence of new forms of betting, it is essential to continue the anticipated shift towards a less intensive gambling model and to propose adjustments to the current regulatory framework to reduce the perceived risk of gambling.”
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/finance/france-gambling-market-shows-steady-growth-in-2025-anj-reports/
