France’s gambling industry has experienced significant growth and changes in recent years. In 2020, the country welcomed a new gambling regulator, L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), which oversees 14 licensed gambling businesses, representing 78% of the regulated French gambling market. This shift from the previous regulator, l’Autorité Nationale de Régulation des Jeux en Ligne (ARJEL), which only covered 11% of the market, highlights the expanding nature of France’s gambling sector.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that France’s new regulatory body and the industry as a whole will continue to witness a rise in both participants and revenue. The following statistics provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of France’s gambling landscape.
Article Highlights
● French gamblers spend an average of $300 annually on online gambling
● In 2020, France’s online sports betting industry reached $1.5 billion
● 53% of France’s accredited organizations focus on online sports betting
● 4.5 million player accounts placed at least one bet on online sports betting sites in France in 2021
● Lottery remains the most popular offline gambling activity in France, with 65% of gamblers participating in 2019
● COVID-19 led to a 41% decrease in gross gaming revenue for land-based casinos in France
● 1.2% of the French population grapples with gambling-related issues
● Projections indicate a 7.2% growth in France’s online gambling market from 2024 to 2028
Financial Impact on French Gamblers
The majority of French gamblers allocate approximately $81.1 per year to gambling activities, with only 10% spending more than $1,000 annually. However, the primary financial loss for French gamblers stems from taxation. Winnings exceeding €1500 ($1640) are subject to a 13.7% tax rate.
Online Gambling in France: A Thriving Market
France has a well-regulated gambling industry, including the online sector. All online gambling operators, whether based in France or offshore, must obtain a gambling license from ANJ. The country’s gambling industry is further regulated by two leading monopolies:
1. Française des Jeux (FDJ): Operates the nationwide lottery
2. Pari-Mutuel Urbain: Monopolizes the country’s horse betting industry
In 2021, France recorded its highest quarterly gambling revenue, surpassing $600 million. The following statistics provide further insight into the country’s flourishing online gambling market:
|
Statistic |
Value |
|
Annual online gambling spend per French gambler |
$300+ |
|
Percentage of French online gamblers aged 18-24 in 2021 |
60%+ |
|
Percentage of gaming accounts owned by French males |
90% |
|
Gross revenue of online poker sites in France (2020) |
$460 million+ |
|
Online sports betting industry revenue in France (2020) |
$1.5 billion |
The Popularity of Sports Betting in France
France boasts the second-largest sports betting market in Europe, accounting for 20% of the region’s total market. The following statistics highlight the industry’s success:
1. In 2021, France’s sports betting market was valued at $4.7 billion
2. The annual growth rate of France’s sports betting market was 6% from 2017 to 2021
3. 53% of France’s accredited organizations in 2021 focused on online sports betting
4. Over 60% of online bettors in France wagered on sports events in 2021
5. In 2020, 70% of online sports betting accounts in France were held by individuals under 34 years old
6. A 2019 survey revealed that 9.3% of male respondents had bet on sports games at least once, compared to 1.3% of female respondents
7. In 2021, nearly 4.5 million player accounts placed at least one bet across all online sports betting sites
Offline Gambling in France: Navigating Challenges
France’s gambling industry extends beyond the online realm, with 300 casinos scattered across the country, particularly in Paris and Cannes. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the offline gambling sector, with casinos temporarily closing and a decrease in events to bet on due to restrictions and lockdowns. As a result, France’s casino industry experienced a 24% decline in market value in 2020, equating to nearly $700 million in losses.
Despite these challenges, the following statistics shed light on the state of France’s offline gambling industry:
● In 2019, 65% of gamblers in France purchased a lottery ticket
● Player spending with Française des Jeux (FDJ) increased by 9.9% in 2019
● Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) reported a gross gambling revenue of $1 billion within a 6-month period
● Men (5.5%) engage in horse race betting more frequently than women (1.9%)
● In 2021, France’s horse race betting generated a gross revenue of $410 million
● Over 50% of French poker players in 2019 were casual players
Addressing Gambling Addiction in France
In 2019, the missions of France’s Gaming Observatory were transferred to the French Observatory for Drugs and Drug Addiction (FODDA), reflecting the government’s view that serious gambling addiction is on par with tobacco and drug addiction.
To better understand and address gambling addiction, ANJ and FODDA collaborated in 2021 to organize and enhance the country’s knowledge on the subject, with ANJ pledging 0.002% of its stake to finance this partnership. The following statistics underscore the importance of these efforts:
1. Approximately 1.2 million people in France (1.7% of the population) suffer from gambling-related problems
2. 37% of at-risk individuals in France are problem gamblers
3. A 2019 survey revealed that 4.4% of French gamblers exhibited gambling-related issues that could escalate in severity, up from 3.8% in 2018
To combat problem gambling, the French government has taken action, with non-profit organizations operating several hotlines across the country. Since 2021, ANJ has managed self-exclusion files, simplifying the process and making it more accessible online. In France, gambling self-exclusion is a confidential procedure that allows problem gamblers to reach out to authorities for help with excessive gambling. Filing for self-exclusion results in a minimum 3-year ban from gambling activities, which can be lifted upon request after the designated period.
The Future of France’s Gambling Market
As reported by ANJ, France’s gross gambling revenue reached $11.48 billion in 2021, representing a 7% increase from the COVID-affected industry in 2020. With the French gambling market recovering from the pandemic’s impact, the industry is poised for further growth, as evidenced by the following data:
● In 2021, the market size of France’s casino sector was valued at $2.3 billion, accounting for 2% of the global market size and making it the second-largest market in the world
● The French online gambling market is projected to grow by 7.2% from 2024 to 2028, reaching $10 billion by 2028
● Gambling operators in France rely on digital advertising (37%), television (31%), and billboards (11%) to promote gambling activities and drive market growth
Conclusion
France’s gambling industry is well-regulated, with a proactive regulator and a commitment to addressing problem gambling. As gambling is deeply rooted in French culture, the industry, particularly the online sector, is expected to experience continued growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing user interest.
With millions of tourists visiting France each year, many of whom seek out the French gambling experience in casinos, the industry’s future looks promising. The statistics presented in this article demonstrate that France’s gambling industry is well-positioned for sustained growth in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the gambling capital of France?
Cannes is considered the gambling capital of France and the European capital of gaming.
What is the legal gambling age in France?
The legal gambling age in France is 18.
What is the French gambling strategy?
The martingale is a French gambling strategy that originated in 18th-century France.