In 2025, France plans to legalise online casinos

France is set to legalize online casinos in 2025, with the new regulation carrying a 55.6% tax on casino turnover as part of the country's 2025 budget plan. Currently, France permits online betting but remains one of the few EU countries, alongside Cyprus, that prohibits online casinos. The move aims to channel tax revenue into the national budget and curb illegal gambling, which the government believes contributes to public health risks for those with gambling addictions.

However, there is an essential concern surrounding the minimum RTP (Return to Player) rates, as legal casinos must compete against the favorable odds offered by crypto casinos. We hope regulatory authorities recognize that setting a minimum RTP of at least 95% is critical for fair play. Without this, many players will likely continue flocking to crypto casinos, as they already do, for better returns on their bets.

While the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has endorsed France’s decision to regulate online casinos, projecting it could recapture up to €1.5 billion in annual black-market revenue, not everyone supports it. Land-based casinos, represented by Grégory Rabuel, President of the Casinos de France Union, argue that online competition could severely impact their revenue and lead to the closure of up to 30% of establishments.

As France moves towards regulation, it's crucial that the National Gambling Authority (ANJ), led by Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, ensures that new online casinos uphold a fair standard, balancing public safety, industry sustainability, and player satisfaction.