Evidence before promotion

Know where. Understand how. Recognise the risks.

WORLD GAMBLING GUIDE is an independent reference guide for checking whether a gambling offer is legal where you are, understanding how games work and setting limits before play begins.

AI illustration: Fictional lounge with green chairs and stone arches · AI-generated image · WORLD GAMBLING GUIDE

A question, a practical route

Start with what you need

A site asks for a deposit?

Compare the domain and licence holder with the official register. HTTPS does not prove authorisation.

How much have you actually spent?

Reconcile opening balances, deposits, withdrawals and closing balances across accounts over the same period.

A withdrawal remains blocked?

Prepare a timeline, correspondence and a complaint without sending identity documents to an unknown intermediary.

Want to stop or take a break?

Find official resources and practical steps to reduce access to gambling.

Essential answer · France

Are online casinos legal in France?

No. All online casino sites are illegal in France. Online sports betting, horse-race betting and poker may only be offered by operators holding the relevant ANJ licence. Lotteries are operated under FDJ’s exclusive rights.

A brand name or foreign licence is never enough: check the exact domain and authorised product.

Check a domain in the directory Read the ANJ answer

Official source reviewed 21 September 2026

Allowed online with an ANJ licence

Sports betting
Horse-race betting
Poker

Exclusive rights

Lotteries: FDJ
Retail horse-race betting: PMU

Not allowed online

Slots
Roulette, blackjack and casino games
eSports betting

Direct access

What do you need to check?

Choose a goal and go straight to the relevant evidence, explanation or support resource.

AI illustration: Comparing a screen with a reference document

A site or operator

Break down the domain, then check the entity and products in the official source.

Follow the seven checks

AI illustration: Atlas, globe and folders on a reading table

The law in a country

Identify the competent authority, register and locally authorised game categories.

Compare 19 jurisdictions

AI illustration: Cards, dice and tokens for studying game rules

A rule or probability

Understand play, payments, house edge and variance before making a decision.

Read the detailed rules

A limit or support

Recognise warning signs and access French protection and support services.

Find suitable support

unibet.fr · zeturf.fr

Fdj Online Betting and Gaming France

Sports bettingHorse racingPoker

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Culture and travel

Three destinations, three atmospheres

Documentary photographs with author and licence. The guides help prepare a visit independent of gambling.

All destinations

Steve Hedin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and converted to WebP.

Monaco

Monaco: architecture, gardens and planning a visit

The Monte Carlo Casino is an architectural landmark. Exploring Monaco can centre on gardens and neighbourhoods without including gambling.

Read the guide

Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and converted to WebP.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas: choosing between the Strip and Downtown

Separating the Strip from Downtown helps build a coherent stay. The Arts District provides an alternative to gaming rooms.

Read the guide

Kamel15 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and converted to WebP.

Deauville

Deauville: Les Planches, the coast and heritage

Normandy Tourism documents Les Planches as a Deauville landmark. A coastal walk can be the main outing, with a confirmed visit added.

Read the guide

Frequently asked questions

The essentials, without promotional language

Short answers that distinguish authorisation, licensing, game rules and safety.

Are all online casinos illegal in France?

Yes. Online slots, roulette, blackjack and other online casino games are not authorised on the French market. An authorised land-based casino cannot automatically offer its games online.

Which gambling products are legal online in France?

Sports betting, horse-race betting and poker may be offered by operators licensed by the ANJ for the relevant category. Lotteries operate under exclusive rights granted to FDJ.

How can I check whether a gambling site is legal?

Use the official ANJ register and match the exact domain, legal entity and product offered. A logo, advertisement or foreign licence does not replace this check.

Does a foreign licence authorise a site in France?

No. A foreign licence applies only within the scope set by the issuing authority. An offer targeting players in France must comply with French law and hold an ANJ licence where required.

Where can someone get help to stop or limit gambling?

Joueurs Info Service can be reached on +33 9 74 75 13 13. Voluntary gambling exclusion is available through the ANJ and lasts at least three years. In an immediate emergency in France, call 15 or 112.

Check the complete chain

A familiar brand or foreign licence is not enough. Confirm the exact legal entity, domain, product, licence status and the law applicable to the player’s location.

Understand the mathematics

House edge, margin, RTP and variance describe long-term structures. They cannot predict an individual session and never create a guaranteed profit.

Put safety first

Use a genuinely disposable leisure budget, set time and deposit limits in advance, and stop when gambling no longer feels optional.