ANJ reports steady growth in France’s regulated gambling market in 2025

(AsiaGameHub) –   France’s regulated gambling market grew by 3% in 2025, achieving a total gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €14.1 billion ($16.6 billion), as detailed in the recent annual market review by the French gambling regulator l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ). 

Announced on Thursday, this growth was largely propelled by online wagering, the national lottery, and a recovery in casino activities.

The 3% rise in GGR, climbing from €13.7 billion in 2024, positions France’s gambling market growth similarly to other major European markets. It is slightly behind the UK’s 4.3% growth but exceeds Italy’s 1.9% increase.

Online gambling displayed strong momentum, with GGR from competitive online gambling soaring 8.5% to €2.617 billion. This segment now makes up 18.5% of the total market, an increase from 16.4% in 2023. The online sector includes three primary segments—sports betting, horse racing betting, and poker—all of which saw revenue gains.

This expansion occurs as France widens its regulatory reach to include new digital formats. 

The recently activated Jeux à Objets Numériques Monétisables (JONUM) framework brings oversight to monetizable digital games that feature gambling-like mechanics, such as tradeable in-game items. Although not officially classified as gambling, these products are now under specific regulation. 

Player engagement also saw an uptick. Unique online players increased by 7.5% to 4.2 million, while active player accounts grew by 7.1% to 6.1 million. 

Significantly, multi-activity players—those participating in multiple segments—jumped by 25%, indicating a shift in user behavior towards diversification.

Sector performance

The sports betting sector spearheaded online growth with a GGR of €1.766 billion, reflecting a 10.4% increase. Stakes rose by 12% to €11.517 billion. Sports betting now accounts for roughly 68% of online GGR, an increase of six percentage points over two years.

Football and tennis were the main drivers, contributing 49% and 30% to the rise in stakes, respectively.

Active sports betting accounts hit 5.3 million (+7.9%), with unique sports bettors numbering 3.6 million (+8.6%).

Horse racing GGR grew by 2.4% to €326 million. Active accounts and unique players increased by 8.1% and 8.4% to 718,000 and 604,000, respectively. 

Poker revenue climbed 6.5% to €525 million, driven completely by tournament play. The poker player base expanded significantly, with active accounts up 16.5% to 2.5 million and unique players rising 15.1% to 1.9 million. 

FDJ United, the operator of the state lottery and retail sports betting monopoly, recorded a GGR of €6.95 billion (+2.8%), representing nearly half (49.2%) of the total market. 

The French lottery was a key growth factor, while European online operations (especially in the UK and the Netherlands) dropped by 8%.

Casinos reported a 3.4% rise in GGR to €2.816 billion, with admissions increasing 2% to 31.6 million visits. Slot machines continued to dominate, contributing about 82% of casino GGR, while traditional table games and poker/blackjack segments remained flat. Groups controlled approximately 93% of casino revenues.

Future outlook

Globally, France ranks seventh worldwide and third in Europe in terms of GGR, following Italy and the UK. 

Despite this progress, the ANJ has cautioned that more work is needed to cut problem gambling rates by 2027, according to a review by the regulator.

It raised concerns that higher participation, especially online, could increase exposure to gambling-related harm. 

The French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction estimated in 2024 that about 1.17 million people in France show problematic gambling behavior, with around 360,000 considered excessive players. 

The regulator stressed the necessity for operators to bolster player protection measures, including better tracking of risky behavior and more effective intervention tools. 

The regulator noted several key factors to monitor in 2026, such as the full-year impact of new fiscal policies and the effect of major sporting events, particularly the 2026 Fifa World Cup, on betting volumes.

“2026 is set to be a pivotal year for the entire gambling market. Whether it involves consolidating acquisitions, rapidly reversing a growing decline, or facing heightened competition on the eve of the Fifa World Cup, all indicators are flashing red for the regulator,” remarked Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the ANJ.

“In this tense climate, worsened by the appearance of new betting forms, it is crucial to continue the expected move towards a less intensive gambling model and to suggest changes to the current regulatory framework to lower the perceived risk of gambling.”