France is poised to introduce online casino gambling legislation as part of Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s upcoming budget strategy.
France moving towards online casino regulation by 2025
Facing one of the highest public debts in the European Union, Barnier seeks to address two issues simultaneously.
On one hand, online casino games already exist in the French market, though the black market is valued at around €1.5 billion.
Legalizing and regulating online casinos would bring more control and protection for consumers, while curbing unauthorized gambling and boosting awareness for safer gaming experiences.
A licensed casino framework would also generate additional revenue for the government. Barnier is proposing a 55.6% tax on the gross gaming revenue of regulated online casinos, according to French media outlet NordLittoral Groupe.
The government sees this taxation as a strong financial incentive, especially given the pressing need to reduce the deficit.
Gambling taxes could rise further amid regulation talks
Similar discussions are taking place in the United Kingdom, where rumors of increased taxes on both land-based and online casinos persist.
While DCSM Secretary of State Lisa Nandy has downplayed these fears, a tax hike seems likely.
Not everyone is thrilled with Barnier’s proposal. The French Gaming Association’s head, Gregory Rabuel, warns that it could lead to job losses, with up to 15,000 positions and 30% of land-based properties at risk of closing.
Rabuel has criticized the potential legislation, calling it a “death sentence” for land-based gaming venues.
However, online casinos are already operating illegally, with an estimated 5% to 11% of French gambling coming from black market operators, says Autorité Nationale des Jeux President Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin.
Ultimately, France seems close to legalizing online casinos, but the final details of Barnier’s proposal remain to be determined.
