Best Bookmakers in France - Ranked for 2025
Accepting players from United States
with a Good reputation 
France's deep-rooted passion for sports is evident in the thousands of daily bets placed on top sports like football, tennis, and horse racing. With a rich history of sporting success, it's no wonder that French online betting sites are so popular.
If you're wondering how to choose the best bookmakers, we've got you covered. Our team has done the research and reviewed the options, and now we're ready to reveal the top French sports betting sites. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or just looking to try your luck, we've got you covered.
| Country | France |
| Language | French |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Popular Sports | Football, horse racing, cycling, basketball, tennis, rugby |
| Is betting legal | Yes |
| Regulator | Autorité de régulation des jeux en ligne (ANJ) |
| Gambling taxes | 12% on winnings over €1,500 |
| Payment methods | VISA, Mastercard, PayPal, Paysafecard, NETELLER, Skrill, Payz (formerly ecoPayz) |
1. The Evolution of Online Gambling in France
French betting companies have a rich history that predates known records. The country is responsible for many of the most popular forms of betting we use and enjoy today, including the casino table game roulette and the sports betting type parimutuel. Both are available online, in betting offices, and at major casinos. Not many nations have had quite as big an impact on the industry as the French.
Gambling on sports like football, tennis, and boxing was once banned in France as they were seen as a risk to the country’s love of betting on horse racing. All that changed when sports gambling was legalized and those over the age of 18 were permitted to bet in 1987.
The French gambling sector shares certain similarities to the United Kingdom’s, though, as always, online betting abroad will always present a few key differences. France is no exception, with a rather strict online gambling policy.
Regardless of this fact, the French gambling industry has still found a way to grow. From statistics taken between January and June 2022, gambling revenue in France reached €5.26 billion (£4.66 billion), while online gambling revenue hit €1.07 billion (£948 million).
Online sports betting fell by 11.8% from 2022, but this is mainly due to an increase in revenue from Euro 2020 betting. The second part of the year included the 2022 World Cup during which France made it all the way to the final, meaning the annual revenue will definitely recover and likely reach a record high.
5 interesting facts about online betting in France:
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2. Legalization of Sports Betting in France
The French Gambling Act marked a pivotal moment in the regulation of online gambling in France. Enacted on May 13, 2010, this legislation was the first to provide a legal framework for the online gambling sector, offering a more competitive environment. It welcomed foreign online operators to seek local licenses, thereby broadening the market.
An essential component of this legal transformation was the establishment of an official regulatory body, the Autorité de régulation des jeux en ligne (ARJEL).
The French Gambling Act carefully delineated the categories of online gambling that were deemed legal, which encompassed just three activities: sports betting, horse racing betting, and poker games. This restriction was a deliberate measure to maintain control over the industry and mitigate potential risks.
In 2010, sports betting and horse racing betting were under the exclusive control of the state-owned monopoly operators, Française des Jeux (FDJ) and Pari mutuel urbain (PMU). These entities were granted permission by the state to provide their services online as early as 2001.
While they still operate today, they no longer hold a monopoly in the French online betting landscape. Nevertheless, they continue to monopolize the operation of land-based betting shops throughout the country, maintaining a significant presence in the offline betting sector.
The legalization of sports betting in France, in conjunction with the regulation of other gambling activities, represents a significant step in adapting to the evolving landscape of online betting and ensuring responsible gaming practices in the country.
2.1. Betting in France: Recent Transformations
France's sports betting scene underwent significant changes as of October 2019. The emergence of the Autorite Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) marked a pivotal shift, replacing ARJEL. Here are the key developments:
- FDJ Privatization: France's state-owned Française des Jeux (FDJ) became a privately owned entity, altering the gambling landscape.
- Empowered ANJ: ANJ gained broader regulatory authority, overseeing not just online gambling but also land-based casinos, horse racing parlors, and lotteries.
- Player Safety Focus: ANJ formalized efforts against money laundering and enhanced player protection under the Internal Security Code.
- Taxation Basis Shift: Operators' tax burden now depends on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), reaching up to 55.2% for online bookmakers.
2.2. Licensed French Betting Sites
Presently, there are 17 licensed French sports betting sites catering to local enthusiasts. However, this relatively limited pool of licensees is primarily attributed to the new tax system imposed on online operators.
These operators face a substantial tax burden, with a tax rate of 33.8% on their GGR, along with an additional 10.7% for social security contributions. A further 10.7% is directed towards the National Centre for the Development of Sport, leading to an imposing total of 55.2% in taxes.
2.3. Unlicensed Bookmakers in France
The scarcity of licensed online betting sites under ANJ's purview has given rise to numerous unlicensed bookmakers operating within the French market. As a result of these stringent regulations, the number of licensed French betting sites is currently under 20, rendering the online betting market in France significantly smaller than that of the United Kingdom.
Additionally, this led to the departure of major betting industry players such as bet365 and William Hill from the French gambling market in 2010.
But some other unlicensed operators persist despite the risk of potential fines. Accessing these bookmakers is typically straightforward; they offer .com websites directly, and if blocked, they remain accessible through mirror websites or via the use of VPNs.
6 Main Things to Know:
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3. Popular Payment Methods for French Bettors
Licensed French online betting sites offer a range of convenient payment methods to cater to the diverse preferences of punters. These options include debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfers, PayPal, Paysafecard, NETELLER, Skrill, and Payz (formerly ecoPayz).
While NETELLER may impose a processing fee ranging from 2-4%, it's worth noting that all the other payment methods come with no additional charges. Moreover, for the convenience of bettors, the euro is the widely accepted currency for wagering on these French sports betting sites.
Here's a table outlining popular payment methods for French bettors:
| Payment Method | Deposit Speed | Withdrawal Speed | Transaction Fees |
| VISA | Instant | 1-5 business days | No Fee |
| Mastercard | Instant | 1-5 business days | No Fee |
| PayPal | Instant | Instant to 24 hours | No Fee |
| Paysafecard | Instant | Not Available | No Fee |
| NETELLER | Instant | Instant to 24 hours | 2-4% processing fee |
| Skrill | Instant | Instant to 24 hours | No Fee |
| Payz | Instant | Instant to 24 hours | No Fee |
Note: The deposit and withdrawal speeds, as well as transaction fees, can vary depending on the specific betting site you use. It's advisable to check with the chosen platform for precise details.
In the heart of France's rich sports tradition, the popularity of French betting sites continues to soar. With a legacy of sports excellence and a broad range of betting options, these platforms provide an exceptional betting experience. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a newcomer, we've got the top French bookmakers covered. Explore the passion and excitement of French sports betting today!
