Online poker is legal in France under a regulated licensing system administered by the National Gambling Authority (ANJ). The gambling framework, established by the 2010 Act on opening competition and regulation of online gambling, permits only online sports betting, horse racing, and poker, while online casino games remain prohibited (1). Operators must obtain a license from the ANJ to legally offer online poker services to French residents, and the regulator currently oversees seven licensed poker operators in the country.
To operate legally in France, poker companies must undergo a comprehensive licensing process with the ANJ, which includes detailed application procedures, technical requirements, and ongoing compliance monitoring. The ANJ ensures that all licensed operators maintain fair gaming practices, implement responsible gambling measures, and protect player interests through rigorous oversight and regular audits (2). The authority also has powers to block access to unlicensed gambling sites and pursue legal action against illegal operators.
"The ANJ regulates licensed gambling and betting games (online, at points of sale and at racecourses). It oversees the responsible gambling policy of casinos."
France maintains strict age restrictions for online poker, requiring players to be at least 18 years old, and licensed operators must implement robust age verification systems and identity checks. The regulatory framework emphasizes player protection, with mandatory responsible gambling tools, deposit limits, and self-exclusion options. While there have been ongoing discussions about potentially legalizing online casino games in the future, the current legal framework specifically limits online gambling to poker, sports betting, and horse racing under ANJ supervision.
Source:
https://anj.fr/english
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=31e2fbd8-2486-4a5b-b16c-faa2bd93ef80
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
