CURRENT EDITIONEU guide · Local rules & licensing
France: why online casino bonuses are not a legal offer
Online roulette, blackjack and slot websites are prohibited in France. ANJ distinguishes these games from authorised online betting and poker. A French translation, euro account or foreign licence does not change the distinction. There is consequently no ANJ-approved online casino bonus to recommend.
- National permission matters more than international branding.
- Check the company, domain and game category together.
- Promotions never override local law or protective measures.
The local distinction that matters
A company may have permission for poker without permission for online casino games. Check the product as well as the domain. If a promotion promises French players casino spins, stop at the legality question: no wagering calculation repairs the lack of authorisation. Do not send identity documents merely because support says an international licence is sufficient.
Protection and practical limits
ANJ provides information on reporting illegal gambling. Joueurs Info Service supports players and people close to them. Reporting an unlawful site and seeking help with gambling harm have different purposes; neither guarantees recovery of money.
Why a betting permission cannot answer a casino question
Consider a French sports-betting site whose company is also associated with casino products overseas. The French permission applies to the authorised French activity; it does not import the overseas casino portfolio. A review that lists that company as licensed and then attaches a slot reward has skipped the decisive product distinction. Keep the category in every sentence describing permission, rather than reducing the conclusion to the company is regulated.
How to respond to an international-licence claim
Ask whether the claim actually identifies French authorisation for roulette, blackjack or slots. ANJ’s position means a foreign seal cannot supply that missing permission. An illegal-site blocklist is also not a complete catalogue: absence does not undo the prohibition. If an account is already involved, retain evidence without making a further deposit. The useful next steps concern reporting, payment records and support, not searching for a better wagering multiplier on another prohibited casino page.
Common questions
Can an overseas licence legalise French online casino games?
No. ANJ identifies these games as prohibited despite foreign licensing claims.
Does France prohibit all online gambling?
No. Authorised online betting and poker exist; that does not authorise online slots or roulette.
Sources & further reading
Read the source alongside the explanation. Rules and published terms can change; check the current official position where you live.
How we research and maintain guides →