France Proposes Online Casino Legalisation to Cut Budget Deficit
The French government, led by Prime Minister Michel Bernier, has introduced a measure to legalise online casino gaming as part of its 2025 budget strategy. Currently, online poker and sports betting are allowed, but casino games remain restricted. The proposal seeks to close the gap with neighbouring EU nations and generate significant new tax revenue.
Supporters of the initiative argue that implementing a 55.6% effective tax on gross online casino revenue could yield hundreds of millions of euros annually. These funds would bolster social security budgets and help reduce France’s deficit, which currently exceeds 6%. Critics, however, warn that expanding iGaming might fuel problem gambling and argue that high taxation could push players towards unregulated offshore sites.
France’s large existing land-based casino and betting infrastructure—including over 200 casinos and 235 racecourse venues—offers a robust foundation for rolling out regulated online gaming. Industry analysts believe the move, if approved, could disrupt illicit operators while establishing France as a flagship regulated market in Europe.
Insiders suggest that negotiating careful consumer protection provisions—such as mandatory loss limits and player verification—will be essential to balance fiscal gains with social responsibility in the roll-out.
