The Government is reversing its position on the legalization of online casinos

After discussions and debates regarding the legalization and regulation of online casinos in France, the government seems to have reversed its position. Indeed, the draft law proposing the regulation of this activity will not ultimately be included in the 2025 budget. As a reminder, in our previous article Why the legalization of online casinos is imminent (2024), we explored the initial motivations for this market opening. This decision marks an important turnaround and raises many questions about the future of the online gambling industry in France.

A step back for online casinos

According to Les Échos, the French government has ultimately decided to withdraw the amendment proposing the legalization of online casinos from the budget draft for 2025. This withdrawal is motivated by the pressure from certain bodies that believe that prevention and regulation measures are not yet sufficient to ensure a secure environment for players. The preservation of public health seems to have taken precedence over the economic arguments put forth by proponents of legalization.

The Parisien specifies that the government does not wish to legislate immediately, preferring to wait for additional guarantees to be provided, particularly regarding the prevention of addictive behaviors and the protection of vulnerable populations. For the moment, the amendment has therefore been withdrawn, and no specific date has been set for a new attempt at regulation.

The reasons for this turnaround

The government's reversal seems primarily motivated by concerns about public health and the prevention of addictions. Although the legalization of online casinos was presented as an opportunity to generate significant tax revenues, critics have highlighted the risks associated with a hasty market opening, without a sufficiently solid regulatory framework.

The decision to withdraw this amendment is also part of a context where the government is trying to preserve its image regarding associations fighting against addictions and protecting consumers. The Minister of Finance explained that additional studies were necessary to assess the impact of legalization on the population before progress could be made on this project.

What’s next for industry players?

For the players in the online gaming industry, this decision is a disappointment. Many hoped that legalization would provide a clear legal framework for an activity that already exists, but under often vague and unregulated conditions. This withdrawal of the amendment leaves uncertainty hanging over the future of online casinos in France and postpones the prospect of official recognition of the sector.

Foreign platforms will therefore continue to attract French players, without the state being able to reap any tax benefits or implement comprehensive protection measures. For players, this also means the absence of guarantees regarding the security and transparency of the sites on which they play.

Is legalization still possible?

Although the government has chosen to withdraw the amendment for now, it does not mean that the issue of the legalization of online casinos is entirely abandoned. According to France Info, the government could return to the charge once conditions are deemed favorable, with a stronger framework to regulate the sector.

It is therefore possible that the legalization of online casinos is simply postponed. In the meantime, the industry remains in limbo, hoping that discussions will resume in the future, with sufficient guarantees to convince all stakeholders.

Conclusion

The withdrawal of the amendment proposing the legalization of online casinos marks a standstill for the sector in France. Concerns related to addiction prevention and player safety have taken precedence over economic arguments. However, the debate is not over, and the issue of legalization could well return to the table once the regulatory framework has been strengthened.

At 8Fortuna, we remain attentive to the developments of this file and will keep you informed of the next steps. For now, the situation remains in suspense, but the opportunities for the online gaming industry in France are not extinguished.