France’s gambling sector experienced a historic surge in 2024, reaching an all-time high in gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €14 billion. This represents a 4.7% increase compared to the previous year, according to a report issued by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ). The growth was primarily fueled by a significant uptick in sports betting activities, which benefited from two major international sporting events hosted in France: the Euro football championship and the Paris Olympic Games. France Gambling
Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the ANJ, emphasized the sector’s robust momentum, stating, “The French market is growing at a pace comparable to major European markets. While operators were particularly active in 2024 due to major sporting events, the first months of 2025 confirm this growth dynamic.” This suggests that the upward trajectory in gambling revenue is expected to continue into the new year.
Online gaming played a crucial role in the market’s expansion. The gross gaming revenue from online platforms increased to €2.6 billion, marking a 12% rise compared to the previous year. Online sports betting alone contributed €1.8 billion, reflecting a 19% growth and nearly half of the overall market expansion. The number of active online player accounts also grew, reaching 5.7 million—a rise of 11%. The demographic landscape is shifting as well, with 30% of bettors now aged between 18 and 24, and an increasing number of female players participating.
However, not all segments experienced growth. Online poker saw a slight decline of 2%, whereas horse racing betting grew modestly by 1%. The increase in online betting activity has been partly attributed to more aggressive marketing strategies. The ANJ highlighted a rise in advertising budgets, promotional offers, and cross-selling efforts that have encouraged more intensive gambling behaviors. Sports like football, tennis, basketball, and rugby dominated the online betting landscape, accounting for 87.5% of all online sports bets.
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Despite these positive trends, regulators remain cautious. Falque-Pierrotin underscored the importance of steering the industry toward sustainability, calling for “less intensive gambling practices” and efforts to reduce the risks for high-risk players. She also emphasized the need for a cultural shift in how gambling is perceived within French society.
In terms of market leadership, FDJ United continued to hold a dominant position, capturing nearly half of the market share. Its gross profit exceeded €7 billion for the first time, increasing by 6%, with the lottery division contributing €5.8 billion. Meanwhile, the PMU experienced a slight 2% decline in gross profit but managed a 6% increase in its player base, reaching 3.5 million—returning to pre-pandemic levels. Land-based casinos demonstrated relative stability, generating €2.7 billion in gross profit, a 1.2% rise, and attracting 31 million visitors. Conversely, gaming clubs faced a downturn, posting gross profits of €123 million. It is worth noting that online casinos remain illegal in France at present.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the ANJ warns of potential risks associated with gambling overexposure, especially since no major sporting events are expected to take place. A new tax on gambling advertising will come into effect on July 1, and a pilot program for monetizable digital object games (JONUM) is scheduled to begin in September. The regulator is advocating for a collective effort to reshape the narrative surrounding gambling in France, encouraging more responsible and moderate gaming practices to promote a healthier industry. France Gambling
