France’s gambling sector had a strong year in 2024, pulling in €14 billion ($15.9 billion) in gross gaming revenue. Online activity and a packed sports schedule played a key role in that increase. The country now stands as the fourth-largest gambling market in Europe, according to the latest report from the national regulator, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ).
Good to know
- Online sports betting added €1.8 billion, rising 19% year-on-year.
- Active player accounts hit 5.7 million, up 11% from 2023.
- A new 15% advertising tax for online betting firms begins in July 2025.
Online sports betting was the biggest contributor to growth. Revenue in that category reached €1.8 billion ($2 billion), which made up 43% of the total increase. Major events like UEFA Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics attracted more bets across multiple sports. Football, tennis, basketball, and rugby led the way, accounting for nearly 88% of online stakes. At the same time, smaller sports like volleyball, ice hockey, and cycling saw betting activity rise by 31% in total.
The entire online segment pulled in €2.6 billion ($2.95 billion) in gross revenue, which means it now accounts for almost 19% of the total gambling market in France. That marks a 12% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the number of active player accounts reached 5.7 million, up 11% year-on-year. Unique players also increased to 3.9 million, reversing a two-year drop. Poker and horse betting saw moderate gains in account numbers, with poker up 11% and horse racing up 4%.
Younger Players and Women Drive Demographic Change
A key shift took place in who is participating. Players aged 18 to 24 now represent 30% of sports bettors. Female participation is also increasing. The number of women placing sports bets rose to 500,000, a 14.5% jump. Most of these players fall within the 25 to 34 age bracket. According to ANJ, higher visibility of women’s competitions may be a factor behind this shift.
FDJ United crossed €7 billion ($7.95 billion) in gross revenue for the first time, with a 5% rise in lottery sales helping it reach that level. On the other hand, horse racing monopoly PMU posted a 2% drop in revenue, though its player base expanded to 3.5 million—the highest total since before the pandemic.
Despite the 2024 performance, the outlook for 2025 carries some risks. There are no large international sporting events planned, and operators are preparing for tighter budgets. Marketing spend is projected to reach €695 million ($789 million), a rise of 11%, which has raised concerns around excessive cross-selling and the possibility of problem gambling.
To manage these concerns, France is introducing a 15% tax on commercial advertising by online betting firms starting 1 July 2025. The policy is part of the Social Security Financing Bill. Companies such as FDJ United and Banijay Group, which owns Betclic, have already expressed concern. Banijay expects a €20 million ($22.71 million) hit to profits and may challenge the new rule on grounds of competitiveness.
Meanwhile, France is also preparing to test a new regulated system for monetizable digital objects, known as JONUM, in September 2025. The trial reflects increasing interest in blockchain-based features within the gambling and gaming space.
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