By legalising online casino games, the government is likely aiming to boost the country’s finances through the collection of tax revenue. The proposal includes a tax rate of 55.6% on the turnover of online casino games.
The French Government is exploring the possibility of legalising online casinos next year, aiming to expand its current online betting regulations to include casino games. Currently, France, alongside Cyprus, is one of the only EU member states that does not permit online casinos.
This proposed change is part of France’s draft budget for 2025. By legalising online casino games, the government is likely aiming to boost the country’s finances through the collection of tax revenue. The proposal includes a tax rate of 55.6% on the turnover of online casino games.
Beyond financial gains, the French Government argues that legalising online casinos would help combat illegal gambling, thereby reducing the public health risks associated with problem gambling.
In December, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) urged France to regulate online casinos, citing research that suggests black market gross gaming revenue in the country could be as high as €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) annually.
However, not everyone supports this move. Land-based casinos have voiced their opposition, expressing concerns about the potential impact on their revenue and jobs. Grégory Rabuel, President of the Casinos de France Union, shared his concerns with French media outlet Les Echos, stating: “According to our calculations, opening up online casinos to competition will lead to a drop in the gross gaming revenue of land-based casinos of around 20 to 30%, and the closure of 30% of establishments.”
The debate surrounding the potential legalisation of online casinos in France continues as the government weighs the economic benefits against the potential consequences for the land-based casino industry.