The proposal, introduced as part of the 2025 draft budget, was discussed in the National Assembly on Monday. If approved, online casinos will face a 55.6% tax on their turnover.
France Considers Legalizing Online Casinos to Tackle Budget Deficit France Considers Legalizing Online Casinos to Tackle Budget DeficitThe French government believes legalizing online casinos could curb illegal operations based in tax havens, potentially reducing public health risks for gambling addicts.
However, the proposed legislation is raising concerns among land-based casino operators. Grégory Rabuel, president of the Casinos de France union said:
France Considers Legalizing Online Casinos to Tackle Budget DeficitIf the online casino market were to open up one day in France, it would have to be done exclusively with the help of physical casinos. It is a question of responsibility, security and the defence of local areas.”
ANJ spokesperson Elsa Trochet-Macé acknowledged the challenges, stating:
“This is a complex question insofar as the online casino offer is particularly addictive. Nor is it certain that the opening of this new offer will automatically dry up the illegal offer. Finally, we must be careful not to weaken our network of more than 200 land-based casinos.”
The latest gambling statistics for France show that the casino industry generated €2.7 billion in revenues across 2023, an 8.1% increase from the previous year.
The Budget Deficit Crisis
France’s public deficit reached 5.5% of GDP last year, surpassing EU targets. Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin indicated the deficit could exceed 6% this year. With declining tax revenues, the government is seeking new income sources, including from the regulated online casino market.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.