France’s gambling sector achieved unprecedented growth in 2024, reaching a new peak with €14 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR)—a 4.7% increase compared to the previous year. This surge was largely attributed to a boom in online sports betting, which was significantly bolstered by the country hosting the Euro football championship and the Paris Olympic Games.
Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, President of the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), remarked on the industry’s accelerated momentum: “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.”
Online Gambling and Player Demographics Drive Market Forward
Online gambling stood out as a primary driver of the sector's success, with revenues reaching €2.6 billion—marking a 12% rise year-over-year. Online sports betting alone was responsible for €1.8 billion, increasing by 19% and contributing to 43% of the gambling sector’s overall growth. This segment now makes up more than 12% of France’s total gambling revenue.
The number of active online player accounts climbed to 5.7 million—an 11% rise—while the number of unique players grew 8% to 3.9 million. The demographic shift was notable: nearly one-third of online sports bettors are between the ages of 18 and 24, and the gender balance among players continues to even out.
Despite the overall success, not all online verticals flourished. Online poker dipped by 2% following several years of steady gains, while horse racing betting experienced a modest 1% uptick.
Intense Marketing and Dominance of Major Sports
The rise in online gambling activity was not solely the result of sporting events. Operators adopted increasingly aggressive commercial strategies—significantly expanding their advertising expenditures, offering lucrative promotions, and leveraging cross-selling techniques to engage users across multiple platforms. These tactics have prompted concern from regulators.
According to the ANJ, football, tennis, basketball, and rugby alone accounted for 87.5% of online betting stakes. Specifically, wagers totaled €5.63 billion for football, €2.27 billion for tennis, €914 million for basketball, and €186 million for rugby. Lesser-known sports such as cycling, handball, volleyball, and ice hockey also saw sharp increases, with a combined growth rate of 31%.
Falque-Pierrotin emphasized the need for moderation: “Against this backdrop, the regulator stresses two major challenges: the need to reorient the sector’s business model towards less intensive gambling that is less focused on high-risk players; and the need to mobilise all stakeholders to change the representations associated with gambling, which have led to it becoming commonplace in French society.”
Market Leaders and Sector Stability
FDJ United retained its leading position in the French market, generating more than €7 billion in GGR—a 6% increase. The lottery segment played a crucial role in this growth, contributing €5.8 billion, up 5% from the previous year.
The PMU, which holds a monopoly on horse race betting, reported €1.7 billion in GGR—a 2% decline—but its customer base expanded by 6%, reaching 3.5 million and returning to pre-pandemic levels. Although its share of the overall gambling revenue fell to 12%, surpassed by online sports betting for the first time, the PMU maintained net income at €837 million, sustaining its support for the French horse racing sector.
Meanwhile, land-based casinos generated €2.7 billion in GGR, marking a slight increase of 1.2%, and welcomed around 31 million visitors throughout the year. Gaming clubs fared less well, with revenues slipping to €123 million. Online casinos remain prohibited under French law.
Regulatory Outlook and 2025 Forecast
Looking ahead, the ANJ anticipates challenges as 2025 unfolds without the benefit of major international sporting events. Marketing spend remains high, with promotional budgets already up by 11% early in the year. However, a new 15% tax on gambling-related advertising is set to take effect on July 1, which may reduce promotional pressure in the latter half of the year.
In addition, France is preparing to trial a new digital market segment involving games with monetizable digital items, known as JONUM, beginning in September. This pilot program, introduced under the SREN law of May 2024, will be carefully supervised by the ANJ to ensure it stays distinct from regulated gambling activities.
The regulator continues to advocate for a shift in public perception around gambling and a more sustainable industry model. As Falque-Pierrotin noted, evolving the narrative and encouraging responsible play remain top priorities for the French gambling landscape in the years ahead.
Source:
Record-Breaking Year for French Gambling Industry in 2024 Fueled by Sports Betting Boom, europeangaming.eu, May 13, 2025.
MilicaLCB
1 month ago
Moderator
It's impressive to see how French gambling has hit the €14 billion mark in 2024! The boost from the Euro football championship and Paris Olympics really shows how big events can drive market growth.
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