On November 6, 2025, Casinos de France, the main trade group representing the nation’s land-based casino sector, strongly encouraged the French government to reject any proposals that would legalize online casinos. The organization cautioned that such a move could lead to a net annual loss of approximately €546 million in public finances and jeopardize thousands of jobs across the country.
The association openly challenged claims made by the online gambling lobby group AFJEL, which alleged that France loses up to €1.2 billion each year to illegal iGaming operators. They dismissed this figure as a “hoax.” Grégory Rabuel, president of Casinos de France and CEO of the Barrière Group, asserted that legalizing online casinos would inflict harm on local economies rather than provide any tangible benefits. Legalization, he argued, would result in the destruction of local jobs, reduction of municipal budgets, and adverse impacts on cultural life in towns and villages. Moreover, the public health costs associated with gambling would likely increase, he warned.
Casinos de France highlighted the potential economic and social fallout of authorizing iGaming, predicting widespread job losses, the closure of smaller establishments, and a decrease in tax and social security revenues. Presently, the land-based casino industry in France encompasses 203 casinos and seven gaming clubs in Paris, providing employment for over 31,000 individuals. The sector generates €1.6 billion annually in taxes and social contributions while contributing more than €600 million to local municipalities. According to the association, the legalization of online casinos would significantly destabilize this ecosystem by drawing current players to the online realm rather than expanding the total market. “When digital takes hold, it captures existing customers without expanding the market,” the group explained, adding that this shift frequently fosters illegal activity rather than eradicating it.
Drawing lessons from other markets, Casinos de France acknowledged that many European countries have already integrated regulated online casino markets. However, they pointed to negative outcomes in certain regions. In Sweden, the closure of Svenska Spel’s final Casino Cosmopol venue in April 2024 marked the cessation of all land-based casinos. Despite this, nearly 40% of gambling in Sweden still occurs on unlicensed websites. Similarly, Switzerland continues to struggle with illegal “mirror” sites that reappear even after regulatory efforts to block them. These cases, the association argued, demonstrate how legalization has failed to eliminate black-market gambling, resulting in decreased tax income, fewer jobs, and heightened addiction risks.
Casinos de France defended the land-based casinos as offering a more secure and socially responsible gambling model. Physical casinos were described as “social, humane, and profoundly responsible” settings where operators have direct oversight over player safety and responsible gaming practices. Unlike the online sector, land-based casinos screen every player before entry, exclude minors, and have trained staff to identify risky behavior. This system allows for real-time supervision and intervention, providing a level of protection that online gambling platforms cannot match.
In summary, the trade body contended that the legalization of online casinos would undermine the social and economic fabric of France’s gaming industry while yielding minimal benefits to public finances or player safety. They maintained that preserving the integrity of the existing land-based casino framework is crucial for safeguarding jobs and ensuring responsible gambling practices.
While the argument from Casinos de France focuses heavily on the potential negatives, there is another perspective to consider. Advocates for online gambling legalization argue that regulated online casinos could generate significant revenue for the state through licensing fees and taxes. They suggest that a well-regulated market would provide better protection for consumers, as it could enforce standards and prevent illegal operators from thriving. Proponents claim that the transition to digital platforms is inevitable and that embracing it could lead to innovation and growth within the gaming industry.
They argue that rather than detracting from land-based casinos, online options could complement them, offering players more diverse and flexible choices. The key, they say, lies in creating a robust regulatory framework that ensures fair play, safeguards against addiction, and channels revenue to public coffers. By doing so, France could potentially curtail the black market and redirect funds to more productive avenues.
As the debate continues, the future of France’s gaming industry hangs in the balance, with both sides presenting compelling arguments. The ultimate decision will weigh heavily on the economic, social, and cultural implications for the nation. The discourse around online gambling legalization remains a contentious issue, with stakeholders across the spectrum keenly invested in the outcome.
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