The Association Française du Jeu en Ligne (AFJEL) has once again pushed for the regulation of online casinos in France, a move that has sparked significant opposition from Casinos de France (CdF). The ongoing dispute between the online and land-based gambling industries in France has intensified following AFJEL’s annual meeting in Paris, where industry leaders highlighted the urgent need to tackle the proliferation of illegal gambling activities.
Nicolas Béraud, President of AFJEL and Chairman of Banijay Gaming after Betclic’s acquisition of Tipico, emphasized the necessity for a robust regulatory framework that supports legitimate operators while targeting the illegal market. A recent AFJEL study revealed a 35% increase in French consumers using unlicensed gambling sites over the last two years, amounting to 5.4 million players, with the majority engaging in online casino games and a notable rise in esports betting.
Béraud argued that the most effective strategy to combat illegal gambling is to empower licensed operators with the flexibility needed to remain competitive. He was also critical of France’s new 15% levy on operators’ marketing and media spending, which came into effect in July, warning that it could deter essential sports sponsorships. He expressed frustration over the inconsistency, noting how sports organizations are urged to seek private funding to offset public funding cuts, only to have potential sponsors taxed for their support. Why, he pondered, should online gaming companies alone bear this burden, while other sectors like airlines and supermarkets are exempt?
On the opposing side, Casinos de France staunchly rejected AFJEL’s forecast that regulating online casinos could generate an additional €1.2 billion in annual tax revenue. Instead, CdF argued that legalization would negatively impact regional economies, reduce local tax revenue, and lead to significant job losses. The organization claimed that introducing online casino regulations could result in the closure of numerous establishments, a reduction in local government resources, and weakened social and economic relationships.
Grégory Rabuel, CdF President and CEO of Groupe Barrière, dismissed AFJEL’s projections as an illusion, arguing that the supposed financial benefits were nonexistent. He warned of the potential repercussions, including job destruction, diminished municipal budgets, and a decline in cultural life within communities, alongside the mental health costs that could burden Social Security with hundreds of millions in additional expenses.
In response to these criticisms, AFJEL spokesperson Isabelle Djian-Lignon noted that their figures might even be conservative, given that more players are currently active in the illegal market compared to the legal one, describing the situation as endemic. This debate reflects a broader division in French gaming policy. AFJEL advocates for modernization and a balanced tax strategy to transition players from illegal to licensed markets. Meanwhile, CdF cautions that rapid liberalization could devastate traditional casinos that play a crucial role in local tourism and employment.
During AFJEL’s meeting, several speakers also called for greater EU-wide collaboration to establish consistent regulations, harmonize taxation, and ensure competitive conditions for legal operators. As the debate continues, the French government faces the challenging task of modernizing its gambling laws without compromising one of Europe’s most established and visible casino networks. The outcome of this regulatory clash could have significant implications for the future of both online and land-based gaming sectors in France.
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