In the first half of 2025, France’s gambling market reported significant growth, driven in large part by sports betting and FDJ United according to the national regulator, ANJ. The French gambling industry has achieved a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €5.7 billion, marking a 3.5% increase from the same period in 2024. Online gambling alone contributed €1.4 billion, up 6% year-on-year, indicating the rising significance of digital platforms.
Sports betting continues to be the linchpin of this expansion, constituting 69% of the online GGR. The stakes in sports betting soared by 15% to nearly €6 billion, underscoring the persistent enthusiasm for betting on prominent events. Football and tennis, with their high-profile tournaments and global appeal, were the primary contributors to this growth. Retail betting also nudged upwards by 4.4%, buoyed by high jackpots in games like Euromillions, which maintained strong public interest through extensive rollover cycles.
However, not all sectors of the gambling market shared in this robust growth. Online poker saw a downturn, with GGR falling by 4% to €246 million, signaling a decline in the popularity that surged in earlier years. Similarly, horse racing stakes experienced only a marginal increase of 1%, reflecting a segment that is stable but not expanding at the pace of sports betting or lotteries.
FDJ United, the state-supported operator, emerged as a standout performer. Following its acquisition of Kindred in October 2024, FDJ United’s online operations revenue skyrocketed to €700 million, a staggering 458% increase from the year before. This acquisition has significantly altered the competitive landscape, consolidating FDJ’s dominance across both retail and online sectors.
Despite this growth, ANJ has cautioned operators that the future may not be as straightforward. While the market’s current trajectories are promising, new taxation measures implemented over the summer could pose a challenge. These taxes are expected to have complex and potentially stifling effects on the industry, possibly slowing the momentum seen in recent months. Such developments are not unique to France, as gambling operators across Europe face similar fiscal pressures.
As the market continues to evolve, operators must navigate these new challenges while leveraging the opportunities presented by the thriving sports betting sector and the strategic expansions seen by entities like FDJ United. The key question remains: how will they adapt to capture growth amidst rising taxes, the deceleration in other verticals like poker, and the increasing dominance of major players? The answers to these questions will shape the future of France’s gambling industry in the coming years.
Sarah Thompson is a seasoned writer specializing in casino gaming and online gambling. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Sarah brings in-depth knowledge and a keen eye for detail to her work at CasinoNoDeposits.com. Her expertise lies in uncovering the latest no deposit bonuses and providing comprehensive reviews of online casinos. Passionate about helping players maximize their gaming experience, Sarah combines her analytical skills with a flair for engaging storytelling.
4/5
