Over 5 million players in France are using illegal gambling sites

A new report warns that this surge is fueling billions of euros in tax loss, rising cybercrime and a rise in gambling addiction. 

The fact that unlicensed operators are attracting more players than legal ones has intensified the need for enforcement and awareness. 

The data behind the black market 

The AFJEL (French Online Gaming Association) has released new data which highlights how illegal gambling in the country is now generating more revenue than the legal gambling industry. 

Here are some of the specific facts and figures: 

• €2 billion in revenue: The illegal market has generated roughly €2 billion in gross gaming revenue this year, which is a 25% spike over the last two years. 

• 3.5% growth in legal gambling: This greatly overshadows the legal gambling market, which has only seen a 3.5% increase. 

• 5.4 million at risk: An estimated 5.4 million French players have engaged in unlicensed activity in 2025. 

• 35% increase in participation: There is a 35% increase in people using illegal sites since 2023.

Alongside this new data, the AFJEL warns that advertising pressure, data security breaches, and instability are all contributing to the erosion of consumer protection. 

The social and financial cost of addiction 

The impact of this on society is both urgent and costly. The AFJEL has estimated a tax shortfall of €1.2 billion, money which would have gone towards public services. Even more alarming is the estimation that €4 billion was spent on treatment and community impact due to the rise in addiction, which we have seen elsewhere in Europe. 

An increase in cybercrime 

Players using these illegal sites have also become direct targets for criminals. 

The AFJEL found that 70% of players on unregulated sites have experienced a cyber incident: 

• Phishing 

• Data theft

• Financial fraud 

This research highlights the importance of raising awareness of illegal vs legal sites, as 82% of players are unaware of which sites are operating illegally. 

How do these sites become popular? 

The rise of illegal gambling is something that countries across Europe have been investigating, for example, the United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission. These sites use intense marketing campaigns to reach new players and hide their lack of a license. Online casinos are the primary product that drives players to illegal sites, followed by sports betting and E-sports betting. 

This strategy has changed the market so that it is driven by oversized bonuses, algorithmic promotions and constant online ads which are often pushed through influencers or social platforms. 

This strategy is clearly successful, as 90% of players have taken action after receiving unsolicited promotions. 

Further calls for regulation

France has been hesitant to regulate online casinos for decades, which has allowed the black market to flourish, and means that millions of players have been using sites without supervision or taxation. 

In response to black market gambling, AFJEL has suggested that online casinos be legalised, which would enable them to be regulated more effectively. There has also been emphasis on the need to have consistent rules across all gambling verticals. 

The President of the National Gambling Authority (ANJ) in France adds that legalisation would require a strict framework due to the addictive nature of casino slots. 

However, they are currently exploring stronger advertising and sponsorship restrictions, which are some of the biggest influences towards black market sites. If they can achieve this, it would be more security for players in France, more money for the Government and possibly influence other countries in Europe too.