Gambling License in France
Last Update: 18.03.2026
A Gambling License in France (ANJ) is an official authorization to operate within the gambling industry under the supervision of the national regulator, Autorité Nationale des Jeux. The license provides access to the French betting and poker market, ensuring full compliance with strict EU and French regulations.
The Gofaizen & Sherle legal team provides end-to-end support throughout the licensing process, helping clients complete all stages efficiently and in full compliance with the law.
France is among the most strictly regulated jurisdictions in Europe in the field of gambling. The national regulator, Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), only issues licenses for limited types of online gambling. This is due to government policy on player protection, anti-money laundering, and market transparency control. Unlike many other EU countries, France does not license traditional online casino games such as roulette, blackjack, or slot machines.
Both foreign and domestic operators can obtain authorization only for specific categories of activity. This approach allows the state to control the volume and quality of gambling offerings while reducing the risks of developing an illegal market.
Main types of licenses:
- Sports betting license for online bookmakers that accept bets on official sporting events in France and abroad.
- Horse racing license – a separate type of license regulating bets on national and international racetracks.
- Poker license for online platforms that offer cash games and tournaments for players located in France or under limited agreements with other EU countries.
Each license category has its own set of technical, tax, and regulatory conditions. The ANJ attaches particular importance to payment transparency, data protection, and betting control.
Obtaining a Gambling License in France (ANJ) grants legal access to the French betting and poker markets, recognized as among the most stable and well-regulated in Europe.
Quick Facts: France Crypto License
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) |
| Permitted activities | Online poker, sports betting, and horse racing betting |
| Application processing time | Up to 4 months |
| License validity period | 5 years with the possibility of renewal |
| Basic requirements | Registration in the EU or EEA, transparent ownership structure, financial stability, AML, and CTF |
| Certification | Mandatory dual certification by accredited bodies |
| Market | Over 67 million people, French-speaking audiences |
| Control | Constant supervision by the ANJ, regular inspections, and sanctions |
| Liability for violations | Fines of up to €90,000 and up to 3 years’ imprisonment, enhanced measures for organized violations |
Regulator ANJ – Autorité Nationale des Jeux
The ANJ is an independent administrative authority in France, originally established in 2010 as ARJEL and renamed ANJ on January 1, 2020. In its scope of activities, the ANJ regulates online operations, retail outlets, and racetracks under the French gambling licensing framework. Its main task is to protect players, ensure the fairness and transparency of gaming operations, and prevent fraud, money laundering, and manipulation in sports. ANJ ensures that all authorized operators comply with regulatory requirements.
The four main missions of the ANJ are:
- preventing excessive gambling and protecting minors;
- ensuring the integrity and transparency of games;
- preventing fraud and money laundering;
- promoting the balanced development of the market.
The ANJ’s structure includes a nine-member council serving six-year terms, three permanent advisory committees dealing with responsible gambling, operational control, and anti-money laundering, as well as a sanctions committee to deal with violations. In addition, the ANJ appoints a mediator to resolve disputes between consumers and licensed operators.
At the European level, the ANJ actively cooperates with other regulators. It is a member of the GREF (Gaming Regulators’ European Forum), which brings together 41 regulators from 34 European countries to exchange information and coordinate policy. The ANJ is also a member of the Copenhagen Group, an international network of national platforms for combating the manipulation of sports competitions, which includes about forty countries from all continents. In addition, the ANJ has signed cooperation agreements with regulators in Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, and works with the International Olympic Committee, the International Betting Integrity Association, and other international organizations.
The ANJ places particular emphasis on combating sports manipulation. Its chairman has the right to prohibit operators from offering bets on sporting events if there is serious evidence of manipulation. All betting data is recorded in a system that allows ANJ specialists to detect atypical bets and unusual odds. The organization is actively involved in the work of the national platform for combating sports manipulation, created in 2016.
General Requirements and Scope of Licensing for Gaming Licenses in France (ANJ)
Gambling licenses in France are issued and supervised by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), an independent administrative authority responsible for regulating online gambling, betting, and poker.
Once a complete application has been submitted, the ANJ undertakes to review it within four months under normal circumstances. The license is issued for a period of 5 years and is subject to renewal provided that the operator complies with all regulatory requirements.
Basic requirements for obtaining ANJ approval
To access the regulated gambling market in France, an operator must obtain a Gaming License in France (ANJ). When evaluating an application, the regulator not only considers the legal set of documents but also carefully examines the company’s reputation, financial stability, and technical infrastructure.
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Company registration | The company must be registered in one of the EU or EEA countries. |
| Ownership structure | All capital owners and managers must be listed in the application. |
| Reputation of management | The company’s management must have no criminal record within the past ten years. |
| Operational base | The addresses of offices and servers must be provided for regulatory inspections. |
| Gaming dossier | A separate package is prepared for each game category, describing the processes and verification system. |
| Dossier verification | If the application is incomplete, 15 days are given to correct it. |
| Operator obligations | Compliance with the cahier des charges (set of regulatory requirements) and dual certification. |
| Advertising violations | A fine of up to €100,000 for promoting illegal sites. |
Request more information about Gambling License in France (ANJ)
Penalties for working without ANJ approval
Any activity related to online gambling without the approval of the Autorité Nationale des Jeux is considered a criminal offense in France.
Illegal organization or operation of gambling activities
Article 56 of Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010, provides for up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of €90,000. If the violation is committed by an organized group, the term may be increased to seven years and the fine to €200,000.
Advertising unlicensed sites
According to Article 57 of the same law, anyone who promotes illegal gambling sites or services may be fined €100,000. In certain cases, the amount of the fine may be increased to four times the cost of advertising.
These measures are aimed at protecting the market from illegal operators and ensuring fair competition among licensed companies.
Conclusion
A Gambling License in France provides companies with access to a regulated and predictable gambling market. Having a license confirms compliance with financial stability, transparency, and security requirements. The regulator conducts a comprehensive review of the applicant’s corporate structure, technical infrastructure, and reputation. This approach creates a secure environment, strengthens player confidence, and supports fair operating rules. Violations are strictly punished, which reduces risks for legal operators.
The Gofaizen & Sherle team manages the organizational aspects of the licensing process. Documents are prepared, communication with the regulator is established, and support is provided at all stages. This allows the company to quickly enter the French market and start legal operations without unnecessary delays.
FAQ about Gambling License in France (ANJ)
What is the ANJ?
Autorité Nationale des Jeux is the national gambling regulatory authority in France. It is responsible for issuing licenses, supervising operators, and protecting the interests of players.
Which types of online gambling are legal and licensed by the ANJ in France?
Gambling License in France (ANJ) applies to sports betting, horse racing betting, and online poker. Other forms of online casinos, including roulette and slots, are not licensed.
What are the general requirements for an operator to obtain an ANJ license?
To obtain a Gambling License in France (ANJ), an operator must be registered in the EU or EEA, disclose its ownership structure, confirm its financial stability, pass a technical audit, and comply with AML and CTF standards.
Connect with our experts
Our experts will tell you how to do it as quickly and easily as possible.
By clicking the button, I confirm that I have read the privacy policy and consent to the collection and processing of my personal data in accordance with the GDPR rules.