Gambling Age In France

Minimum Age: 18

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In France, the minimum legal age for gambling is 18. This applies to casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and online platforms, as regulated by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), protecting minors from addiction and financial risks.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is regulated, with over 200 casinos in Paris, Nice, and Cannes, plus betting shops and lottery outlets. Casinos offer poker and slots, requiring ID checks to enforce the 18-year-old age limit. FDJ holds a lottery monopoly.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is legal for sports betting, horse racing, and poker, regulated by the ANJ. Online casino games are prohibited. Unlicensed offshore sites are blocked, and players using them face legal risks outside France’s framework.

Regulation and Oversight: The ANJ regulates gambling under the Gambling Act of 2010, overseeing licensing and compliance. FDJ and PMU hold monopolies on lotteries and horse betting, with private operators licensed for other sectors, ensuring consumer protection and fair play.

Enforcement and Penalties: Operators face inspections to ensure age compliance. Violations, like underage gambling, lead to fines, license revocation, or criminal charges. Illegal sites are blocked, and players engaging in underage or unlicensed gambling may face fines, ensuring a safe environment.