France: H1 2025 Market Analysis
The French gambling regulator ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux) reported continued market growth in the first half of 2025. The online segment reached a new all-time high, although increasing tax pressure may slow further expansion.
General Indicators
Notably, growth was recorded across all sports despite the absence of major international tournaments.
Betting Structure by Sport
Declining Segments
Most online activity comes from players aged 18−34, who prefer mobile betting and innovative formats. Poker and horse racing attract an older audience, explaining their slower growth.
New Growth Drivers
In October 2024, FDJ United (a state-backed operator) completed the acquisition of international iGaming company Kindred Group, integrating its brands and online assets.
This merger became a major growth catalyst for both the operator and the market overall: in H1 2025, FDJ United reported € 700 million in online revenue — a +458% YoY increase.
Tighter regulatory and tax conditions partially give FDJ a competitive advantage due to state support.
Key Takeaways
General Indicators
- € 5.7 billion — Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
- +3.7% — growth compared to H1 2024
- 4.7 million — active players
- +9% — annual increase in the number of players
- € 1.4 billion — online gambling revenue
- +6% — annual growth of online casinos
- 69% — share of online betting in GGR
- € 6 billion — total betting volume
- +15% — year-on-year increase in bets
- € 960 million — betting sector revenue
Notably, growth was recorded across all sports despite the absence of major international tournaments.
Betting Structure by Sport
- 52% (-4 p.p. YoY) — football
- 26% (+8 p.p. YoY, +22% in betting volume) — tennis
- 9% (0 p.p. YoY) — basketball
- 2% (0 p.p. YoY) — rugby
- 11% (0 p.p. YoY) — other sports
Declining Segments
- Poker: € 246 million GGR (-4% YoY)
- Horse racing: € 174 million GGR (+1% YoY, stagnation compared to previous growth)
Most online activity comes from players aged 18−34, who prefer mobile betting and innovative formats. Poker and horse racing attract an older audience, explaining their slower growth.
New Growth Drivers
In October 2024, FDJ United (a state-backed operator) completed the acquisition of international iGaming company Kindred Group, integrating its brands and online assets.
This merger became a major growth catalyst for both the operator and the market overall: in H1 2025, FDJ United reported € 700 million in online revenue — a +458% YoY increase.
Tighter regulatory and tax conditions partially give FDJ a competitive advantage due to state support.
Key Takeaways
- The online share of GGR continues to grow, confirming the shift from offline to digital channels.
- Sports betting remains the market’s main growth driver.
- Declining segments (poker, horse racing) need new strategies to revive growth.
- Major acquisitions can significantly alter competitive dynamics.
- Rising tax pressure may slow the legal market’s expansion and create new opportunities for offshore operators.