French iGaming Under Pressure: Taxes Up to 70% of GGR

Recent Senate hearings in France highlighted the scale of challenges facing the gambling sector. Operators’ total contributions — including VAT, advertising taxes, and fees — already reach 70% of gross gaming revenue. By comparison, most European countries are in the 20−35% range.

A key factor is the political vacuum following the departure of François Bayrou, one of the few government advocates for the industry. Now operators are left without direct lobbying support, and the future of online casino legalization and tax relief remains uncertain.

What This Means for the Market

• The French market risks becoming one of the most expensive for operators in Europe.
• Pressure on business models limits innovation, with companies shifting R&D to countries with lighter regulation.
• A scenario of mass operator exits is realistic — similar to recent cases in India.
• Traditional players (202 land-based casinos) are not yet ready to actively support the online sector, although they acknowledge its inevitability.

Outlook

Potential successors to Bayrou have previously worked with Michel Barnier, the author of the online casino legalization proposal. However, none have openly voiced support for the industry yet.

Today, the French gambling market faces a choice:

either maintain the current model with unbearable tax burdens, or seek a balance that ensures competitiveness and preserves jobs.