France's Prime Minister Michel Barnier's administration is moving to legalize online casinos as part of the 2025 budget amendment, aiming to align with European standards.

This proposal presents a significant opportunity for online gambling operators in France, where a substantial illegal market is already estimated to be worth 2 billion euros.

The government plans to regulate and tax online casinos at a proposed rate of 55.6% of gross gaming revenue, similar to existing lottery regulations.

The amendment aims to mitigate public health impacts from online gambling, control its growth, and combat illegal gambling sites.

With nearly 400,000 individuals in France suffering from gambling disorders, the Federation highlights the potential for increased addiction if online casinos are legalized.

A survey indicated that about one-third of French people have played online casino games, with a notable engagement among younger demographics.

Casino owners fear that the introduction of online casino games could lead to a 20-30% loss in their gross revenues, potentially resulting in the closure of 30% of establishments and threatening 15,000 jobs.

Critics, including the Addiction Federation, express concerns about the high addiction risks associated with online casinos, particularly due to rapid betting and solitary play.

Despite the concerns, proponents argue that legalizing online casinos could shift players from illegal sites to regulated platforms without significantly increasing competition for physical casinos.

The amendment emphasizes the need for specific regulations to be established in cooperation with the National Gaming Authority and relevant stakeholders.

The proposed amendment is set to be debated in Parliament, with discussions expected to begin soon.

The growing online gambling market, which is known for its addictive nature, raises significant public health concerns that the government aims to address through regulation.