France, a powerhouse of European iGaming, stands on the cusp of a significant transformation. While its €2.6 billion market thrives on sports betting and poker, the lingering question of online casino legalisation promises to redefine opportunities for industry leaders and top talent alike. 

France is already one of Europe’s more mature regulated iGaming markets. Sports betting and online poker have been legal and regulated for over a decade, and the market continues to show strong growth, bolstered by high mobile penetration and a digitally engaged population. However, while sports betting and online poker are well-established, online casino games (slots, roulette, blackjack etc.) are currently prohibited. 

But change is coming. In late 2024, there was a government attempt to introduce legislation for a controlled, regulated framework for online casino gaming as part of the 2025 budget. While this specific legislative effort was withdrawn due to significant opposition and the need for further consultation, France's national gambling authority (ANJ) and various stakeholders continue to highlight the prevalence of the illegal online casino market and the potential benefits of regulation. The government has initiated a consultation period to thoroughly examine the feasibility and implications of legalising online casino games. This ongoing dialogue signals that policymakers are indeed revisiting the regulatory framework, and for iGaming businesses, the eventual opening of this market would undoubtedly present substantial new commercial and talent opportunities. 

The Current State of Play 

France’s iGaming market is regulated by l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), which oversees operators licensed under French law. The regulated sector currently covers: 

• Online sports betting 
• Horse racing betting 
• Online poker  

Land-based casinos are legal but strictly regulated, and their licenses do not extend to online casino games. This exclusion means that one of the largest verticals in global iGaming - online slots and table games - remains off-limits in France. 

Despite these restrictions, the market is substantial. According to ANJ's 2024 figures, the French online gambling market reached €2.6 billion in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), representing a 12% increase year-on-year. This growth was driven primarily by online sports betting, which alone accounted for €1.8 billion and continues to be the dominant vertical, representing the vast majority of the online total. 

The Tax Landscape: A Key Consideration 

Operating within France’s regulated iGaming market also means navigating a distinct tax regime. As of 1st July 2025, new tax measures introduced by France's Social Security Financing Act have come into effect, increasing the financial burden on operators. Taxes are levied on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) and vary significantly by vertical: 

• Online sports betting: Increased from 54.9% to 59.3% of GGR, along with an increase in the social security contribution (CSG) to 15%. 
• Online poker: Increased from 0.2% of stakes to 10% of GGR. 
• A new 15% tax on advertising and promotional expenditure for all gambling operators. 

These rates are among the highest in Europe and are a significant factor for operator profitability. Any future legalisation of online casino would undoubtedly come with its own set of tax obligations, which would be crucial in determining the commercial viability and attractiveness of this new vertical. 

What’s Changing: Online Casino Under Review 

The landscape for online casino in France is undergoing serious consideration. While the ANJ has consistently highlighted the challenges of the illegal online casino market and expressed its willingness to oversee a regulated framework, the path to legalisation remains complex.  

However, this doesn't mean the idea is off the table. The government has initiated a six-month consultation period (beginning in late 2024/early 2025 and currently ongoing) to thoroughly explore the feasibility, implications, and potential models for a regulated online casino market. This reflects a broader trend in Europe where policymakers increasingly prefer tight regulation over continued grey-market activity. 

Any future regulatory change is likely to be cautious and phased. This could involve introducing online casino via a controlled licensing system, potentially with initial limitations, for example, to existing land-based operators or through a limited number of new licenses. That said, even a modest shift could generate significant hiring demand across various specialisations and spark wider innovation in the French iGaming market. 

For businesses already operating in sports betting, horse racing, or online poker in France, this ongoing dialogue presents a clear signal to prepare for potential diversification into new verticals. For those outside France, it's a critical period to monitor developments closely and start preparing for potential entry into what could become a significant new market segment. 

Talent Landscape: Local Expertise, Global Expectations 

France’s iGaming talent pool is growing, but still relatively narrow compared to hubs like Malta or London. Many operators draw from tech, media, and fintech sectors, hiring professionals with adjacent skill sets in compliance, CRM, and digital marketing. 

However, language and cultural fluency are essential. French remains the dominant business language, and candidates who understand the local regulatory mindset are highly valued - especially in roles like legal & compliance, payments, and customer support. 

So what roles are currently in demand - and which ones could rise fast if regulation changes? 

• Regulatory compliance: Always crucial in highly regulated markets. 
• Marketing and acquisition: Essential for growth and competing effectively. 
• Sportsbook traders and analysts: Core roles for the dominant sports betting vertical. 
• Data and product managers: Important for optimising offerings and user experience.  

If online casino regulation proceeds, we can expect sharp demand for casino operations, game content, and platform roles, with a strong preference for bilingual or native French speakers who can operate within a highly regulated framework. 

Hiring Considerations: Local Nuance Matters 

France has relatively strict labour laws, which can influence hiring strategies. Many operators opt to: 

• Work with recruitment partners who specialise in regulated markets and understand the complexities of hiring in France 
• Build a lean, locally compliant team supported by remote or near-shore functions 
• Use freelancers or interim hires to scale flexibly during the early stages  

Relocation can be a challenge, especially for non-French speakers, so many companies invest in local training and upskilling, or build long-term pipelines through French-speaking regions such as Belgium, Switzerland, and especially Quebec in Canada. These regions offer a readily available pool of professionals with strong French language skills and often transferable experience from their own regulated markets or vibrant tech and gaming sectors, making integration smoother and more efficient for iGaming hires. 

Strategic Advice for HR and Business Leaders 

With regulatory change on the horizon, aligning your talent strategy early can give you a clear advantage - whether you’re entering the French market or scaling an existing presence. 

• Assess the skills gap between your current team and the talent you’ll need if new verticals open up 
• Invest in bilingual talent pipelines, both locally and in neighbouring markets 
• Prepare for increased compliance and responsible gambling demands, and ensure your teams are equipped 
• Start the conversation early with experienced talent partners to avoid playing catch-up when regulation lands  

Let’s Talk Talent 

At Pentasia, we’re already supporting iGaming clients as they scale in France - helping them navigate local expectations, find the right people, and build teams that thrive in regulated environments. Whether you’re watching the market, preparing your entry, or building on existing success, we can help you. 

Contact Pentasia to discuss your hiring plans, market entry strategy, or talent development goals.