Say adieu to anything but the very best French betting sites. This guide covers it all, from legal bits to the practical stuff. Even if you need a VPN or are diving into crypto betting for the first time, we’ve got everything you need to make the process of finding and making the most of the best French bookmakers smoother than a glass of Pinot noir.
- 1 Top Bookmaker We Recommend for Betting in France
- 2 Is Online Betting Legal in France?
- 3 How to Bet Online in France
- 4 Popular Payment Methods for French Bookmakers
- 5 Sports Betting in France Explained
- 6 Casino Betting Sites in France
- 7 How To Choose a Betting Site in France
- 8 Live Betting in France
- 9 Other Country Betting Guides — Click Each Flag To Learn More
- 10 ThePuntersPage Final Say
- 11 France Betting Resources
- 12 Best French Betting Sites FAQs
Top Bookmaker We Recommend for Betting in France
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Bet £10 Get £10 Free Bet + 25 Free Spins 18+ Bet £10 on any Sport Min Odds 1/1 (2.00) per selection. Free Bet will be credited after settlement within 1 hour. Valid for 7 days on Bet Builders Only. 25 Free Spins will be credited within 72 hours. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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100% Bonus + 18+ New Users Only: This bonus is available exclusively to new users who have not previously made a deposit on the BCGAME-BCALLMAIN-MIRROR2.COM platform. Users must complete the registration and verification process, including a valid email and/or phone number, to qualify for the bonus. The bonus is automatically credited to the user's account upon making a qualifying deposit and selecting the Sports Bonus option. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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120% up to €600 Sport Welcome Bonus 18+ Make your first deposit and get a 120% Bonus up to 600€/$. The minimum deposit required to qualify for the bonus is 20€/$/ or equivalent in other currencies. Welcome Sportsbook Bonus applies only for Sports Betting and E-Sports. You can only benefit from this bonus ONCE and ONLY on your first deposit. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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100% up to 1 BTC First Deposit Sports Bonus 18+ The First deposit is only available to new players who made their FIRST deposit. Only one 100% Welcome Sport Bonus is allowed per customer. The minimum deposit required to get the bonus is 20 USDT or equivalent in another cryptocurrency. The maximum bonus that can be awarded in this promotion is 1 BTC or equivalent in another cryptocurrency. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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Sports Welcome Bonus 18+ Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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100% No Risk Sports Welcome Bonus 18+ Get 100% of the first bet amount back if the bet is lost. Minimum Stake to qualify for this promotion is $20. The maximum Bonus amount is $100. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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100% up to €2,500 18+ Claim the first part of our Welcome Offer and get 100% up to €2,500 right now for the deposit amount of your choice. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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$2,500 Welcome Package 18+ New users only. Bonus is activated upon first deposit of any amount. Up to $2500 in rewards, drawn from Rakeback and Daily Cash Drops based on betting activity. Rakeback: 10% of house edge returned on each bet, credited as 30% to the account and 70% added to rewards calendar in 6 equal instalments (48 hours apart). Unclaimed rewards expire in 24 hours. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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Welcome Pack up to 200,000 USDT 18+ Four deposit bonuses made up of the following. Deposit Bonus: Extra funds added to your bonus balance, along with potential no-wagering Free Spins, when you make a deposit. Cashback: A refund of 20% of your net losses, credited to your main balance, along with potential no-wagering Free Spins. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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150% Bonus up to €500 + 50 Free Spins 18+ Bonus will be granted to deposits ranging from 20 £/€/$ to 500 £/€/$. Deposits between 500 £ /€/$ and 1000 £/€/$ will be awarded a 100% bonus. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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Why Vave Gets My Vote
Ben Gibson: The ultra user-friendly Vave would be my top pick. I wanted to make sure the recommendations for best French betting sites were accessible to as many people as possible, no matter what restrictions you might face, so every option on this list is crypto-friendly. Considering that, I’d want a site that ticks all the boxes: superb sportsbook selection, top promos, great customer service, and an easy way to buy and bet with crypto. Vave delivers all that and then some.
Is Online Betting Legal in France?
Online betting has been legal in France since May 12th, 2010, when the French government introduced the French Gambling Act, following pressure from the EU. This law legalised sports betting, horse racing betting and online poker.
These markets are regulated by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), which replaced the L'Autorité de Régulation des Jeux En Ligne (ARGEL) in June 2020. However, most online casino games, betting exchanges and spread betting websites are still banned.
Betting on sports and horse racing is tax-free, but the additional 2% tax on poker does mean that players typically face a rate of 6-8%. Online betting operators also incur a 25% corporation tax. There are fewer than 30 licensed sports betting sites, while opting for unlicensed ones can be risky.
Laws for Online Betting In France
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Betting sites must have a licence from ANJ to operate in France.
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Only sports betting (including horse racing) and poker are allowed online.
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Ads must only target adults and promote responsible gambling.
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Bettors must be at least 18 years old.
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Players don’t pay tax on winnings, but operators are taxed on profits.
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Operators are required to implement measures for responsible gambling, including self-exclusion options.
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Betting sites must follow GDPR to protect user data.
Betting Limits in France
There aren’t any set betting limits from the Autorité Nationale des Jeux, so it’s up to the bookmakers to decide the limits for deposits, withdrawals and bets. You’ll generally find higher limits on sports that attract more bets. In other words, the more people betting, the higher the limits. Plus, all sites must let you set your own limits to keep things responsible.
How to Bet Online in France
Let’s keep it simple. There are loads of top-drawer French betting sites, with plenty to keep even the pickiest of sports fans happy.
Wondering how to bet in France? It’s as simple as a stroll through Montmartre! Here’s everything you need to know, using the superb Vave as our example:
Using a VPN To Bet in France
If you're getting geo-blocked and can't access betting sites in France, don’t worry. Just sign up for a quality VPN – NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark are a few popular, trusted options – and set your location to France. This will make the website think you're a native user and help bypass those blocks. Neat, right?
You’ll also need to make sure you’re using a VPN-friendly betting site, so the bookie doesn’t catch on and kick you out. Plus, cryptocurrencies might be necessary if there are no practical traditional payment options available to you. The good news is that our recommended French online betting sites are not only crypto-friendly but are also designed with newcomers in mind for a stress-free experience.
Betting Markets in France
There are no sports betting markets banned in France, so you can legally wager on any odds a sportsbook offers. Of course, some events might have less markets than others, but that’s related to competition popularity, betting volume and trading capacity.
Popular Payment Methods for French Bookmakers
Before you dive in and sign up, make sure they’ve got a payment method that suits your style – no one wants to be faffing about with complicated fees and long wait times. Luckily, most decent French betting sites have a broad selection of easy-to-use payment options. Here’s the lowdown on what you can expect from the best ones:
Cryptocurrencies
For many, cryptocurrencies will be the only way to access the best betting sites France has to offer. It’s not just geo-blocking that can cause issues, but also the inability to deposit due to ineligible payment methods. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Litecoin, or Binance Coin provide a solution, bypassing these hurdles and offering a secure, convenient way to fund your account from anywhere in the world. Keep in mind though: crypto transaction times and fees vary by coin and site. Some clear in minutes, others can take several hours. Fees are usually low but not zero, so always check before confirming.
Debit Cards
Good old Visa and Mastercard, the trusty workhorses of online payments. Quick, simple, and direct. Deposits are usually instant and free, though watch out for withdrawal or conversion fees. Withdrawals are usually sorted within three days.
Bank Transfer
If you’re after a more old-school approach, bank transfers will do the job. It’s reliable, but you might find yourself waiting up to five working days for your funds to appear. Also, some banks or international transfers can throw in a cheeky fee, so keep an eye out.
Prepaid Cards
For those who prefer to keep things anonymous, prepaid cards like Paysafecard are a top pick. You can grab one at the shops or online and use it with a secure 16-digit PIN for hassle-free payments.
Sports Betting in France Explained
Online betting isn’t just big in France, it’s absolutely flying, with no sign of slowing down.
In 2023, France’s gross gaming revenue hit a hefty €13.4 billion, up 3.5% from the year before, according to the National Gaming Authority (ANJ). Sports betting was the real star of the show, climbing 6.4% to rake in €1.477 billion. And here’s the twist, this happened despite a 4% drop in active bettors, meaning those still having a flutter were digging even deeper into their pockets.
And the momentum’s only building. In the first half of 2024 alone, online sports betting shot up 24%, with major sporting events doing plenty of the heavy lifting. Hardly a shock, France’s run to the Euro 2024 semis before being sent packing by eventual winners Spain certainly got punters fired up. The final figures for 2024 and beyond aren’t in yet, but with so many brilliant bookies to choose from and a nation that lives and breathes everything from Ligue 1 to the French Open, Le Mans, and the Tour de France, we’d bet good money on the market only going one way: up.
Make the Most of French Markets with Proper Footy Stats
Finding the right French bookie is all well and good, but if you really want to get ahead of the game, you’ll need more than just decent odds. That’s where our Ligue 1 stats come in, packed with all the key numbers to help you make smarter punts on France’s topflight. Do your homework, sharpen your strategy, and give yourself the best shot at winning.
Football Betting in France
Football’s as iconic here as the Eiffel Tower, and it’s big business for French bookies. The numbers speak for themselves, tens of millions tune into Ligue 1 every year, and the 2024-25 season has already seen over 5 million fans pack out stadiums.
And it’s not just domestic football that gets the crowds going. BeIN Sports France reported a staggering 17.3 million viewers for England’s clash with Slovakia in the Euro 2024 Round-of-16. So, whoever you’re backing, rest assured, you’ll find all the international odds you’ll need.
But honestly, with France’s rich footballing history, from epic Ligue 1 rivalries like PSG vs. Marseille to World Cup and Euro glory, you’d be mad not to get involved in the local action. And if you want to add some stakes to these games? Well, that’s what the best French betting sites are for.
Horse Racing Betting in France
For many, horse racing in France means the Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), which works a bit like the Tote in the UK. All the bets go into one big pool, and your payout depends on the total prize pot and how many winning tickets there are. That’s why you might find that some of the big names in betting, who are huge in horse racing elsewhere, don’t offer odds on it here.
That said, there are a few bookmakers, like Unibet, who’ve managed to strike a deal with the PMU to offer fixed-odds markets on French races. Just a heads-up, though, international races are hard to come by on domestic sites, and these markets usually aren’t included in the sports promotions.
It’s a bit of a shame, really, given that France is home to iconic races like the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, which pull in tens of thousands of spectators and rake in millions in betting revenue. It really should be standard to find odds for these on all legal sports betting sites in France. Still, don’t be put off. Platforms like Unibet, along with a wide range of top international betting sites you can access with a VPN, offer cracking odds on the world’s biggest and best horse races.
Tennis Betting in France
Let’s get down to brass tacks, France is home to one of the world’s greatest tennis tournaments, the French Open, not to mention the Paris Masters and Open de France. The country has also produced some of the world’s finest players, from Ugo Humbert and Gaël Monfils to Diane Parry and Caroline Garcia.
Whether we’re talking classic matchups like Monica Seles vs Steffi Graf in 1992 or Arthur Fils making his mark in the top 20 with a duo of ATP titles in 2024, tennis is a cornerstone of France’s sporting legacy: past, present, and future. And if you pick the right French online betting sites, you’ll find markets to match its importance.
Take Roletto, for example. Every time we checked, they offered hundreds of tennis markets, covering everything from the latest French court action to global tournaments. You can bet by set, game, handicap, or on specials, alongside live betting that’s nothing short of top-tier. Fast odds updates, seamless streaming, it’s a real treat.
Casino Betting Sites in France
Apart from poker, online casino gambling is illegal in France. This means your best move is to use a VPN (and likely cryptocurrencies) to access international betting sites. But don’t worry – your options can be just as vast as French sports betting sites. That means you can enjoy the spin of the reels or the thrill of a blackjack deal just as easily as you can bet on the World Cup. And guess what? We’ve got the best options for you just below.
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150% Up To 1.5 BTC Plus 100 Free Spins Welcome Bonus 18+ New users only. Minimum deposit 20 USDT (or equivalent). Only one 150% Welcome Casino bonus per customer. Max bonus is 1.5 BTC or equivalent. Bonus must be wagered within 30 days. Full terms and conditions apply. No max bet restriction (free spins excluded). Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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Casino Deposit Bonus 18+ New users only. 1st Deposit: 120% match up to $500 + 100 Free Spins. 2nd Deposit: 100% match up to $300 + 100 Free Spins. 3rd Deposit: 150% match up to $500 + 100 Free Spins. 4th Deposit: 100% match up to $300 + 100 Free Spins. Min deposit: $10 for 1st bonus, $15 for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th bonuses. Free spins must be claimed within 24 hours, used within 24 hours. Bonus must be wagered 45x, free spin winnings 40x. Max withdrawal: 200% of bonus amount. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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$2,500 Welcome Package 18+ New users only. Bonus is activated upon first deposit of any amount. Up to $2500 in rewards, drawn from Rakeback and Daily Cash Drops based on betting activity. Rakeback: 10% of house edge returned on each bet, credited as 30% to the account and 70% added to rewards calendar in 6 equal instalments (48 hours apart). Unclaimed rewards expire in 24 hours. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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170% Crypto Deposit Bonus 18+ New users only. First Crypto deposit only. 170% Bonus up to $1,000. Min deposit: $20. Available for deposits made using Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Dash, Monero, or Stellar. Bonus applies to Casino Slots only. Wagering requirement: 30x deposit + bonus amount. Max bet: 5€/$ per spin on slots. Activate bonus manually after deposit. Bonus must be activated before playing to qualify. Bonus valid for 30 days. Cancel anytime via live chat, bonus and winnings will be deducted if cancelled. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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Get 500% Welcome Bonus Up To 3BTC/$90,000 + 100 Free Spins 18+ New users only. 200% 1st Deposit Bonus up to $30,000 / 1 BTC + 20 Free Spins. 100% 2nd Deposit Bonus up to $30,000 / 1 BTC + 30 Free Spins. 200% 3rd Deposit Bonus up to $30,000 / 1 BTC + 50 Free Spins. Min deposit: 10 EUR / 20 USD / 0.00016 BTC / 10 USDT (or equivalent). Wagering requirement: 40x for deposit bonus, 60x for free spins. Only selected games count towards wagering requirement. Free spins valid for 7 days. Bonus funds valid for 7 days. Max winnings: 10x deposit bonus or capped amount. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
How To Choose a Betting Site in France
Always check that the site is licensed by the ANJ or another well-known international regulator. It should be clearly stated at the bottom of the homepage. Some crypto betting sites may not hold a recognised licence, so it's worth being a bit cautious and doing your research.
Make sure the site offers the events and markets you're interested in.
Look for competitive odds by checking the overround or comparing with other bookmakers.
There should always be quick, easy ways to contact customer service whether that’s via email, phone, or live chat.
A great bonus page should offer promos that suit how you like to bet backed up by rock solid terms.
The best French bookies have a solid live betting selection topped off with deliciously smooth livestreaming. Don’t settle for less!
Fancy placing a bet while you’re on the move? Betting apps in France are very common, with most top operators providing a perfectly portable version of everything they’ve got to offer.
You can’t bet if you’ve no cash in the account. That’s why you’ll need a way to pay. So, make sure they have the payment methods you need, without fees and speedy transaction times.
Best French Betting Promotions
There are few limits on what French sports betting sites can offer when it comes to promotions, it largely just depends on how generous they’re feeling. They can easily compete with the finest international betting sites in terms of free bets, bet boosts, acca insurance, loyalty schemes, special markets and welcome offers.
In fact, French bookmakers offer so many brilliant promotions, that the real challenge is knowing where to start. Well, good news, your search is over. We’ve rounded up the best of the best right here:
Live Betting in France
All the French online betting sites recommended here offer a cracking selection of live markets, with a wealth of stats to keep you in the loop. There’s no shortage of odds compared to the pre-match options, with only a few logical restrictions. For example, you won’t be able to bet on “First Player To Score” once it’s already 3–2.
But there are extra markets to make up for it. Take tennis, for instance: set betting and Next Point Winner are perfect examples of how live action offers more opportunities and excitement as you watch your favourite sports unfold. Using their online betting app? No problem, the live coverage is just as stellar there. In a nutshell, there’s nothing in the law to stop you, and a whole load of brilliant French betting sites offering an epic live experience.
Which French Bookmakers Feature Livestreaming?
French betting sites are generally free to offer livestreaming, provided there are no legal restrictions or distribution rights blocking them. For example, DAZN holds the exclusive rights for Ligue 1 games, so bookmakers would be breaking the law if they streamed those matches.
Fortunately, all our top picks for French sports betting sites offer not just live betting but livestreaming too. Whether you're on the move or relaxing at home, you’ll get high-quality streams across a range of sports. While all of them are top-notch, if we had to pick, we'd say BC.Game and Vave take the cake.
Other Country Betting Guides — Click Each Flag To Learn More
ThePuntersPage Final Say
Whatever you’re after – you could be betting on an esports tournament in Texas or embracing the culture with a winner at Longchamp – our top picks for the best French betting sites have you covered. Just think about your preferences, have a gander at our recommendations, and we reckon you’ll find a match that goes together like rugby and Bordeaux.
France Betting Resources
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ANJ, The National Gambling Authority: The homepage for the Autorité Nationale des Jeux provides detailed information about the organisation’s role in regulating gambling in France.
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2023 French Gambling Market Review: Momentum Confirmed: Details from Autorité Nationale des Jeux regarding the growth of French gambling markets and profits throughout 2023.
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LAW NO. 2010-476 of May 12,2010: The document that legalised online sports betting, horse racing and poker in France while regulating these activities under the oversight of the ANJ.
Best French Betting Sites FAQs
There may be fewer than 30 legal sports betting sites in France, but plenty of them are top-notch. And when you throw in the international betting sites you can unlock with a VPN, the selection feels practically endless. If you’re after the crème de la crème, BC.Game, Mystake, Vave, Ivibet, Jackbit, Cryptoleo, Cloudbet, Fortunejack, Roletto, Trustdice, and Jazz are all well worth a punt.
Sure is. Online gambling, including sports betting, horse racing, and poker, has been legal in France since May 12th, 2010, and is regulated by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ). However, betting exchanges, casino games, and spread betting websites are still off-limits.
French bookmakers generally accept the Euro (EUR) as the main currency, but many also support other currencies like GBP, USD, and sometimes others, depending on the site. Some of them also accept crypto, which is a big plus. That said, the international betting sites we recommend on this page are the best of the bunch: safe, smooth, and geo-restriction-free. Just bear in mind you might need a VPN to get in on the action.
Yes, if you're 18 or over and located in France, you're legally allowed to bet on sports and play poker.
No. Betting Exchanges are not legal in France.