Where can we bet securely and which are the leading bookmakers in France?

Find out information which is top bookies in France from our table below. These are the most reputable and trustworthy betting sites. Also, they have different sports and good betting services.

Introduction

Betting in France is legal, and enjoys relative popularity throughout the nation. Although the laws surrounding gambling are relatively constricting, the French still enjoy the freedom to engage in almost all forms of the pastime. There was historically a state monopoly on operators, but a recent ruling from the EU has demanded that the market be opened up to international vendors, providing bettors with more opportunities.

Top Online Betting Sites in France

Although it is not technically legal, nothing is stopping French punters from accessing international sites that not licensed within France. Some excellent websites accept registrations from France, and here are the most popular options:

Visit Bwin

Visit Betway

Competition between Operators

Gambling in France generally operates underneath a monopoly held by the government, both online and offline. Different organizations are responsible for various forms of gambling, both licensing and regulating it. They have controlled this monopoly for several years, and there is nothing to indicate that it is loosening up any time soon.

Online, the government tried to maintain a similar monopoly. However, this was found to be unjust by the EU. As a result, in 2009, they began to offer licensed to international companies. However, there are a number of these companies that have withdrawn themselves from the French market, due to unusually high taxes set by the government. Due to this reduction in international (legal) investment, the market is once again being dominated by the government monopoly.

However, one should not discount the international online market that is technically illegal. Some French punters are turning to unlicensed international sites to bet, an issue that continues to grow and something that the French government has no control over.

Available Payment Methods

Betting sites always offer a range of payment methods, so that all users can find an option that is convenient for them. The most common forms of payment on all sites are Visa and Mastercard (both credit and debit cards are accepted), Neteller, Skrill, PayPal, and bank transfer. Many sites will also offer far more options, but those are the most common and most popular ones. Punters should know that when they are attempting to withdraw money, most sites will only accept withdrawals from the same way that it was deposited (for example if money was deposited using Skrill, it must be withdrawn using Skrill too).

Almost all methods for deposit and withdrawal are free and instantaneous. The only exception can often be bank transfers, which charge a fee and can take up to 3 or 5 business days. Generally, the minimum that can be deposited or withdrawn is €1, and the maximum is usually around €99,000. Punters should always check the specifics of the site they have signed up to, before they make any deposits or withdrawals, to be sure.

France has two accepted forms of currency – the Franc (FRF), and the Euro (EUR). Euros are more commonly accepted in France, as well as on betting sites. Players who deposit and play in euros will often find that this is acceptable on national websites as well as international sites. It means that punters do not have to use currency converters on the site, which often charge large hidden fees.

Mobile Betting in France

Mobile betting in France is becoming increasingly popular, and many companies work hard to accommodate this shift in gaming. Mobile betting sites are available for all major international companies that accept registrations from the French population. Apps are generally free to download, for both Apple and Android devices.

With mobile betting, customers experience everything they can get on the full website, just a more convenient interface that can use wherever, and whenever. Alternatively, many online betting sites offer a mobile version of their website, that does not require downloading, but is easier to use on a smaller-screen device.

Leading Sports for Betting in France

• Football
  Football is the most popular sport in the world, and the French are not immune to its pull. They love to bet on the sport, in both local games as well as larger international tournaments. France has participated in the FIFA World Cup since its inception and has won the competition many times, most recently in 2018. Due to the international popularity of the sport and the excellent ability of French teams, there are always many games to bet on, through both national and international betting sites.
• Tennis
  France hosts one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world – the French Open. As a result of this international interest in the game, the French themselves adopt this excitement and sports betting always sees sharp increase inactivity. Tennis is globally famous, and as a result, there are still chances to bet on local as well as international championships.
• Baseball
  Although baseball might not be a popular sport to play in France, this lack of interest is made up for by the number of bets the sport receives. Known as one of the most popular sports in America, it seems as though the French cannot get enough of the Major League Baseball, the most popular tournament for the sport. Although coverage can sometimes be limited in French betting sites, international sites more than makeup for this.
• Ice Hockey
  Winter sports hold an essential place in French sports betting, due in part to the fact that the terrain and climate of the country give people great opportunities to learn and love sports. Ice hockey can be practised in winter, and love of the sport translates to a love of betting on it. Although they are not known as one of the world leaders in ice hockey, French betting sites will still offer numerous opportunities to bet on local games, and larger betting sites always cover international games.
• Rugby
  Rugby is another sport that the French enjoy and excel. They have a long history of playing well at the Rugby World Cup, as well as the Six Nations Championship. As well as betting on international games, the national league always offers bettors excitement, and the opportunity to back a local team.

The Profile of a French Bettor

French bettors generally seem to follow the same trends that can see in betting elsewhere in Europe and the world. The majority of people who engage in betting activities are male (approximately 80%). Betting sees more popularity in a younger audience, with punters likely to be under the age of 35. French bettors are increasingly turning to online betting as opposed to betting in physical venues, although these are still the most popular method of betting. French Bettors are also more likely to engage in sports betting, compared to any other form of legal gambling.

FAQ

Our Verdict

Betting online in France is heavily regulated, but still enables punters to enjoy gambling. Although the government held a monopoly for a long time, the relatively recent shift in-laws meant that international operators could apply for a license to serve the French. In reality, the high taxes demanded by the government resulted in a number of these licensed companies withdrawing their involvement. Only time will tell whether the monopoly will survive, or the government will be forced to revise their position on taxes.

Because the international illegal gambling scene is only growing, French bettors are looking overseas to safe sites that can offer them a more extensive betting experience, that includes all of the casino games that are illegal in France. The government cannot stop this interest, and they are only losing their market by enforcing their hard stance.

Despite all of this, betting in France is still a great experience. There is even a vast range of sports and horse betting options, and punters know that they are playing on safe sites.