AFJEL issues stark warning over French black market

Summary

France’s online gambling trade body AFJEL has stepped up a public campaign warning about the rapid growth of an unregulated online casino black market. A PwC-commissioned study published in national titles such as Le Parisien and Libération finds 5.4 million French players active on illegal sites versus 3.5 million in the regulated market, and estimates the illicit market generated around €2 billion in GGR in 2025, costing the state more than €1.2 billion a year in lost tax revenue.

AFJEL argues the ongoing ban on iCasino is a “structural liability” that undermines player protection and fiscal integrity, and is urging the government to legalise and regulate online casino offerings. AFJEL president Nicolas Béraud (CEO of Betclic Group) warned of a “digital sovereignty crisis” as offshore operators — sometimes linked to criminal networks — lure players with large bonuses, aggressive social media ads and influencer deals.

The gambling regulator ANJ has expanded enforcement, blocking over 1,000 illegal sites in 2025, but remains cautious about any opening of the iCasino market because of addiction risks. AFJEL says enforcement alone is insufficient and that political will is required to deliver a regulated solution that protects players and secures tax revenues.

Key Points

PwC study: 5.4 million French players use unlicensed gambling sites, outnumbering the legal market (3.5 million).
Estimated illegal market GGR: €2 billion in 2025, with fiscal losses of over €1.2 billion annually.
AFJEL calls the ban on iCasino a “structural liability” and demands legislative change to regulate online casinos.
Illicit operators use aggressive digital marketing, oversized bonuses and influencer sponsorships to attract players, risking consumer protection and tax avoidance.
ANJ has ramped up enforcement (blocked 1,000+ sites in 2025) but AFJEL argues enforcement cannot substitute for a regulated iCasino market.
AFJEL frames the issue as a digital sovereignty and public-policy problem requiring political action, not just technical enforcement.

Context and relevance

This story matters to industry stakeholders, regulators and policymakers because it highlights a widening gap between regulated offers and a lucrative illegal alternative. The figures underline broader European trends: where regulated frameworks are absent or limited, black markets grow quickly, eroding protections and public revenue. For operators, payment providers and affiliates, potential reform of France’s iCasino rules would reshape competitive dynamics and compliance obligations.

Why should I read this?

Quick and blunt: if you follow European iGaming, this explains why France’s current stance is suddenly a bigger headache than before. Big numbers, big tax losses, and louder calls from the industry mean this could trigger real political debate — so it’s worth a minute to catch up now rather than scramble later.

Source

Source: https://igamingexpert.com/regions/europe/afjel-black-market/