🐷 Discovering the ideal French betting sites for you is simple. Join us as we dive into the legalities and practicalities of the country's betting landscape, uncover the best French bookies, and find out what makes them special.
- 1 Best Betting Sites We Recommend for France
- 2 Best France Betting Sites Reviewed
- 3 Online Betting in France
- 4 Is Online Betting Legal in France?
- 5 Choosing a Good Betting Site
- 6 Popular Payment Methods for French Customers
- 7 Live Betting in France
- 8 How To Bet Online in France
- 9 ThePuntersPage Final Say
- 10 Sources
- 11 ꧒Other Country Betting Guides — Click Each Flag To Learn More
- 12 French Betting Sites FAQs
Best Betting Sites We Recommend for France
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Up to €100 in Free Bets 18+ Register on Betclic. Make your first deposit. Bet up to €100 on the sporting event of your choice. If your first bet loses, we will refund your Free bets stake up to €100. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. #ad |
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100% welcome bonus 18+ Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. #ad |
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Welcome Bonus up to €100 18+ Register on Netbet. Make your first deposit. Place your 1st single or combined bet with no odds limit. Once your bet is finished – If it wins , you win the winnings corresponding to your bet – If it loses , we will automatically credit your NetBet account up to €50 in free bets (2 coupons of €25 max). 30 days after validation of your account, you will receive up to €50 in additional free bets (2 coupons of €25 max) based on your losing bets over the period. Your free bets are credited in 4 installments, 1 coupon after your first bet, 1 coupon upon validation of your account, 2 coupons after 30 days . If your account is already validated, you will receive 2 free bets in one go. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. #ad |
Best France Betting Sites Reviewed
🐬 In terms of numbers, the selection of licensed French betting apps and sites (fewer than 30 in total) is smaller than that of many European counterparts. However, just like the best US betting sites, the best ones more than make up for it in quality.
🐬 With that in mind, here are what we consider to be the pinnacle of French bookmakers, so you can find the one that best suits your style of play.
ZEbet — Premier Choice for French Sports Betting With Unmatched Local Coverage
🎶 ZEbet offers an impressive mix of local and global sports markets. Whether you’re interested in single odds or combination bets, pre-match or live betting, this bookie covers it all. You can even watch the action as it unfolds via ZeTV or animated tracking.
ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ Their football and horse racing markets are particularly strong, but sports fans across the board will find competitive odds backed by detailed statistical analysis. In fact, ZEbet’s horse racing selection is so deep that it’s offered on a separate page, ZETURF, which provides impressive coverage of French racing, complete with competitive odds and expert tips.
🐬 ZEbet is structured with a user-friendly, straightforward interface that enhances your betting experience. It offers convenient features like easily customisable multiple bets and cash-outs on most events. Plus, its iOS and Android apps are highly praised for their usability.
𒁃 Supported by clear and generous promotions, including a 100% matched bet welcome offer up to €200 and up to 50% bet boosts on combination bets, this operator stands out as our top choice for anyone seeking betting sites in France with a strong focus on local sports.
- Extensive local coverage
- Exclusive horse racing betting tips
- Superb live coverage thanks to ZeTV and animated tracking
- Excellent welcome offer
- No slouch on international markets
- Separate horse racing page
- No event-specific bonus offers
- Slightly dated aesthetic design
NetBet – France’s Leading Bookmaker for Global Sports Fans
😼 NetBet are arguably the finest internationally recognisable platform with a French licence.
🧸 They take full advantage of their global pedigree with a vast collection of events from around the world, featuring hundreds of football markets, alongside odds on American football, tennis, ice hockey, rugby, basketball, baseball, and beyond. If you’re looking for French gambling sites that can rival international icons in terms of sheer betting options, NetBet might be your ideal match.
And it’s not just the expansive market selection which sets them apart, as NetBet sportsbook ranks among the most generous French bookmakers when it comes to promotions. New players can enjoy up to €100 in free bets, and regulars benefit from up to 100% acca boosts on NBA, football, and tennis markets, alongside the rewarding NetBet Club loyalty scheme.
Plus, promotions are broadly available across most sports and leagues. Therefore, while there might not be any specific Ligue 1 betting offers💮, you can still enjoy these bonus benefits as if they were tailored to those markets.
Perhaps best of all are the daily Jackpot Grids🐼, where you can test your predictive skills across multiple markets for your share of a huge jackpot.
ℱ They’re also world-class in terms of convenience, accessibility, and usability. Whether you’re on desktop or enjoying one of their highly rated apps, you can access an enormous selection of markets with a broad range of banking options on a simple-to-use and technically reliable platform.
- Jackpot Grids are an exciting and rewarding addition
- World-class reputation
- Perfect if you’ve got global betting tastes
- Up to 100% boosts on accumulators
- Outstanding variety of American sports
- Limited focus on French-specific betting options
- No coverage of horse racing markets
- More localised promotions would further improve bonus page
Betclic – An Exceptional Betting Experience on Any Device
﷽ All of our recommendations offer an excellent user-experience, but none provide as warm a welcome as the beautifully designed Betclic.
ꦑ The platform is incredibly intuitive for navigation, which is especially impressive given the vast selection of French and international events available. From the homepage, you can easily access top competitions, your bet slip, and alternative betting options through two main toolbars.
💯 Even more impressive is the “Turf” page. Here, you’ll find Betclic TV — the crown jewel of their already glittering live betting options — alongside a constantly updating schedule of races that’s as easy to follow as a TV guide.
ꦍ Not only does all of this perform just as well on mobile, but that might be the best way to experience an operator that shines on any device. The smooth, seamless design and expertly crafted site structure make navigating even more effortless, even on small screens. It's no wonder that Betclic boasts the highest-rated French betting apps (both Android and iOS) among all our recommendations.
ꦉ New players can claim up to €100 in free bets, along with a 50% boost on accumulator bets and multiple enhanced markets to increase your potential returns.
💮 Additionally, their versatile “Challenges” feature tests your predictive skills with rewarding prizes. If a fun, engaging experience is your top priority when looking for French betting sites, then Betclic is a prime contender.
- Warm, intuitive design
- Ideal for new users
- Top-rated mobile apps
- Excellent live racing coverage
- “Challenges” feature is a delight
- Livestreaming is limited to certain events through Betclic TV
- Bonuses mainly cater to new users
- Less statistical detail than some alternatives
Online Betting in France
𓆏 All available research indicates that online betting is not only highly popular in France, but is also projected to grow with rising revenues in the coming years.
ꦛ In 2024, gross gaming revenue reached €13.4 billion, marking a 3.5% increase from 2022, according to the National Gaming Authority (ANJ). The most significant growth occurred in sports betting, which surged 6.4%, bringing in €1.477 billion. Interestingly this increase occurred despite a nearly 4% decline in the number of active bettors, meaning those who continued betting were spending more.
❀ Looking ahead, this trend shows no signs of slowing down. In the first half of 2024 alone, France saw a 24% rise in online sports betting, driven by major sporting events. The biggest impact was likely thanks to the Euro 2024 tournament, which saw the country reach the semi-finals before being knocked out by eventual champions Spain.
With France also hosting the Olympics, continued enthusiasm for Ligue 1 bettingꦆ, along with iconic spectacles like the French Open, Le Mans, and the Tour de France, 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year for French betting sites.
ℱUse Football Stats To Make the Most of French Markets
Choosing between the best betting sites in France is vital for getting the best odds and optimally enjoying your experience. However, if you want to go one step further and make the most informed predictions possible, be sure to check out our Ligue 1 stats๊ for a comprehensive overview of the top-flight of French domestic football.
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.
However, online casino games, betting exchanges, and spread betting websites are still ♛. This is an initiative by the Justice Ministry to prevent gambling addiction. These markets are regulated by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), which replaced the the L'Autorité de Régulation des Jeux En Ligne (ARGEL) in June 2020.
❀ While betting on sports and horse racing is tax-free, poker pots are taxed an additional 2%. This means that playing poker on French betting sites often comes with a rake of 6-8%. Additionally, a is levied by the French government on online betting operators.
🌟 Strict regulations, including responsible gambling measures and data protection laws, alongside strong competition from domestic operators, has led major operators such as bet365 and William Hill to exit the market.
💞 There are fewer than 30 licensed French sports betting sites. While unlicensed options exist, they carry serious security and financial risks. So, we strongly recommend sticking to legitimate, licensed French gambling sites to remain safe while betting online.
Choosing a Good Betting Site
Selecting the right operator for you is integral when betting around the world♏. Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating French betting sites.
Licence & Regulation
Ensure that the betting site you choose is licensed and regulated by the relevant authority. In France, this means the site should hold a valid licence from the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ)🏅. You should usually be able to find confirmation of this at the bottom of the homepage or in the terms and conditions.
🐈 Registering with a licensed site guarantees that they are legal and adhere to strict standards of security, fairness, and responsible gambling. All our recommendations listed above are fully licensed by the ANJ, so you can rest assured they are all perfectly legitimate and safe to sign up to.
Customer support
ꦛ Reliable customer support is essential for resolving any issues that may arise. Look for a site that offers multiple contact options, such as live chat, email, and phone support. Bilingual options, particularly in English and French, are also beneficial. This ensures you can easily communicate with the support team and receive assistance in your preferred language.
Currency Options
🅺 Choose a betting site that accepts Euros (€) as a currency option. This eliminates the need for any currency conversion and helps you avoid additional fees, while keeping transactions quick and straightforward.
LiveStreaming
🦂 For a superior betting experience, only consider French online betting sites that offer livestreaming. This feature allows you to watch sports events in real-time, helping you make more informed betting decisions as the action unfolds. Plus, livestreaming adds ample entertainment value, immersing you in the action and making each bet more engaging and exciting.
Betting Tools
Features such as cash out, bet builder, and in-depth match statistics are essential for optimising your betting strategy. Cash-out allows you to settle your bet before the event is over, providing greater flexibility and risk management. Bet builder𓄧 enables you to combine multiple bets into one wager, providing more customisable betting options. And however you like to bet, comprehensive match statistics can help you make more informed betting decisions.
Mobile Compatibility
If you prefer to play on the go, you’ll want to ensure that your choice of bookmaker comes complete with French betting apps suitable to your needs. Aside from ensuring they are available on your device, you’ll also want to check whether they provide the same quality experience as on desktop. Remember, the best betting apps should never require you to compromise.
Odds & Betting Markets
🎃 Competitive odds and a wide range of betting markets are crucial in ensuring maximum potential returns. Look for French gambling sites that provide favourable odds across a wide range of sports that interest you. This variety helps ensure you can find the best value and opportunities while betting online.
Welcome Offers & Promotions
🦩 When exploring French betting sites, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the available welcome offers. Not only can these provide more ways to win but they also reflect the operator’s overall commitment to rewarding its users. Also, don’t overlook the ongoing promotions available on the site. Regular promotions, such as free bets, cashback offers, bet boosts and loyalty rewards, can add substantial value to your wagers over time.
Tip
😼When choosing an operator, it’s not only important to make sure it meets the standards above, but also that it aligns well with your own personal betting preferences. For example, if you have a particular interest in certain sports or a type of promotion, check whether the site caters to those interests. Take some time to consider everything you want from French gambling sites. You can even write it all down if that helps, and compare your list with our recommendations to find the one that best matches your needs.
Popular Payment Methods for French Customers
꧃ Before signing up to any betting site, it’s essential to ensure they offer a payment method that suits your needs, with reasonable processing fees and transaction times. Fortunately, licensed French betting sites typically support several common payment methods, categorised into four main types.
🔯 Here’s a summary of what you can generally expect from most decent French sportsbooks:
Debit cards
𒁏 The most common payment method accepted for online gambling in France, the likes of Visa and Mastercard, offer a simple and direct payment method. Deposits are typically free, though some betting sites may charge a small fee for withdrawal or currency conversions. Deposits are usually instant, barring any restrictions on your account, but withdrawals can take a few days.
Bank Transfer
☂ Direct bank transfers involve moving funds directly from your bank account to the betting site. Fees vary based on your bank and the betting site; plus, international transfers might incur additional costs. Processing can take up to five working days, making this method slower than others. That said, it is very reliable.
E-Wallets
PayPal, Skrill, and NETELLERཧ are popular choices when betting in France. These e-wallets provide a convenient way to link your bank account or card for fast secure payments. Deposits are processed instantly, while withdrawals typically take between one to three business days. Be aware that some transactions may incur fees of up to 5%.
Prepaid Cards
෴ paysafecard is a prepaid card that enables anonymous online transactions, and has gained popularity on French betting sites. It can be purchased both at retail locations and online, and it comes with a 16-digit PIN for secure online transactions.
Live Betting in France
Interested in live betting🦹? The best betting sites offer a wide array of live markets during all kinds of sporting events. You can also expect top French betting apps to provide an excellent live experience.
However, the range of options can vary by sport, and some operators may specialise in certain disciplines more than others. This is especially true of livestreaming🦂, which is less common than standard in-play betting. For instance, ZEbet offers livestreaming on a broad variety of events, while Betclic focuses more on local horse racing events.
How To Bet Online in France
🐓 It should be clear now that there is a vast array of fantastic French betting sites to choose from, the selection more than capable of pleasing even the most discerning of sports fans.
ꦓ Wondering how to bet in France? It’s as simple as a stroll through Montmartre! Here’s all that’s required, with the wonderful NetBet as our example:
Opinion
If you’re new to French betting sites, just remember that the process of depositing money, placing bets, and withdrawing winnings is the same as on UK football betting sites. There’s nothing new or daunting — just exciting new experiences waiting for you.
For those visiting France and wanting to use an account from back home, consider using a VPN friendly sportsbook. Betting sites are a fantastic way to add some stakes to local games, whether that’s football, rugby, tennis, cycling, or any of the great French sports.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
Whether you’re in France for a short visit or an extended stay, you can rest assured that the finest French betting sites are not just legal but are on par with any international alternatives🌃. Simply think about what you need from a bookmaker, assess your practical requirements, and explore our recommendations. You could find your ideal French bookmaker in mere minutes.
Sources
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🎉 — This article from the European Gaming and Betting Association highlights rising concerns about the growing black market for online gambling in France.
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♏ — 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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🥃 — Details from Autorité Nationale des Jeux regarding the growth of French gambling markets and profits throughout 2023.
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🍌 — This article from The Guardian discusses the French government’s 2009 decision to ban the online betting platform Betfair, along with all other betting exchanges.
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ꦿ — Related to the opening up to competition and the regulation of the online gambling and games of chance sector.
Other Country Betting Guides — Click Each Flag To Learn More
French Betting Sites FAQs
🍎In our opinion, Betclic, ZEbet, and NetBet are the best betting sites for French locals and tourists.
✅Yes, online betting is legal in France. That said, there are several rules and restrictions in place — certain gambling products such as casino games and betting exchanges are banned.
😼If you are a resident of the country, it is both easy and legal to sign up with a licensed French bookmaker and start betting on sports. If you are just visiting, it is also possible, although you may face some restrictions from domestic sites. Those wishing to access accounts from their home country while in France will likely only be able to do so by using a VPN to bypass geographic restrictions.
♎Yes, the euro is accepted by all licensed French betting sites.