Best French Betting Sites 2026

Online gambling has been legal in France since 2009. Studies have shown that over 10,000,000 people in the country place wagers often. The problem is that not all forms of betting are allowed.

Locally licensed bookies cannot offer casino or exchange betting to players. This, coupled with the extremel...

Online gambling has been legal in France since 2009. Studies have shown that over 10,000,000 people in the country place wagers often. The problem is that not all forms of betting are allowed.

Locally licensed bookies cannot offer casino or exchange betting to players. This, coupled with the extremely high taxation rates, is why most users choose to sign up with offshore sportsbooks to enjoy the freedom.

On this page, we will closely examine the laws surrounding online gambling in the country, with a main focus on the tax you need to pay and how you can access international operators. But first, here is a list of the best French betting sites.

Dimitris Pappas Feb 28, 2017

Which Are The Best Betting Sites In France?

7.5

Donbet

120% Bonus up to $600 120% up to $600

Visit Visit Site

7.5

Cybet

No Bonus Available No Bonus Available

Visit Visit Site

7.7

JB

$4,000 Welcome Package + 20 Free Bets $4,000 + 20 FB

Visit Visit Site

Why Trust us?

We combine years of experience with thorough research. We are players ourselves and strive to provide the most unbiased bookmaker reviews. We evaluate factors like reliability, odds, mobile features and withdrawal speed. You can also find the best betting bonuses available for each sportsbook. Moreover, we always consider players' feedback and include it in our reviews.

What are the differences between international and local bookmakers in France?

Bookmaker Comparison	Local Licensed	International
Licensing	Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ)	Malta, Curacao, Kahnawake and other international regulators
Payments	VISA, Mastercard, PayPal, AMEX, E-wallets	Debit Cards, Credit Cards, E-wallets, Cryptos, 30+ Other Options
User Experience	French website language, French Customer Support	Many sites support the French language but offer no French CS
KYC Verification	Mandatory	Depending on the website
Taxation	0-45% (Progressive)	No Taxation

Tested And Approved Betting Sites In France

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Disclosure

Certain bookmakers appear on Bookmakers.bet as part of commercial agreements. However, our editorial team maintains full independence. All reviews and ratings reflect expert evaluations and real user feedback, not sponsorship influence. We prioritize fairness, transparency, and your betting experience above any partnership considerations. Please always gamble responsibly and within your limits.

Sports and Betting Markets

Make sure the platform offers a wide range of sports and markets, including your favorites. While popular options like football and basketball are staples on most sites, don’t overlook the inclusion...

Make sure the platform offers a wide range of sports and markets, including your favorites. While popular options like football and basketball are staples on most sites, don’t overlook the inclusion of niche sports such as volleyball, handball, or motorsports. These can provide unique opportunities with favorable odds. Additionally, examine the depth of the markets offered. For instance, whether the site supports player props, minute markets, or specific in-game events.

Live Betting Options

A diverse pre-match selection is only part of the equation. You need a bookmaker that is also strong when it comes to live betting. Pay close attention to the odds offered during live events; many Fre...

A diverse pre-match selection is only part of the equation. You need a bookmaker that is also strong when it comes to live betting. Pay close attention to the odds offered during live events; many French betting sites tend to lower prices once the game has started. Look for platforms with competitive live prices and real-time updates to stay ahead of the game.

Betting Features

Modern betting platforms often include features that significantly enhance your experience. Prioritize sites that offer Cash Out, Live Streaming, and Bet Builder. These tools can help you craft profit...

Modern betting platforms often include features that significantly enhance your experience. Prioritize sites that offer Cash Out, Live Streaming, and Bet Builder. These tools can help you craft profitable approaches and manage your bets more effectively. The inability to offer them is a reason to avoid signing up with a new online sportsbook.

Payment Methods

Convenient and secure transactions are non-negotiable for French bettors. Opt for platforms that support popular local payment methods, such as debit and credit cards, PayPal, Google and Apple Pay. Ch...

Convenient and secure transactions are non-negotiable for French bettors. Opt for platforms that support popular local payment methods, such as debit and credit cards, PayPal, Google and Apple Pay. Choosing a platform that minimizes fees and supports seamless deposits and withdrawals will save you time and money in the long run.

Localization

For a smoother and more enjoyable betting experience, pick bookies designed with French users in mind. These should include two things: first, the ability to navigate the website in French and, second...

For a smoother and more enjoyable betting experience, pick bookies designed with French users in mind. These should include two things: first, the ability to navigate the website in French and, second, sites that offer French-speaking Customer Support. Resolving disputes or addressing concerns is far easier when support staff is fluent in your native language.

Unibet

Unibet is one of the best bookmakers in the industry, having acquired tier-1 and local licenses and offering impeccable services for over 25 years. French players are among the few allowed on the website, as the list of restrictions has recently been updated to include dozens of new countries.

The betting site is old-school, but it delivers odds up to 97% on over 40 sports. Most matches offer Live Streaming and Cash Out, while the Bet Builder is available pre-match. It is also a prime destination for outrights and horse racing.

The welcome bonus varies according to country, and you can benefit from many free bets and boosts. A downloadable link for the Unibet app for both Android and iOS devices can be found in the top right corner. The cashier accepts cards, bank transfers, PayPal, and Paysafe.

18+ | Full T&Cs Apply

1xbet

1xbet was once popular in France and remains one of the most researched betting sites, despite having ceased its services in the country. Expats can catch the bookie and benefit from the exclusive welcome offer for sports, available via cards, crypto, or mobile apps like Jeton and Skrill.

French and European football deliver numerous featured leagues and betting options, with boosted prices often including player goals and assists in Ligue 1. Among the many exemplary tools, you can use Multi-View to follow more than one match simultaneously.

Bet Builder, Cash Out, and advanced tools are often available on covered matches. The 1xbet app is compatible with all mobile devices and provides a great opportunity to bypass restrictions when traveling.

18+ | Full T&Cs Apply

Rabona

Rabona is a renowned sportsbook in Europe, operating on the Altenar software under a Curacao license. French bettors can join the established bookie and claim an exclusive welcome bonus by signing up from our link.

The operator has many localized versions of French and accepts traditional banking methods, e-wallets, and crypto. Football offers over 240 markets, fast wagers, and player props in competitions such as the Ligue 1 or the Champions League. European basketball and US sports get a highlight, with odds averaging 94%.

Players can enjoy tools like Bet Builder and Quickbet while taking advantage of boosted prices on major events. The brand is one of the few using this sportsbook that delivers a betting application compatible with Android and iOS devices.

18+ | Full T&Cs Apply

Mystake

Mystake is a flagship brand for the Upgaming platform, offering a new perspective on bookmaker bonuses, event coverage, and a flexible overall experience. The Curacao operator has the option of setting the French language and the Euro as default settings.

Residents of the country can activate a high-value welcome bonus with crypto, cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. In addition, you can claim every 4th stake as a Free Bet. The average odds of 95% on top leagues don’t drop much on minor events and secondary bets.

The live section provides video streaming, Multi-View, and Cash Out, available on a decent number of games. On the downside, the betting site doesn’t provide a downloadable betting app.

18+ | Full T&Cs Apply

What You Need to Know About Sports Betting in France

The first steps toward the legalization of remote gambling were made in 2005 after the European Commission started to investigate the French gambling market. Up until that point, the market was working as a state-owned monopoly.

As a result, in 2009, the French government introduced a bill that partially allowed foreign operators to apply for a license. The first independent regulatory body, the Autorité de régulation des jeux en ligne (ARJEL), also made its appearance.

Moreover, there have been some amendments to the initial bill, with the most influential occurring in 2019. The Autorite Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) replaced ARJEL and further actions against money laundering were taken. Finally, casino or exchange betting games were not given any licenses since they were characterized as highly addictive.

Football

Football is the most popular sport in the country by far. The national team has multiple Euros and World Cup trophies, and the domestic Ligue 1 is one of the top competitions in the world, featuring t...

Football is the most popular sport in the country by far. The national team has multiple Euros and World Cup trophies, and the domestic Ligue 1 is one of the top competitions in the world, featuring teams like PSG, Marseille, and Olympique Lyonnais.

All French bookmakers thoroughly cover it, and you can find high odds and a wide range of selections. However, locals also enjoy wagering on multiple other leagues and events.

Basketball

France is known for producing top-level basketball talent. Some of the most notable names include Tony Parker, Victor Wembanyama, Nicolas Batum, and Evan Fournier. In addition, the success of the nati...

France is known for producing top-level basketball talent. Some of the most notable names include Tony Parker, Victor Wembanyama, Nicolas Batum, and Evan Fournier. In addition, the success of the national team, along with Pro A competing teams, has contributed to the increased gambling interest in the sport. In terms of volume, it comes second only to football in France.

Rugby

Apart from the UK, France also has a rich rugby history. The sport made its appearance in the country back in 1872. The national team holds the record for most wins in the 6 Nations with 26. Understan...

Apart from the UK, France also has a rich rugby history. The sport made its appearance in the country back in 1872. The national team holds the record for most wins in the 6 Nations with 26. Understandably, many bettors love wagering on it. The downside is that most betting sites in France often overlook it. You will find limited markets, mediocre odds, and rare promotions, especially when compared with football or basketball.

Cycling

Unsurprisingly, the French love cycling. In terms of participation, it is the number-one sport in the country, with over 60% of the population engaging in it yearly. Moreover, the country is home to t...

Unsurprisingly, the French love cycling. In terms of participation, it is the number-one sport in the country, with over 60% of the population engaging in it yearly. Moreover, the country is home to the most popular event: the Tour de France. Every July, we notice a spike in the total amount of wagers placed on the sport. Of course, betting sites in France also offer odds on many other high-profile events, such as the Spanish Grand Tour.

Sign Up

Once you’ve chosen a site, visit its official webpage via the provided link. Click the "Sign Up" or "Register" button, typically located at the top of the homepage, and provide the required information, such as your email, phone number, password, and other personal details like your address or tax code (if needed for verification). Most sites ask you to upload identification documents to verify your account. Double-check your entries to ensure accuracy and avoid issues during withdrawals or future transactions.

Begin Betting

With funds successfully deposited, you can explore the sportsbook. Browse through the available events to find those that pique your interest. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the betting markets and how the odds are displayed. Once you’re ready, select the wager you wish to place, specify your stake amount, and click on the “Place” button to confirm your wager. After the event concludes, your bet will be settled automatically, and any winnings will be credited to your account balance.

Local and International Transaction Methods

Payment Method

Description

Debit & Credit Cards

More than 2/3 of the transactions in the country occur through VISA, Mastercard, or Maestro debit and credit cards. Luckily, all French betting sites allow you to perform deposits and withdrawals with any of them.

PayPal

This is the most popular e-wallet in the country. More than 5,000,000 people use them in their everyday transactions. PayPal betting sites are extremely secure and offer instantaneous transactions. However, if you want to keep your activity under the radar, you should opt for other e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller.

Mobile Payments

Around 38% of the population uses mobile transactions to fund their gambling accounts. Amazon Pay, Revolut, and Monese have gained a lot of traction. However, Google and Apple Pay bookmakers still dominate the market.

Cryptocurrencies

You should note that bookmakers that hold a local license in France are not allowed to accept transactions through cryptocurrencies. Local authorities are very strict when it comes to money laundering. On the other hand, many offshore bookmakers, like Mystake and Goldenbet, have added them to their cashier sections.

OUR VERDICT

Sports Betting in France: What Does the Future Hold

Last updated: Jun 16, 2026

It's hard to believe that a country with a liberal heritage like France would treat gambling so strictly. Since the imposition of the French Gambling Act, the market has been mostly dominated by local operators. Heavy taxation and the lack of online casino licenses are why top international brands s...

It's hard to believe that a country with a liberal heritage like France would treat gambling so strictly. Since the imposition of the French Gambling Act, the market has been mostly dominated by local operators. Heavy taxation and the lack of online casino licenses are why top international brands stay out of the market.

It isn't the most welcoming country for online betting and needs a more operator-friendly legal framework. The French gambling scene has a long way to go before it can fulfill its potential. It’s all down to the ANJ to show its colors in the coming years.

Local authorities are concerned about the illegal market that has flourished due to the harsh restrictions. We expect this situation to continue since further taxation on French betting sites has been announced for the years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the best betting sites in France?

The most popular online gambling sites that operate in France are Powbet, Mystake, and Goldenbet. They come with some of the highest odds online, an excellent range of markets, and a full promotions page.

Is Rolletto legal in France?

Yes. This is an independent bookmaker that offers its services in more than 100 regions worldwide. It offers high pre-match odds, alongside a wide range of features. For all the latest info, follow our dedicated Rolletto review.

What deposit method can I use at French betting sites?

The most popular gambling payments in the country are straightforward. Debit and credit cards hold the lion’s share of the market. Additionally, many players perform transactions with PayPal and other e-wallets.

Is exchange betting legal in France?

Exchange betting is among the types of gambling activities that are not legal in France, as they are deemed too addictive. As a consequence, betting exchanges in France are not licensed.

How old do you have to be to bet online in France?

In France, you need to be at least 18 years old before being able to register and place wagers on any online bookmaker. Remember that you must also complete the KYC process to withdraw your winnings.

Who is responsible for issuing licenses to online bookmakers?

The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) is the authority that oversees all gambling activities in the country. Operators who want to obtain a local license must apply directly to the ANJ.

Does Mystake accept players from France?

Yes. It is one of the most prominent international bookmakers that accepts French players. It offers betting on 40+ sports, with more than 30.000 pre-match events per month. Additionally, by inputting the exclusive Mystake Bonus Code, you qualify for a lucrative Sign Up Offer.

Is online betting legal in France?

Yes, online betting is considered legal in France. Nonetheless, it’s worth mentioning that not all forms of gambling are indeed legal. Namely, casino games, spread betting and betting exchanges are not.