In 2023, the French gambling and betting market showed strong growth after overcoming the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Following a pandemic-affected 2020, a recovery year in 2021, and a record-breaking 2022, 2023 marks a new peak in activity, with the highest level ever recorded since the opening of the online market to competition in 2010. The Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) totalled €13.5 billion, a 4 percent increase from the previous year and a 21 percent rise compared to 2019.
2023 performance
The French gambling market saw a record year in 2023, with a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €13.4 billion, up by 4 percent compared to 2022. This translates to a €450 million increase in GGR across all types of games, from online poker to lottery and sports betting. Notably, 2023 marks the first time since 2019 that all gambling sectors in France saw growth.
Casinos remain the most significant driver of growth in the French gambling sector. The 203 casinos and 7 gaming clubs in France saw their revenues climb to €2.81 billion, an increase of 8.4 percent over the previous year. Within casinos, slot machines were particularly successful, contributing €157 million to the overall growth. Table games, including poker, also saw an 11.5 percent rise in GGR.
The online sector returned to its pre-2022 growth levels with a GGR increase of 7.2 percent to €2.3 billion. The number of unique players reached 3.6 million, rising across most segments except for sports betting. The online poker segment performed particularly well, with GGR rising by 14 percent, amounting to €504 million. This increase was fuelled by more intensive gaming practices among existing players, as the total number of online poker players actually dropped by 5.3 percent.
Sports betting
Online sports betting also showed solid growth of 6.4 percent, reaching €1.477 billion. However, the segment experienced a notable decline in the number of active bettors which fell by 3.9 percent, the first decline since 2019. This decrease can largely be attributed to the absence of major international sporting events in 2023, such as the FIFA World Cup or the Olympic Games.
Pari-mutuel horse betting also had a mixed year. While GGR for online horse betting grew by 2 percent, reflecting the continued migration of bettors to online platforms, retail betting (via the PMU’s 14,000 outlets) saw a more modest 0.9 percent growth. The total GGR for horse betting in 2023 was €1.74 billion.
Lottery
The lottery sector, which remains the most popular form of gambling in France, saw only minimal growth in 2023. The GGR for lottery games (draw-based and scratch cards) was €5.56 billion, up just 0.2 percent from the previous year. Despite the small increase, the lottery still accounts for 41.7 percent of the total GGR in France, making it the largest segment of the gambling market.
Regulatory framework and market structure
France’s gambling market is highly regulated, with the sector governed by a combination of state monopolies and licensed operators. The French National Gaming Authority (ANJ) oversees gambling activities and ensures compliance with strict regulations designed to protect consumers and limit the risks of gambling addiction.
The lottery and pari-mutuel horse betting are operated under exclusive rights by the state-run Française des Jeux (FDJ) and Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), respectively. In contrast, the online market for sports betting, horse racing, and poker is open to competition, with 16 licensed operators offering sports betting and 7 offering poker in 2023. The online sector, which now accounts for 17.5 percent of the total market, continues to grow steadily, particularly as more players opt for the convenience of betting from home.
Fewer players, higher spending
One of the most notable trends in 2023 was the decrease in active online players, which fell from 3.8 million in 2022 to 3.6 million in 2023, a 5.3 percent decrease. This attrition was particularly pronounced in sports betting, where the number of active bettors shrank. However, despite this decline, overall spending per player increased, suggesting that while there are fewer players, they are engaging more intensely in gambling activities. On average, French adults spent €249 on gambling in 2023, up from €242 in 2022.
Looking ahead to 2024, several factors are likely to shape the future of the French gambling market:
Following the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, the sports betting market is expected to see a resurgence. The return of high-profile sporting events will likely reverse the decline in the number of sports bettors seen in 2023.
Casinos are likely to maintain their role as a major growth driver, particularly if the positive trends in footfall and spending continue.
The shift from physical to online gambling will continue. The growing market share of online operators suggests that internet-based gambling will continue to outpace traditional retail outlets, particularly in sports and horse betting.
User penetration in the online gambling market: 13.2 percent
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