The French National Gambling Authority (ANJ) has reported a record 5.85 million active online gaming accounts in the first half of 2026, coinciding with the excitement of the FIFA World Cup. The regulator released its market overview for the period on October 15, highlighting significant growth in online sports betting, poker, and horse racing, while online casinos remain prohibited in France.
Online Sector Drives Market Growth
According to ANJ, the online segment accounted for €1.45 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), marking an 11% year-on-year increase. The total market GGR, excluding land-based casinos and gaming clubs, reached €5.66 billion, with the online sector making up 25.6% of this figure. The number of active online gaming accounts rose by 24% compared to the previous year, setting a new record for the French market.
Sports Betting and Promotional Activity Surge
Online sports betting turnover hit €6.6 billion, up 10.6% year-on-year, with the most notable growth occurring in June. That month saw a 47% increase in turnover and a 69% jump in active betting accounts compared to June 2025. Operators responded to the heightened interest by nearly quadrupling their bonus offers to attract players, distributing €9 million in bonuses in June alone versus €2.4 million a year earlier.
Poker and Horse Racing Show Steady Gains
Poker GGR reached €290 million, up 13.4% year-on-year, with the number of active poker accounts increasing by 39%. Online horse racing betting also saw robust growth, with turnover rising 16% to €920 million—the strongest performance since 2021—even as the number of players grew modestly by 3%.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
The surge in active accounts and betting activity during the World Cup underscores the importance of major sporting events for operators and affiliates. The ANJ noted that the sustainability of this record player base beyond the tournament remains uncertain, and the annual results will also depend on the performance of the state lottery operator FDJ United, which holds a 61% market share in GGR. With online being the sole source of market growth, operators may need to focus on retention strategies and continued promotional efforts to maintain momentum.
Key takeaways
- Active online gaming accounts in France hit a record 5.85 million in H1 2026.
- World Cup activity drove sharp increases in sports betting and promotional bonuses.
- Poker and horse racing segments also posted strong year-on-year growth.
- Operators face the challenge of retaining new players after the World Cup surge.