bet365 Secures ANJ Approval, Launches in France Ahead of 2026 World Cup

UK-headquartered gambling giant bet365 has officially launched in France after securing approval from the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ). This significant market entry occurs just weeks before the commencement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a move that has been in development since last year. The launch represents one of the most notable new entrants into the French regulated online betting sector in recent years.

The French market has seen considerable transformation recently, including FDJ United’s acquisition of Kindred Group brands and Betclic’s merger with Tipico under the Banijay Group. bet365’s expansion into France signifies its ambition to grow its presence in a key European regulated market. The operator’s French platform is now accessible via its webpage and mobile applications.

Anticipating a busy global sports calendar, bet365 plans to deploy a series of promotional materials targeting the French market. This includes upcoming events such as Roland-Garros, the UEFA Champions League Final between Arsenal and PSG, and the Tour de France. This strategic rollout aims to leverage these high-profile events to establish a strong foothold.

The expansion further strengthens bet365’s European presence as the company continues its international growth strategy across regulated jurisdictions.

Tailored Offering for French Players

bet365 emphasized that its French offering has been specifically customized to meet the preferences of local consumers and comply with all regulatory mandates. The operator is introducing several of its well-known features to the French market, including Bet Builder, Cash Out, Bet Tracker, and Match Live. Additionally, the platform will feature "Sub On Play On," a product that allows certain player-focused bets to remain active even after a player has been substituted.

Alex Sefton, bet365’s Global Chief Marketing Officer, commented on the expansion: “bet365’s expansion strategy has always been built around combining the scale, technology, innovation and expertise of a global brand with the understanding and appreciation of local customs and culture. Our arrival in France will be no different. We’re thrilled to create a product and experience tailored specifically for French players, within a framework fully compliant with the requirements of the French National Gaming Authority.”

Responsible Gambling Commitment

A central component of bet365’s launch strategy in France is its commitment to responsible gambling. French customers will have access to a comprehensive suite of responsible gambling tools, including self-exclusion options, gambling controls, and direct links to national support services like Joueurs Info Service and Evalujeu.

Furthermore, bet365 has established a partnership with the Association de Recherche et de Prévention des Excès du Jeu (ARPEJ) to provide support for players who may exhibit signs of problematic gambling behavior.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

The French market has become increasingly competitive, influenced by stricter regulations and consolidation among licensed operators. The recent introduction of a new ANJ algorithm designed to identify instances of problem gambling highlights the regulatory landscape. It was also revealed that high-risk French players contributed approximately 60% of gross gaming revenue, amounting to £1.03 billion.

France also maintains one of Europe's most stringent tax regimes for online gambling. Tax rates were further increased in July 2025 with the renewed Social Security Financing Act, raising public levies for online sports betting from 54.9% to 59.3% of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Point-of-sale public levies rose from 41.1% to 42.1% of GGR, and online poker public levies increased from 0.2% to 10% of GGR. These tax implications present a considerable challenge for bet365 in achieving profitability in the jurisdiction, echoing recent difficulties faced by FDJ.

Despite these challenges, bet365 has a proven track record of global success. The operator's owners, the Coates family, were ranked 17th on The Sunday Times 2026 Rich List with an estimated net worth nearing £10 billion. bet365, also recognized as the largest private-sector employer in Stoke-on-Trent, has indicated plans to diversify its offerings in France beyond sports betting, with online poker and horse racing betting expected to be introduced at a later stage.

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| Aspecto | Detalle |
|—|—|
| Operador | bet365 |
| Mercado | Francia |
| Autoridad Reguladora | Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) |
| Evento Clave de Lanzamiento | Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 |

This development is significant for PlayVideoPoker readers as it signals the expansion of a major global operator into another regulated market. The introduction of bet365 in France, particularly with its focus on player-specific features and responsible gambling tools, could influence market dynamics and player engagement strategies across Europe. The inclusion of online poker at a later stage will also be of particular interest to our readership.

Fuente: SBC News https://sbcnews.co.uk/sportsbook/2026/05/27/bet365-launches-in-france/

Datos clave