France's €2 billion gambling boom sparks calls for stricter addiction controls

France’s gambling sector saw €2 billion in gross gaming revenue in the latter half of 2025. A significant portion, €1.2 billion, came from high-risk players. Fédération Addiction has now urged authorities to address the growing public health concerns linked to gambling harm. Sports betting has become a major gateway to gambling for many young people, even though underage participation is illegal. It is now deeply embedded in the sporting experience, especially for younger fans.

The organisation warns that rapid market growth may worsen gambling-related harm. It estimates that around 600,000 players in France show a high likelihood of excessive gambling behaviour. These players contribute roughly 60% of the industry’s total revenue.

Fédération Addiction is pushing for stricter controls. It has proposed 15 regulatory changes, including a ban on athletes promoting betting products. Additional measures involve restricting advertising during live sports events. The group also demands a pause on further sector expansion until stronger protections are implemented.

France already imposes some of Europe’s highest gambling taxes, with online sports betting levies at 59.3% of gross revenue. Despite this, the organisation insists gambling harm must be treated as both a health and social priority. The call for action comes as the sector continues to thrive financially. Authorities are being urged to balance market growth with the need to protect vulnerable players. The proposed measures aim to reduce exposure and limit harm among at-risk groups.