France Betting Sites
Below you can find our expert reviews of reputable and regulated sports betting sites operating in France. Each betting site has been thoroughly tested and verified by our team.
France is a country renowned for its cuisine, fine wine, rich culture, and landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. The country also boasts a long history in gambling. France is home to some of the most iconic gaming establishments in the world and has greatly contributed to the development of many casino games, including the ever-popular baccarat and roulette, with French mathematician Blaise Pascal being credited for inventing the roulette wheel. The card deck widely used today also originated in France, as did pari-mutuel betting.
One of the most popular forms of gambling in the country is sports betting. The French regulatory body, ARJEL (Autorité de régulation des jeux en ligne), reported that sports betting reached an unprecedented peak in 2018, as bettors from the country collectively wagered over $1.1 billion between June and September alone.
French Sports Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating
Sportsbook | Reviews | Rating |
---|---|---|
N1 Bet | 1,252 | 4.0 ⭐ |
NetBet | 2,511 | 4.0 ⭐ |
22Bet | 2,625 | 3.9 ⭐ |
Stake.com | 12,922 | 3.9 ⭐ |
20Bet | 1,000 | 3.6 ⭐ |
Rabona | 1,604 | 3.5 ⭐ |
1xBit | 2,575 | 3.2 ⭐ |
Melbet | 1,418 | 2.8 ⭐ |
Sportsbet.io | 294 | 1.8 ⭐ |
Unibet | 1,776 | 1.3 ⭐ |
Comparison of Sports Betting Sites in France
Sportsbook | Sports on Offer | Min Deposit | Min Withdrawal | Min Bet | Bonuses | Bonus Wagering Requirements | In-Play Betting | Licenses |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
22Bet | Football, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Volleyball, and over 40 other sports | • $10 for MiFinity; • 0.001 BTC for Bitcoin; • $11.64 for most other methods | Depends on payment provider | $0.30/€0.20 | • 100% Welcome Bonus up to $/€122 | • 5x bonus funds on accumulator bets (Welcome Bonus) | Yes | Kahnawake Gaming Commission (#00882) Curacao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/590/0758) |
Rabona | Soccer, Horse Racing, Virtual Sports, Tennis, and 35+ other sports | •€30 for BTC; •€10 for other methods | •Fiat methods - €10; •USDC, USDT, XRP, ADA - €30; •ETH - €40; •BTC: - €60; •BCH - €10 | $/€1 | •First Deposit Bonus: 100% up to €100; | First Deposit Bonus | Yes | •Ireland Revenue Commissioners (1020581) |
N1 Bet | Soccer, Ice Hockey, Basketball, Tennis, Volleyball, Esports, and 20+ sports | 20 €/$ | €/$20 | Not specified | First Deposit Bonus Free bet of up to €200 Up to €/$60 in Free Bets | First Deposit Bonus: Up to €/$60 in Free Bets: | Yes | The Curacao Gambling Commission (OGL/2024/161/0191) |
20Bet | Football, Tennis, Basketball, Table Tennis, Ice Hockey, and 30+ other sports | • $21 - Bitcoin; • $10 - Other Methods | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | • 100% Welcome Bonus up to $/€100 | • 5x bonus amount on accumulator bets at odds of 2.0 or higher (Welcome Bonus) | Yes | Curaçao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/590/0758) |
Sportsbet.io | Soccer, Tennis, Baseball, eSports, Virtual Sports, Horse Racing, and 30 other sports | • BTC 0.000007; • ETH 0.00013; • LTC 0.002 | • BTC 0.0005; • 0.01 ETH; • 0.1 LTC | • mBTC 0.01 (BTC 0.00001); • ETH 0.001; • LTC 0.01 | Champions Welcome Bonus for Sports or Casino (100% up to 300 USDT or 3 mBTC) | • Minimum deposit of 0.1 mBTC; | Yes | Curaçao Gaming Authority (OGL/2023/110/0072) |
Stake.com | Soccer, Tennis,Baseball, Basketball, Cricket, American Football, and 30+ other sports | No minimum or maximum deposit limits for crypto | • BTC: 0.00002504; • ETH: 0.00062610; • LTC: 0.01857329 | • Crypto: $0.00001 per bet; • Fiat: 0.10 regardless of currency | Regularly updated promotions, including event-specific bonuses | N/A | Yes | Curaçao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/1451/0918) |
1xBit | Baseball, Football, eSports, Horse Racing, Rugby, Soccer, and 40+other sports | 0.01 mBTC; 20 mETH; 10 mLTC | 0.21 mBTC | Varies based on accountcurrency | Up to 7 BTC and | 40x on single and 0,1 mBTC min. deposit | Yes | Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan (ALSI-202409027-FI2) |
Melbet | Football, Basketball, Baseball, American Football, Tennis, Golf, Ice Hockey, and 40+ other sports | • Jeton, AstroPay - $1; • MiFinity - $10; • Skrill - $5.83; • Mastercard - $1.17; • Bitcoin - 0.001 BTC | • Sticpay - $10; • Skrill - $5.83 | $0.20 | First Deposit Bonus: 100% up to $100 | • $1 minimum deposit required | Yes | Curacao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/561/0554) |
Unibet | Hockey, Soccer, Cricket, eSports, Golf, and 30+ othersports | €5 | €15 - credit/debit cards; €10 - other methods | €0.10 | Welcome Offer: | Welcome Offer: | Yes | Irish Revenue Commissioners (1013174) Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/B2C/106/2000) UK Gambling Commission (045322-R-324275-017) Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (No. 092) |
NetBet | Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Basketball, Virtual Sports, and 35+ other sports | $/£/€10 | $/£/€10 | €0.07 for pre-live betting and €0.13 for live betting | N/A | N/A | Yes | MGA (MGA/B2C/126/2006) UKGC (39170) |
Top 10 Betting Sites for France
22Bet
Min Deposit• $10 for MiFinity; • 0.001 BTC for Bitcoin; • $11.64 for most other methodsMin WithdrawalDepends on payment providerWithdrawal Time• Cryptocurrencies - 24 hours • E-wallets - 15 minutes • Credit and debit cards - up to 7 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes email: support-en@22bet.com Phone: +357 99 816806- Covers more than 1,000 sporting events daily
- Supports a wide range of payment methods
- Very low minimum deposits
- A broad range of limited-time and ongoing sportsbook promotions
- Native iOS and Android apps
- Dedicated customer support in several languages
Bettors can have a great time at 22bet, as the brand knows how to provide a smooth, fun, and rewarding experience for its members. With excellent sports coverage, you can bet on football, basketball, tennis, and other popular categories. In addition, punters will find odds on esports, horse racing, and even more niche sports, all of which still offer plenty of betting options.
Many of the sports covered by 22bet also offer in-play betting, giving bettors the opportunity to place wagers on events happening in real time. Regarding payments, punters can choose from a wide array of options, including numerous cryptocurrencies, to manage their 22bet balance.
Rabona
Licenses•Ireland Revenue Commissioners (1020581) •Anjouan Gaming Board (ALSI-202411077-FI2) •Operated by Naale Limited in Ireland and Stellar Limited in AnjouanMin Deposit•€30 for BTC; •€10 for other methodsMin Withdrawal•Fiat methods - €10; •USDC, USDT, XRP, ADA - €30; •ETH - €40; •BTC: - €60; •BCH - €10Withdrawal Time•Bank cards - 2-5 days; •E-wallets, Crypto - instantDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsSSC NapoliContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support@rabona.com- Wide selection of pre-match bets
- Live betting on numerous sporting events
- Fully optimized for mobile devices
- Plenty of promotions for new and existing members
- Supports many secure payment methods
- Quick responses from the customer support team
Whenever sports fans want to add some thrill to their experience, they can head to Rabona and place wagers on events whose outcomes they feel confident predicting. The bookmaker covers some of the hottest current tournaments and leagues, offering punters odds on top sporting events.
Bettors can choose to place pre-match bets or opt for in-play betting on several sports. Whichever option they choose, it is easy to set up the bet and enjoy the game. Rabona members looking to enhance their experience can also explore the promotions offered by the bookie and redeem those that provide the best value for their stakes.
N1 Bet
LicensesThe Curacao Gambling Commission (OGL/2024/161/0191)Min Deposit20 €/$Min Withdrawal€/$20Withdrawal TimeBank transfers - within 3 working days; Other methods - within 24 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support@n1bet.com Phone: N/A- Extensive sports coverage
- Supports a wide range of payment methods
- In-play bets on major sporting events
- Generous promotions for sports betting fans
- Optimized for mobile devices
- Video streams of major sporting events
Sports betting enthusiasts can have a great time at N1 Bet, with the sportsbook offering competitive odds on a wide range of sporting events. Those who want a fun and rewarding experience can visit the bookie’s website and explore the variety of betting options available. Setting up bets in the bet slip is a breeze, allowing punters to manage all of their wagers quickly.
To make the experience even more exciting, N1 Bet also offers live betting on various sports. What makes this type of wagering even better is the option to stream some of the games that support in-play betting.
20Bet
Min Deposit• $21 - Bitcoin; • $10 - Other MethodsMin Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• E-wallets - 12 hours • Cryptos - 24 hours • Credit/debit cards - 7 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes email: support@20bet.com Phone: N/A- Great coverage of top sporting events
- Generous welcome offer
- Supports a variety of secure, easy-to-use payment methods
- All punters automatically join the 20Bet VIP program
- Android and iOS users can bet on a fully optimized mobile version of 20Bet
- 24/7 live chat customer support
Bettors can find their favorite sports at 20Bet and enjoy a top-notch betting experience, thanks to the diverse options the bookmaker offers. The top championships and events are displayed prominently at the top of the 20Bet sportsbook lobby, allowing punters to locate the most popular picks with ease. Players can also browse the extensive list of sports covered by the bookie and choose the markets they believe will deliver the best value.
Members of 20Bet can place pre-match bets on a wide variety of sporting events. In addition, many categories offer in-play betting, making the experience at 20Bet even more thrilling, with live bets available on numerous events.
Sportsbet.io
LicensesCuraçao Gaming Authority (OGL/2023/110/0072)Min Deposit• BTC 0.000007; • ETH 0.00013; • LTC 0.002Min Withdrawal• BTC 0.0005; • 0.01 ETH; • 0.1 LTCWithdrawal TimeWithin 15 minutesDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsLa Liga, Nwankwo Kanu, Brett Lee, Tristan Thompson, World Snooker Tour (Players Championship, Tour Championship and Champion of Champions)Contact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: hello@sportsbet.ioContact Us Form- Crypto sportsbook supporting multiple cryptocurrencies
- Fast, easy payments
- Competitive odds across a wide range of events
- Live betting on numerous sports
- Generous sportsbook promotions
- Clubhouse TV provides in-play betting tips and commentary
Sportsbet.io is a virtual sportsbook that delivers a superb experience, allowing members to conduct all of their betting with cryptocurrencies. With many online bettors embracing crypto, the brand is the ideal destination for sports betting enthusiasts. To suit diverse preferences, the bookmaker covers a wide variety of sports, and the biggest leagues feature multiple betting options.
Punters can make the experience even more exciting by choosing live betting, which covers many major events in real time. Furthermore, Sportsbet.io provides live commentary on many games that support in-play betting, giving bettors a better chance of placing successful wagers.
Stake.com
LicensesCuraçao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/1451/0918) Columbia (C1751) Mexico (DGAJS/SCEVF/P-06/2005-TER EN) Peru (N° 4748-2024-MINCETUR/VMT/DGJCMT, N° 4749-2024-MINCETUR/VMT/DGJCMT) Secretariat of Prizes and Bets at Brazil's Ministry of Finance (PORTARIA SPA/MF Nº 263)Min DepositNo minimum or maximum deposit limits for cryptoMin Withdrawal• BTC: 0.00002504; • ETH: 0.00062610; • LTC: 0.01857329Withdrawal Time• Crypto: Instant; • Bank Transfers: 3 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsUFC, Everton Football Club, Enyimba Football Club, Team Vitality (eSports), Stake F1 Team, Drake, Esporte Clube Juventude, FBC Melgar, Trinbago Knight Riders, Fortaleza CEIF, Club Deportivo Nublense, Davis Cup, Kun Aguero, Patrice Evra, Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira, Valentina Shevchenko, Merab Dvalishvili, Alexandre Pantoja, Caio Borralho, Frankie DettoriContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support@stake.com- Supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies
- Covers numerous top sports
- Offers both pre-match and in-play betting
- Allows users to buy crypto for sports wagering on-site
- Quick and secure payments
- Excellent live support
With crypto bookmakers widely regarded as the future of online betting, it is no surprise that Stake.com has become one of the hottest destinations for virtual sports wagering. The brand enables members to place easy, fast, and high-value bets on a vast array of popular sporting events, using some of the most popular cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals.
When it comes to top-notch betting, punters usually seek great odds and diverse markets. At Stake.com, they can enjoy both, choosing from highly competitive lines on many popular sports.
1xBit
Min Deposit0.01 mBTC; 20 mETH; 10 mLTCMin Withdrawal0.21 mBTCWithdrawal TimeFew minutes to 1 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: support-en@1x-bit.com, security@1x-bit.com, Phone: N/A- Crypto sportsbook that supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies
- Covers numerous popular sports
- Live betting available on many sporting events
- Mobile version compatible with multiple smart devices
- Responsive customer support
- Supports multi-view
For those eager to explore a variety of sports bets, 1xbit is a great option. The gambling brand offers attractive odds, giving punters excellent value for their stakes. In addition, bettors can explore odds on a range of major sporting events as well as more niche categories.
A key feature of 1xbit is its support for crypto payments, allowing bettors to fund their accounts with some of the most popular cryptocurrencies. In this way, punters can enjoy easy, safe payments and fully immerse themselves in online sports betting. Those looking to add extra value to their wagers can also redeem some of the generous promotions 1xbit provides.
Melbet
Bet NowLicensesCuracao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/561/0554) Operated by Pelican Entertainment B.V. Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA/OP/OSB/MB021222) Gaming Commission of Ghana (GCSB25J8590V) Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (0001174)Min Deposit• Jeton, AstroPay - $1; • MiFinity - $10; • Skrill - $5.83; • Mastercard - $1.17; • Bitcoin - 0.001 BTCMin Withdrawal• Sticpay - $10; • Skrill - $5.83Withdrawal Time15 minutesDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsJuventus FC, La Liga, Andrés Iniesta, Saint Lucia Kings (Caribbean Premier League)Contact DetailsLive chat: Yes Phone: +442038077601 Email: info-en@melbet.com- Wide selection of sports to bet on
- Live betting available on major sporting events
- Live streams of certain events
- Supports various payment methods
- Optimized for mobile devices
- Generous promotions for bettors
Melbet is a virtual sportsbook that lets members place wagers on some of the biggest sporting events worldwide. With extensive sports coverage and very competitive odds, the bookie gives its members the chance to secure great value for their bets. Numerous betting markets allow punters to explore different options, with some sports also offering live betting.
Managing your balance at Melbet is easy, as you can choose from a plethora of payment methods, including several crypto options. Bettors who want to add extra value to their wagers can also take advantage of the promotions the bookmaker offers.
Unibet
ReviewLicensesIrish Revenue Commissioners (1013174)Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/B2C/106/2000)UK Gambling Commission (045322-R-324275-017)Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (No. 092)Min Deposit€5Min Withdrawal€15 - credit/debit cards; €10 - other methodsWithdrawal TimeCards - 1 to 3 days; Direct Banking - 1 to 3 days; E-Wallets - up to 12 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsMiddlesbrough FCCheltenham FestivalNHL SwedenF.C. CopenhagenPFL Europe DivisionContact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: info@unibetsupport.comPhone: 0808 1686635- Excellent native apps for iOS and Android
- Market diversity and great odds for all major sporting events
- A broad range of live-betting markets
- Live streaming of more than 40,000 events each year
- Clean, easy-to-use interface
- Various promotional offers for sports fans
Unibet is a trustworthy brand that French punters can rely on whenever they want a fun sports betting experience. The sportsbook offers great odds on multiple major sports, covering popular tournaments and leagues. Each category allows punters to choose from different betting markets and quickly set up their bets via the betslip tool.
In addition to pre-match wagering, Unibet gives its members the option to place in-play bets on various sports. Even better, bettors can stream many of the games they bet on, as the bookie broadcasts a large number of major events.
NetBet
Min Deposit$/£/€10Min Withdrawal$/£/€10Withdrawal TimeBank cards - 2-4 business daysE-wallets - 1 business dayBank transfers - up to 48 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsPremier League West Bromwich Albion; Ligue 1 St. Etienne, FC Steaua BucureștiContact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: support@netbet.comPhone: N/A- Reliable virtual sportsbook
- Offers various promotions
- Provides a dedicated mobile application
- Supports multiple payment options
- Presents punters with a wide range of betting options
- Live streaming of major sporting events
NetBet members can enjoy plenty of entertainment, as the brand offers different products for every type of customer. Sports betting is part of the operation, and NetBet is authorized to serve French punters. The sportsbook provides competitive odds on a myriad of sporting events, covering some of the biggest tournaments and leagues.
A standout feature of NetBet is live betting, which enables punters to wager on matches while they are being played in real time. Additionally, bettors can click on matches marked with the NBTV logo and watch the games live on NetBet’s website, allowing them to follow the action and place bets simultaneously.
Both land-based and online sports betting in France are legal as long as operators have received licenses from the French regulator. The country has opened its sports betting market to foreign competition, enabling offshore operators to apply for and receive a local license. It is not surprising that many French bettors have transitioned from land-based to online sportsbooks, where they can choose from hundreds of markets at more competitive prices.
In the following article, we cover the most popular betting markets at France-friendly online sportsbooks, the most common payment methods French bettors can use to boost their sportsbook balances, and the bonuses they can claim to add more value to their online betting activities. But first, let’s take an in-depth look at the legal sports betting landscape in the country.
Legality and Regulation of Sports Betting in France
Most forms of online betting are allowed in France, with the only exception being wagering on fantasy sports. Online sports betting operators must apply for a local license in order to legally serve bettors from the country. Each license issued by ARJEL remains valid for five years, with applicants having the option to renew their permits once they expire.
Each licensee is subject to inspection by ARJEL after one year of operation in the French market. In addition, the regulatory authority performs regular audits throughout the entire duration of the license. Those found guilty of violating the licensing terms outlined by ARJEL face sanctions that range from warnings to license withdrawal.
French regulations on online sports betting and horse racing require each licensed operator to comply with a payback ratio of 85%. Bettors themselves are not taxed on their profits because, under French law, sports betting, unlike poker, is not considered a “lucrative” or professional occupation.
However, this is not the case for online betting operators. Each licensed provider of online sports betting services is subject to taxation. The tax rates are based on the total amount wagered by French bettors annually, not just on the licensed operator’s gross betting revenue in the country.
Each licensee must pay taxes equal to 8.5% of the total amount bettors stake on its website annually, which corresponds to a gross revenue tax of around 57%. These high taxation rates make it nearly impossible for licensed online sportsbooks to yield satisfactory profits from their operations in France.
Figures released by ARJEL in 2015 further support this statement. According to the annual report, online sports betting increased by 30% during the year, while the operators’ gross revenue grew by only 15%. Nevertheless, it was estimated that since the regulations and tax system were introduced in 2010, licensed operators have suffered combined losses exceeding €220 million. In fact, only five out of eleven licensed online sportsbooks operating in the country were able to turn a profit in 2015.
Unlicensed gambling sites are generally blocked from serving bettors in the country. Those caught offering bets to French residents without a proper license risk heavy penalties, including imprisonment and fines of €90,000. Advertising unauthorized betting sites is also prohibited by French law, with violators facing monetary sanctions of €100,000. French bettors themselves are not prosecuted for participating in betting activities on unauthorized websites.
History and Key Sports Betting Laws in France
Despite the ban, gambling continued to thrive in France through underground gambling dens where people placed their bets illegally. Pari-mutuel betting, where bets are pooled and winnings are divided among all participants, was also invented in France in 1867.
Around that time, betting shops started to sprout like wild mushrooms, enabling the French to wager on lotteries, pools, and fixed odds. To protect the thriving horse racing industry, the government passed another piece of legislation in 1891, which effectively prohibited fixed-odds wagering and pool betting on everything except horses.
The 1891 Act brought about the Pari Mutuel Hippodrome, or PMH, a state-owned entity that was allowed to legally accept pooled wagers on horse races. As soccer became increasingly popular toward the end of the 19th century, illegal bookmaking operations ran rampant. The French government had no choice but to legalize other forms of gambling, on the condition that betting services were provided by state-owned entities.
Legislative amendments between 1920 and 1930 resulted in the establishment of the Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), responsible for horse race wagering, and the Francaise des Jeux (FDJ), which handled all other forms of betting. The two held a monopoly on gambling activities in the country for several decades.
As legal gambling brought numerous benefits to the country and its citizens, France continued to lift restrictions on betting. Pool bets on greyhound races were legalized in 1983, and five years later the legal gambling age was reduced from 21 to 18.
The year 2001 was marked by crucial changes in France’s gambling legislation, as the PMU and the FDJ were granted permission to provide online betting services. This significantly increased the revenue the two state-owned companies generated.
A portion of the profits went to the Centre National de Développement du Sport, a state-owned institution that supports French athletes and sports clubs. The Centre is also involved in several charities, notably the Red Cross and Odyssea, a charity that raises funds for cancer research.
The PMU and the FDJ retained their monopoly on online betting until 2010, when the French government passed a new Gambling Act (Law No. 2010-476) under pressure from the European Union. This gave foreign sports betting operators based in EU member states the opportunity to apply for local licenses. The Act also legalized online poker in the country, but interactive casino games remain illegal under French law because the government considers them too addictive.
The new legislation also resulted in the establishment of ARJEL, the local regulator of online betting services. All forms of online sports betting are currently legal in the country, with the exception of spread betting and eSports.
ARJEL does an effective job of preventing unauthorized betting sites from illegally serving bettors in France. A dedicated team of investigators searches for unauthorized betting sites. Such operators are issued formal notices warning them to cease their illegal activities, and those who fail to comply are heavily fined. The domains of unlicensed sportsbooks and online casinos serving customers from France are blocked. Esports are currently illegal in the country, but the PMU has shown interest in offering such services.
France Sports Betting Coverage and Markets
International competitions like the World Cup are also available at the fingertips of French bettors. The odds for soccer markets are generally quite competitive, but it is advisable to shop around and compare what different bookmakers offer to find the best prices. There are many options where bet types are concerned, but match betting, handicaps, totals, scores, and team goals remain among the most popular choices for French sports bettors.
France has a long tradition of horse race betting, which competes with soccer in terms of popularity at France-friendly online sportsbooks. Watching horse races is a preferred pastime of many Frenchmen, and a large portion of the profits generated through betting is reinvested in this sport.
Those who like to bet on horse races are presented with numerous wagering options on competitions that take place at racecourses throughout Europe. French bettors can make informed decisions by reviewing available information on the horses’ form and previous results. Popular bet types on horse racing include top-3 finish, win or each-way, and forecasts.
The French are avid cycling fans, which is hardly surprising considering their country hosts the annual Tour de France, the most prestigious cycling competition in the world. Bets on this event are, of course, accepted, but there are plenty of alternatives online for those looking to wager on other competitions such as Paris-Roubaix, the Tour of Flanders, the Tour de Romandie, and Milan-San Remo. Betting on the outright winner remains one of the most popular bet types among French cycling fans.
Other sports commonly available for online betting in France are basketball, volleyball, baseball, tennis, hockey, handball, boxing, golf, snooker, and greyhound racing. Pre-match and in-play betting are both possible at very competitive odds.
A good France-friendly sportsbook normally offers live streams to registered users along with podcasts, comprehensive statistics, and tips. All sportsbooks reviewed by Sportingpedia are mobile-responsive, allowing you to place bets on your smartphone or tablet while away from home.
Popular Odds Format in France
Decimal odds display a bet’s price down to two decimal places and, therefore, give a more accurate reflection of your chances of winning. A wager of €10 at odds of 3.50 returns €35.00 (€25.00 in net profit plus the initial €10 stake). As you can see, the potential return is calculated by multiplying the stake by the odds. The bigger the decimal number, the larger the return. For instance, if you wager €10 on a horse at odds of 9.50, you will generate a total return of €95.00, including €85.00 in net profit if you win.
This simplicity does not exist with fractional odds, which makes it more difficult to assess the value of a given bet. If you win a bet at decimal odds of 1.00, you break even because your wager returns the same amount you staked. Bets with odds under 1.00 are negative-expectation wagers, meaning they return less money than the amount you have staked. A bookmaker would never offer odds below 1.00.
Conversion from fractional to decimal odds is also easy: divide the fraction’s numerator by its denominator and add 1 to the result. For example, to convert odds of 9/4 into decimals, divide 9 by 4, then add 1, and you get 3.25.
This expression of the odds also gives you a good idea of the implied probability of winning. To do so, divide 1 by the decimal odds and then multiply the result by 100, so in this case, the implied probability of winning a bet at odds of 3.25 is [1 / 3.25] × 100 = 30.76%.
Payment Solutions for Sports Bettors from France
Bettors seeking higher levels of anonymity tend to use e-wallets like Neteller, Skrill, and ecoPayz, but online banking, regular wire transfers, and checks are readily available as well. Most deposit methods allow for instant money transfers, but payments conducted via wire transfers and paper checks usually require several business days.
France-friendly online sportsbooks take the safety of their customers’ information and payments seriously, which is why they implement SSL encryption, the same masking technology used by banks worldwide. Bettors are prompted to approach sports betting responsibly and are given the option to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits on their accounts. Time-off periods and self-exclusion are also viable options for those who struggle to control their betting activities.
Bonuses and Rewards for Sports Bettors from France
However, most websites accepting wagers from the country prefer to reward new customers with free bets, granted either immediately after registration or after the bettor deposits for the first time. The customer is typically required to wager a predetermined minimum amount at specific odds to qualify for the offer.
In most cases, the bettor can cash out only the winnings generated with the free bet, while the free bet itself is not withdrawable. These bonuses expire after a set period (usually a month or so) if left unused and come with minimal wagering requirements, which makes them all the more rewarding.
Returning customers from France can boost the value of their bets by redeeming various ongoing promotions like cashbacks on losing accumulators and enhanced odds. Some France-friendly sportsbooks have dedicated loyalty programs with multiple tiers where the customer earns points each time they place a bet on the website. The points can be converted into more credits to bet with for free, although some online bookmakers allow you to exchange them for actual cash.
Customer Support at France Sports Betting Sites
Help is provided via dedicated live chat facilities that make it possible to get in touch with a support assistant within seconds. Apart from the short response times, French customers benefit from highly professional assistance provided in a friendly and courteous manner. Remember, a good France-friendly sportsbook will run a 24/7 live chat feature.
Other commonly available avenues of contact include email and telephone, with some betting operators offering toll-free lines for customers from France. Most reputable sports betting sites also feature detailed FAQ sections that answer the most pressing questions a sports bettor may have.