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France Betting Sites

Written by Pavel Kateliev
Pavel Kateliev is a popular sport journalist, particularly in the fields of football, basketball, tennis, and hockey. He writes daily for Sportingpedia and his work has been translated into at least 20 languages and featured on renowned outlets such as BBC, Yahoo, MCN, Sun, and Evening News, in Italian, English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
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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.

  1. MyBookieRating: 4.9
  2. BovadaRating: 4.8
  3. XBetRating: 4.7
  4. EverygameRating: 4.6
  5. BetUSRRating: 4.5
  6. VaveRating: 4.4

France is renowned for its cuisine, fine wine, rich culture, and landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. The country also has a long history of gambling. France is home to some of the world’s most iconic gaming establishments and has contributed greatly to the development of many casino games, including the ever-popular baccarat and roulette. French mathematician Blaise Pascal is credited with 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 in the country collectively wagered over $1.1 billion between June and September alone.

French Sports Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating

Comparison of Sports Betting Sites in France

SportsbookSports on OfferMin DepositMin WithdrawalMin BetBonusesBonus Wagering RequirementsIn-Play BettingLicenses
22BetFootball, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Volleyball, and over 40 other sports• $10 for MiFinity; • 0.001 BTC for Bitcoin; • $11.64 for most other methodsDepends on payment provider$0.30/€0.20

• 100% Welcome Bonus up to $/€122
• Friday Reload Bonus
• $256 for being active on mobile app
• Refund on Losing Bets
• Weekly Rebate

• 5x bonus funds on accumulator bets (Welcome Bonus)
• 3x bonus funds on accumulator bets (Friday Reload)
• 3x bonus funds on accumulator bets (Mobile App Bonus)

Yes

Kahnawake Gaming Commission (#00882);

Curacao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/590/0758)

RabonaSoccer, 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;
•50% up to €50 risk-free;
•Cashback Bonus of 10% up to €500

First Deposit Bonus
•Minimum qualifying deposit – €20;
•5x wagering requirements for customers from Switzerland, Finland, Austria, Germany, and Norway;
•6x wagering requirements for customers from other countries;
•Minimum odds of 2.00 for settled single bets;
•Minimum odds of 1.50 per selection for multi bets
•Skrill and Neteller deposits are ineligible
•Maximum cashout restricted to 10x the bonus value

Yes

•Ireland Revenue Commissioners (1020581)
•Anjouan Gaming Board (ALSI-202411077-FI2)
•Operated by Naale Limited in Ireland and Stellar Limited in Anjouan

N1 BetSoccer, Ice Hockey, Basketball, Tennis, Volleyball, Esports, and 20+ sports20 €/$€/$20Not specified

First Deposit Bonus Free bet of up to €200

Up to €/$60 in Free Bets

First Deposit Bonus:
Free bet with 50% of the first deposit sum (up to €200);
Bonus funds expire 3 days after being claimed;
Free bets can be used on all events, with odds from 1.01 to 2.00

Up to €/$60 in Free Bets:
Deposit at least €/$20 to receive four bets totaling €/$40, or deposit at least €/$30 to receive four bets totaling €/$60;
First bet can be used for any bet type, second bet is reserved for in-play, third bet is only for acca bets, fourth bet is exclusive to football bets;
Odds no higher than 10.00 (combo bets) and 2.50 (other bets);
Free bets expire 3 days after being claimed

Yes

The Curacao Gambling Commission (OGL/2024/161/0191)

20BetFootball, Tennis, Basketball, Table Tennis, Ice Hockey, and 30+ other sports• $21 - Bitcoin; • $10 - Other Methods$/€10$/€0.10

• 100% Welcome Bonus up to $/€100
• Saturday Reload Bonus 100% up to $/€100
• Forecast Free Bets

• 5x bonus amount on accumulator bets at odds of 2.0 or higher (Welcome Bonus)
• Winnings have no wagering requirements (Saturday Reload Bonus)
• Full free bet wagered (Forecast free bets)

Yes

Curaçao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/590/0758)
Kahnawake Gaming Commission (#00882)

Sportsbet.ioSoccer, 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;
• Wagering requirements of 10x (40x for casino);
• Available for BTC, USDT, TON, and TRX deposits;
• Minimum odds of 1.50 during bonus wagering;
• Expires after 7 days

Yes

Curaçao Gaming Authority (OGL/2023/110/0072)

Stake.comSoccer, Tennis,Baseball, Basketball, Cricket, American Football, and 30+ other sportsNo 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)
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)

1xBitBaseball, Football, eSports, Horse Racing, Rugby, Soccer, and 40+other sports0.01 mBTC; 20 mETH; 10 mLTC0.21 mBTCVaries based on accountcurrency

Up to 7 BTC and
250 free spins
on the first four
deposits

40x on single and
parlay bets with min.
odds of 1.60

0,1 mBTC min. deposit

Yes

Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan (ALSI-202409027-FI2)

MelbetFootball, 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
• 5x wagering requirements on accumulators with 3 or more selections
• Minimum odds of 1.40
• Expires after 30 days

Yes

Curacao 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)

UnibetHockey, Soccer, Cricket, eSports, Golf, and 30+ othersports€5€15 - credit/debit cards; €10 - other methods€0.10

Welcome Offer:
Deposit €/£10, Receive €/£40

Welcome Offer:
3x the bonus amount

Yes
NetBetFootball, 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 9 Betting Sites for France

  1. 22Bet

    22Bet logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    Kahnawake Gaming Commission (#00882);Curacao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/590/0758)
    Min Deposit
    • $10 for MiFinity; • 0.001 BTC for Bitcoin; • $11.64 for most other methods
    Min Withdrawal
    Depends on payment provider
    Withdrawal Time
    • Cryptocurrencies - 24 hours • E-wallets - 15 minutes • Credit and debit cards - up to 7 business days
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoNeteller logoSkrill logoPaysafecard logoBank Transfer logoBitcoin logoDogecoin logoEthereum logoDash logoMonero logoTether logoLitecoin logoRipple logoMiFinity logoRevolut logoEU SEPA bank transfer logoCardano  logoGoogle Pay logoDiscover logoBinance Coin logoChainlink logoUSD Coin logoPolygon logoTron logoEthereum Classic logo
    Sponsorships
    N/A
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes email: support-en@22bet.com Phone: +357 99 816806
    X profileInstagram profileLinkedIn profile
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    • 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 enjoy a smooth, entertaining, and rewarding experience at 22Bet. With extensive sports coverage, members can wager on football, basketball, tennis, and many other popular disciplines. Punters can also find odds on esports, horse racing, and more niche sports, all with plenty of betting options.

    Many of the sports covered by 22Bet also offer in-play betting, allowing bettors to place wagers on events happening in real time. When managing their 22Bet balances, punters can choose from a wide range of payment methods, including numerous cryptocurrencies.

  2. N1 Bet

    N1 Bet logo
    Licenses
    The Curacao Gambling Commission (OGL/2024/161/0191)
    Min Deposit
    20 €/$
    Min Withdrawal
    €/$20
    Withdrawal Time
    Bank transfers - within 3 working days; Other methods - within 24 hours
    Deposit Methods
    Sofort logoMaestro logoVisa logoMastercard logoNeteller logoSkrill logoPaysafecard logoNeosurf logoiDebit logoInterac logoMiFinity logoPay4Fun logoMuchBetter logoBitcoin logoEthereum logoLitecoin logoBitcoin Cash logoDogecoin logoUSD Coin logoBank Transfer logoGoogle Pay logoApple Pay logoecoPayz logoTether logo
    Sponsorships
    N/A
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes Email: support@n1bet.com Phone: N/A
    Facebook profileX profileInstagram profileTelegram account
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    • Extensive sports coverage
    • Supports a wide range of payment methods
    • In-play betting on major sporting events
    • Generous promotions for sports betting fans
    • Optimized for mobile devices
    • Video streams of major sporting events

    Sports betting enthusiasts can enjoy competitive odds across a wide range of events at N1 Bet. Those seeking an entertaining and rewarding experience can visit the bookmaker’s website and explore the variety of available betting options. Adding selections to the bet slip is straightforward, allowing punters to manage their wagers quickly.

    To make the experience more exciting, N1 Bet also offers live betting on various sports. Bettors can also stream some of the events that support in-play betting.

  3. 20Bet

    20Bet logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    Curaçao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/590/0758) Kahnawake Gaming Commission (#00882)
    Min Deposit
    • $21 - Bitcoin; • $10 - Other Methods
    Min Withdrawal
    $/€10
    Withdrawal Time
    • E-wallets - 12 hours • Cryptos - 24 hours • Credit/debit cards - 7 business days
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoPaysafecard logoPerfect Money logoBitcoin logoEthereum logoLitecoin logoMiFinity logoecoPayz logoCashtoCode logoJeton logoeZeeWallet logoFlexepin logoNeosurf logoInterac logoPOLi logoNeteller logoSkrill logoTether logoDogecoin logoRipple logoCardano  logoSolana logoBinance Coin logoChainlink logoPolkadot logoBank Transfer logo
    Sponsorships
    N/A
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes email: support@20bet.com Phone: N/A
    X profileInstagram profileTelegram accountLinkedIn profile
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    • Great coverage of top sporting events
    • Generous welcome offer
    • Supports various 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 wagering experience thanks to the bookmaker’s diverse selection. Leading championships and popular events are displayed prominently at the top of the 20Bet sportsbook lobby, allowing punters to find current highlights easily. Bettors can also browse the extensive list of covered sports and select the markets they believe offer the best value.

    Members of 20Bet can place pre-match bets on a wide range of sporting events. Many categories also support in-play betting, making the experience more exciting, with wagers available on numerous live events.

  4. Sportsbet.io

    Sportsbet.io logo
    Licenses
    Curaçao Gaming Authority (OGL/2023/110/0072)
    Min Deposit
    • BTC 0.000007; • ETH 0.00013; • LTC 0.002
    Min Withdrawal
    • BTC 0.0005; • 0.01 ETH; • 0.1 LTC
    Withdrawal Time
    Within 15 minutes
    Deposit Methods
    Bitcoin logoEthereum logoTether logoLitecoin logoRipple logoDogecoin logoCardano  logoBinance Coin logoPolygon logoShiba Inu logoSolana logoUSD Coin logoTron logoToncoin logo
    Sponsorships
    La Liga, Nwankwo Kanu, Brett Lee, Tristan Thompson, World Snooker Tour (Players Championship, Tour Championship and Champion of Champions)
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: YesEmail: hello@sportsbet.ioContact Us Form
    Facebook profileX profileInstagram profileTelegram accountYouTube chanelTikTok profile
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    • Crypto sportsbook supporting multiple cryptocurrencies
    • Fast and 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 allows members to handle all of their betting with cryptocurrencies. As more online bettors embrace crypto, the brand appeals to many sports betting enthusiasts. To accommodate different preferences, the bookmaker covers a wide variety of sports, with major leagues featuring multiple betting options.

    Punters can make the experience more exciting by choosing live betting, which covers many major events in real time. In addition, Sportsbet.io offers live commentary on many games that support in-play betting, helping bettors make more informed wagering decisions.

  5. Stake.com

    Stake.com logo
    Licenses
    Curaçao 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 Deposit
    No minimum or maximum deposit limits for crypto
    Min Withdrawal
    • BTC: 0.00002504; • ETH: 0.00062610; • LTC: 0.01857329
    Withdrawal Time
    • Crypto: Instant; • Bank Transfers: 3 business days
    Deposit Methods
    Bitcoin logoEthereum logoLitecoin logoDogecoin logoBitcoin Cash logoTron logoEOS logoTether logoCronos logoUSD Coin logoApeCoin logoDai logoChainlink logoThe Sandbox (SAND) logoShiba Inu logoUniswap logoPolygon logoSolana logoEU SEPA bank transfer logoGoogle Pay logoPIX logoVisa logoMastercard logoMaestro logoApple Pay logoBank Transfer logoBinance USD logo
    Sponsorships
    UFC, 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 Dettori
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes Email: support@stake.com
    Facebook profileX profileInstagram profileYouTube chanelLinkedIn profile
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    • 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 the site
    • Quick and secure payments
    • Excellent live support

    Stake.com is a popular destination for online sports betting with cryptocurrencies. The crypto-focused brand allows members to place wagers on a wide variety of popular sporting events. Punters can use several leading cryptocurrencies to make deposits and withdrawals.

    Bettors typically look for competitive odds and diverse betting options. Stake.com provides both, allowing members to choose from competitive lines on many popular sports.

  6. 1xBit

    1xBit logo
    Bet Now
    Licenses
    Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan (ALSI-202409027-FI2)
    Min Deposit
    0.01 mBTC; 20 mETH; 10 mLTC
    Min Withdrawal
    0.21 mBTC
    Withdrawal Time
    Few minutes to 1 hours
    Deposit Methods
    Bitcoin logoEthereum logoTron logoBitcoin Cash logoEthereum Classic logoRipple logoLitecoin logoDogecoin logoDash logoMonero logoZCash logoNEM logoDigiByte logoVerge logoQTUM logoCardano  logoStellar  logoPolkadot logoToncoin logoAvalanche logoCosmos Atom logoPolygon logoTether on Ethereum logoTether logoBinance Coin logoSolana logoUSD Coin logoDai logoChainlink logoShiba Inu logo
    Sponsorships
    N/A
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes; Email: support-en@1x-bit.com, security@1x-bit.com, Phone: N/A
    X profileInstagram profileTelegram accountYouTube chanel
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    • Crypto sportsbook that supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies
    • Covers numerous popular sports
    • Live betting available on many sporting events
    • Mobile version compatible with various smart devices
    • Responsive customer support
    • Supports multi-view

    For those eager to explore a variety of sports bets, 1xBit may be a suitable option. The brand offers competitive odds that can provide punters with good value for their wagers. Bettors can explore odds on major sporting events as well as more niche categories.

    A notable feature of 1xBit is its support for crypto payments, allowing bettors to fund their accounts with several popular cryptocurrencies. This means punters can enjoy convenient, secure payments while managing their online sports betting. Those looking for additional value can also explore the promotions available at 1xBit.

  7. Melbet

    Melbet logo
    Bet Now
    Licenses
    Curacao 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 BTC
    Min Withdrawal
    • Sticpay - $10; • Skrill - $5.83
    Withdrawal Time
    15 minutes
    Deposit Methods
    ecoPayz logoJeton logodirectDebit Premier Pay logodirectDebit Plus Premier Pay logoInterac logoPayeer logoDiscover logoPaysera logoDirect Debit logoPerfect Money logoAstropay logoMiFinity logoSkrill logoAirtm logoTether logoBitcoin logoLitecoin logoEthereum logoDogecoin logoSolana logoTron logoBinance Coin logoUSD Coin logoRipple logoToncoin logoMonero logoDash logoCardano  logoEthereum Classic logoShiba Inu logoDai logoBitcoin Cash logoCosmos Atom logoDigiByte logoStellar  logoChainlink logoPolkadot logoAvalanche logoQTUM logoZCash logoVerge logoSticpay logo
    Sponsorships
    Juventus FC, La Liga, Andrés Iniesta, Saint Lucia Kings (Caribbean Premier League)
    Contact Details
    Live chat: Yes Phone: +442038077601 Email: info-en@melbet.com
    Facebook profileX profileInstagram profileYouTube chanel
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    • Wide selection of sports to bet on
    • Live betting available on major sporting events
    • Live streams of select events
    • Supports various payment methods
    • Optimized for mobile devices
    • Generous promotions for bettors

    MelBet is a virtual sportsbook that allows members to wager on some of the world’s biggest sporting events. With extensive sports coverage and competitive odds, the bookmaker gives its members the opportunity to find good value for their bets. Numerous markets provide punters with different wagering options, while some sports also offer live betting.

    Managing a balance at MelBet is straightforward, as bettors can choose from a wide range of payment methods, including numerous crypto options. Those looking for additional value can also explore the promotions offered by the bookmaker.

  8. Unibet

    Unibet logo
    Review
    Licenses
    Min Deposit
    €5
    Min Withdrawal
    €15 - credit/debit cards; €10 - other methods
    Withdrawal Time
    Cards - 1 to 3 days; Direct Banking - 1 to 3 days; E-Wallets - up to 12 hours
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoNeteller logoSkrill logoPayPal logoPaysafecard logoTrustly logoBank Transfer logoMaestro logoVisa Electron logoInterac logoApple Pay logoiDeal logo
    Sponsorships
    Middlesbrough FC, Cheltenham Festival, NHL Sweden, F.C. Copenhagen, PFL Europe Division
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes;Email: info@unibetsupport.com;Phone: 0808 1686635
    Facebook profileX profileInstagram profileYouTube chanelLinkedIn profile
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    • Excellent native apps for iOS and Android
    • Diverse markets and great odds for 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 consider when they want to place sports bets online. The sportsbook provides competitive odds on numerous major sports, covering popular tournaments and leagues. Each category allows bettors to choose from different markets and quickly add their selections to the bet slip.

    In addition to pre-match betting, Unibet gives its members the option to place in-play bets on various sports. Bettors can also stream many of the games they wager on, as the bookmaker broadcasts numerous major events.

  9. NetBet

    NetBet logo
    Review
    Licenses
    MGA (MGA/B2C/126/2006)UKGC (39170)
    Min Deposit
    $/£/€10
    Min Withdrawal
    $/£/€10
    Withdrawal Time
    Bank cards - 2-4 business daysE-wallets - 1 business dayBank transfers - up to 48 hours
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoNeteller logoSkrill logoPayPal logoPaysafecard logoTrustly logoSofort logoCashtoCode logoApple Pay logo
    Sponsorships
    Premier League West Bromwich Albion; Ligue 1 St. Etienne, FC Steaua București
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: YesEmail: support@netbet.comPhone: N/A
    X profileInstagram profile
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    • 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 offers different products for various types of customers, with sports betting forming an important part of its operation. NetBet is also authorized to serve French punters. The sportsbook provides competitive odds on a wide range of sporting events, including some of the biggest tournaments and leagues.

    One of NetBet’s notable features is live betting, which allows punters to wager on matches as they unfold in real time. Bettors can also click on events marked with the NBTV logo to watch live streams on NetBet’s website, allowing them to follow the action while placing bets.

Both land-based and online sports betting are legal in France as long as operators have obtained 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 venues 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 fund their sportsbook accounts, and the bonuses they can claim to add more value to their online betting activities. First, let us take an in-depth look at the legal sports betting landscape in the country.

Legality and Regulation of Sports Betting in France

Legality and RegulationOnline sports betting was legalized in France after the enactment of the 2010 Gambling Act. It is overseen by ARJEL (Autorité de Régulation des Jeux en Ligne), which translates as the Regulatory Authority for Online Games. This independent authority is responsible for regulating online sports betting and horse racing in the country. On-track horse race betting is regulated by the PMU (Pari Mutuel Urbain).

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 to legally serve bettors in the country. Each license issued by ARJEL remains valid for five years, and applicants have 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 term of the license. Operators found guilty of violating ARJEL’s licensing terms face sanctions ranging 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 solely 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 tax rates make it nearly impossible for licensed online sportsbooks to generate 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 operators’ gross revenue grew by only 15%. Nevertheless, it was estimated that licensed operators had suffered combined losses exceeding €220 million since the regulations and tax system were introduced in 2010. In fact, only five of the 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. Operators caught offering bets to French residents without a proper license risk severe 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

Key Sports Betting LawsSports betting, and gambling as a whole, is deeply rooted in the history of France. The roulette wheel may have originated in the country, but this did not prevent the government from outlawing all forms of gambling in 1836. An exception was made for horse race betting.

Despite the ban, gambling continued to thrive in France through underground gambling dens where people placed bets illegally. Pari-mutuel betting, in which bets are pooled and winnings are divided among all participants, was also invented in France in 1867.

Around that time, betting shops began to proliferate, enabling people in France to wager on lotteries, pools, and fixed odds. To protect the thriving horse racing industry, the government passed another piece of legislation in 1891 that effectively prohibited fixed-odds wagering and pool betting on everything except horses.

The 1891 Act led to the establishment of Pari Mutuel Hippodrome, or PMH, a state-owned entity legally permitted to accept pooled wagers on horse races. As soccer became increasingly popular toward the end of the 19th century, illegal bookmaking operations became widespread. The French government eventually legalized 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 Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), which was responsible for horse race wagering, and Française 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 brought crucial changes to France’s gambling legislation, as the PMU and FDJ were granted permission to provide online betting services. This significantly increased the revenue generated by the two state-owned companies.

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 with several charities, notably the Red Cross and Odyssea, which raises funds for cancer research.

The PMU and 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, except for spread betting and esports.

ARJEL works to prevent unauthorized betting sites from illegally serving bettors in France. A dedicated team of investigators searches for unauthorized betting sites. Such operators receive formal notices warning them to cease their illegal activities, and those that 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

Sporting Events Coverage and MarketsSoccer is the dominant sport among French bettors, who have no reason to complain about a lack of betting markets. All sportsbooks accepting wagers from the largest country in Western Europe offer a variety of options for soccer fans, with broad coverage of competitions from major leagues such as French Ligue 1, the English Premier League, the German Bundesliga, the Italian Serie A, and the Spanish La Liga.

International competitions such as the World Cup are also readily available to French bettors. The odds for soccer markets are generally quite competitive, but it is advisable to compare the prices offered by different bookmakers. Many bet types are available, but match betting, handicaps, totals, correct 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 for many people in France, and a large portion of the profits generated through betting is reinvested in the sport.

Those who like to bet on horse races have numerous wagering options on competitions held at racecourses throughout Europe. French bettors can make informed decisions by reviewing available information on the horses’ form and previous results. Popular horse racing bet types include top-three finishes, win or each-way bets, and forecasts.

The French are avid cycling fans, which is hardly surprising considering that their country hosts the annual Tour de France, one of the world’s most prestigious cycling competitions. Bets on this event are, of course, accepted, but there are plenty of alternatives 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 options among French cycling fans.

Other sports commonly available for online betting in France include basketball, volleyball, baseball, tennis, hockey, handball, boxing, golf, snooker, and greyhound racing. Pre-match and in-play betting are both available at competitive odds.

A good France-friendly sportsbook typically 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

Popular Odds FormatDecimal odds are the format preferred by bettors in the country. Also known as European odds, they are easy to understand and use, making them suitable for casual bettors who are new to online sports betting. This format makes it easier to calculate the potential return on a wager, which is essential for any successful bettor.

Decimal odds display a bet’s price to two decimal places and therefore provide a more accurate reflection of your chances of winning. A wager of €10 at odds of 3.50 returns €35.00, including €25.00 in net profit and the initial €10 stake. As you can see, the potential return is calculated by multiplying the stake by the odds. The higher the decimal number, the larger the potential 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 can make 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 below 1.00 are negative-expectation wagers, meaning they return less money than the amount staked. A bookmaker would never offer odds below 1.00.

Converting fractional odds 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 to decimal odds, divide 9 by 4 and then add 1 to get 3.25.

Decimal odds also give you a good idea of the implied probability of winning. Divide 1 by the decimal odds and multiply the result by 100. 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

Payment SolutionsAs one of the first six states to join the European Union in 1957, France uses the euro as its official currency. The currency is supported by all online sportsbooks that accept French bettors. Debit and credit cards issued by Visa, Maestro, and Mastercard are often the payment methods of choice, although virtual debit cards from Entropay and prepaid Paysafecards are convenient alternatives.

Bettors seeking greater anonymity tend to use e-wallets such as Neteller, Skrill, and ecoPayz, but online banking, standard wire transfers, and checks are also widely available. Most deposit methods allow for instant money transfers, but payments made through wire transfers and paper checks usually require several business days.

France-friendly online sportsbooks take the security of their customers’ information and payments seriously, which is why they implement SSL encryption, a security measure also used by banks worldwide. Bettors are encouraged to approach sports betting responsibly and are given the option to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits on their accounts. Time-out periods and self-exclusion are also available to those who struggle to control their betting activities.

Bonuses and Rewards for Sports Bettors from France

Bonuses and RewardsAn increasing number of French bettors prefer to place their sports bets online because of the promotional offers available at web-based bookmakers. Some sportsbooks welcome newcomers with first-deposit bonuses that match a given percentage of the deposited amount with betting credits.

However, most websites accepting wagers from the country prefer to reward new customers with free bets, which are granted either immediately after registration or after the bettor makes an initial deposit. The customer is typically required to wager a predetermined minimum amount at specified 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 around one month, if left unused. They also tend to have minimal wagering requirements.

Returning customers from France can increase the value of their bets by redeeming various ongoing promotions, such as cashback on losing accumulators and enhanced odds. Some France-friendly sportsbooks have dedicated loyalty programs with multiple tiers, allowing customers to earn points each time they place a bet on the website. The points can be converted into additional betting credits, although some online bookmakers allow customers to exchange them for cash.

Customer Support at France Sports Betting Sites

Customer SupportThe vast majority of betting sites that accept wagers from France support French as a language option, enabling customers to manage their accounts and bet slips in their native language. Such websites normally provide assistance in French as well, making it easier for bettors to communicate with customer support staff.

Help is provided through dedicated live chat services that make it possible to contact a support representative within seconds. In addition to short response times, French customers can benefit from professional assistance delivered in a friendly and courteous manner. A good France-friendly sportsbook should offer 24/7 live chat support.

Other commonly available contact methods include email and telephone, with some betting operators offering toll-free lines for customers in France. Most reputable sports betting sites also feature detailed FAQ sections that answer the most common questions sports bettors may have.

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