ANJ blocking illegal casino sites in France: Understanding the blacklist and the risks

The ANJ blocking of illegal casino sites in France uses a rapid administrative procedure to restrict access to unlicensed platforms. Since the implementation of this system, the National Gambling Authority has ordered the locking of thousands of URLs via Internet Service Providers (ISPs). This measure protects players against personal data theft, gambling addiction, and the lack of payment guarantees. It complements the official blacklist published regularly.

The legal framework and the administrative blocking mechanism

The power of the ANJ to block illegal casino sites in France is not based on a mere recommendation but on a solid legislative foundation. Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010 opened the online gaming market while establishing a strict monopoly for licensed operators. The recent strengthening of administrative policing powers ensures the current effectiveness of this system.

Legal foundations: 2010 Law and Internal Security Code

The ANJ's authority is exercised in compliance with Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010, which defines licensing conditions. To enforce these rules against illicit offerings, the ANJ relies on provisions of the Internal Security Code. This legal framework allows the regulatory authority to directly order ISPs to block access to sites operating without a license. No lengthy prior judicial procedure is required. This legislative development marks a turning point in the fight against online fraud in 2026.

How does the technical procedure work?

Administrative blocking targets web infrastructure rather than individual bank accounts. The ANJ identifies illicit offerings and notifies Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block DNS or IP access to the relevant domains. Although the authority collaborates with payment providers to freeze financial flows, the primary lever remains technical: ISPs prevent the resolution of prohibited addresses. If your bank can reject a suspicious transaction, it is indeed the ISP that cuts the initial digital link.

Quantitative effectiveness and the role of the Ministry of the Interior

Hundreds of URLs have been blocked through administrative orders. This effectiveness is supported by close cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior. Police and gendarmerie services provide their technical expertise to identify criminal networks behind mirror sites. This allows the ANJ to more precisely target infrastructure hosted abroad.

Why do sites reappear so quickly?

The persistence of illegal offerings is explained by the massive use of mirror sites. These digital clones allow operators to bypass filters simply by changing their URL or IP address. The blacklist quickly becomes outdated. Each newly blocked URL can be replaced within hours by an identical copy. This generates a constant cycle of circumvention and enforcement. Therefore, the ANJ supplements blocking with actions targeting hosting providers and search engines.

Identifying illicit offerings: Blacklist and warning signs

The ANJ blocking of illegal casino sites in France serves as the first line of defense against unlicensed operators. To verify a platform's legality, consult the official blacklist or look for the ANJ Licensing logo at the bottom of the page. The absence of these guarantees exposes players to major risks of fraud and addiction. Only authorized entities like FDJ (La Française des Jeux) offer a secure framework.

How to know if a casino site is blocked by the ANJ?

Verification relies on two pillars: consulting the ANJ Blacklist and visually inspecting the site. A legal operator clearly displays its ANJ License. Illegal online casino sites often attempt to conceal their status. Our tests reveal that these platforms sometimes counterfeit logos to deceive users. FDJ (La Française des Jeux), as a historically licensed operator, serves as the legal reference. If a site does not offer the same transparency guarantees as those required for FDJ, it is likely an illicit offering.

What is the list of banned gaming sites in France?

The blacklist published by the National Gambling Authority is dynamic and non-exhaustive. It lists URLs that have been subject to administrative blocking. Online casino sites use mirrors to bypass these measures. Thus, the absence of a site from this list does not validate its legality. Only presence on the list of licensed operators, including FDJ (La Française des Jeux) and PMU, certifies compliance. Playing outside this framework exposes players to a lack of recourse in case of disputes.

How to report an illegal casino site to the ANJ?

Users play a key role in combating illicit offerings. Any suspicious site can be reported via the dedicated form on the ANJ portal. This triggers an investigation that may lead to inclusion on the blacklist. This citizen reporting helps protect the community from fraudulent online casino sites that cause data theft and addiction. By supporting regulatory action, you contribute to maintaining market integrity against unlicensed actors.

The hidden dangers of unlicensed online casinos

The ANJ blocking system for illegal casino sites in France constitutes the only effective barrier against an opaque offering where legal guarantees are nonexistent. By bypassing this protection, players are directly exposed to cybercrime, personal data theft, and a rapid worsening of gambling addiction. These platforms operate outside the GDPR framework and inadvertently facilitate money laundering. Every session becomes a major financial and health risk with no possible recourse with French authorities.

What are the risks of playing on an unlicensed ARJEL site?

Beyond the systematic non-payment of winnings, the lack of a French license exposes players to concrete threats. Cybercrime thrives on these platforms, which do not submit their software to ANJ integrity testing. This allows the use of rigged random number generators. This technical insecurity facilitates the theft of personal data, including banking details. It often leads to identity theft or fraudulent charges that cannot be disputed. Furthermore, the financial opacity of these channels attracts money laundering activities, as the flows escape the scrutiny of TRACFIN and traditional banks. Without support from the DGCCRF or the gaming ombudsman, players are left alone against these scams.

Impact on mental health and addiction

Illegal sites deliberately ignore responsible gaming obligations. They create fertile ground for gambling addiction. Unlike licensed operators, they impose no deposit limits, cooling-off periods, or access to the self-exclusion register. This lack of safeguards accelerates compulsive behaviors. Players report being trapped by aggressive bonuses and ultra-fast gameplay designed to mask real losses. Gambling addiction is exacerbated by unregulated algorithms that exploit psychological vulnerability without offering support resources such as Joueurs Info Service.

Data protection and the role of the CNIL

Confidentiality is not guaranteed because these entities are not subject to oversight by the National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL). Personal data theft is structural here. Information provided during registration is often resold to third parties or used for phishing. The CNIL regularly reminds users that illegal sites do not comply with the GDPR. It is impossible to exercise rights to erasure or correction. Victims thus remain long-term exposed to fraud without effective administrative recourse.

The scale of the black market according to sector studies

Studies conducted by audit firms such as PwC highlight the economic scale of this parallel market. These analyses shed light on tax losses for the French state and systemic risks related to money laundering. The estimated size of this illegal sector justifies the increased mobilization of public authorities in 2026 to curb these opaque financial flows.

Protecting yourself: Legal alternatives and voluntary exclusion

Faced with the proliferation of illicit offerings, the ANJ blocking system for illegal casino sites in France constitutes an essential but not absolute barrier. For total protection, players should prioritize voluntary gaming exclusion. This regulatory tool locks access to both licensed and physical operators.

How to set up a voluntary gaming exclusion?

Voluntary gaming exclusion is a personal protection measure managed by the National Gambling Authority (ANJ). It prohibits access to physical casinos, gaming clubs, as well as licensed online sites (sports betting, horse racing, poker) and FDJ/PMU accounts. The procedure is carried out online via the dedicated portal or by registered mail. It takes effect after identity verification and lasts a minimum of three years. Renewal is automatic without further action. This registration in the exclusion file prevents the opening of new accounts and protects against addiction by cutting off access to legal offerings.

Who to contact in case of a problem with gaming?

For any difficulty related to addiction, Joueurs Info Service offers anonymous, free, and specialized listening. The service directs individuals to healthcare professionals. If the dispute concerns a commercial offer or a licensed operator, the DGCCRF (General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control) intervenes to enforce consumer rights. Do not confuse this support with the impossible recourse available on illegal sites. Neither the ANJ nor associations can guarantee the recovery of funds lost on these platforms.

About this article - Editorial & Responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino tester & bonus analyst Reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming compliance analyst Last updated: 2026-08-03.

This article on “ANJ blocking illegal casino sites in France” was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content to reflect regulatory changes, licenses, and bonus terms. All references to licenses, authorities, or legal frameworks refer to public sources (ANJ (National Gambling Authority), Law of May 12, 2010 on the opening of online gambling).

About the author

8+ years of casino testing, 200+ platforms personally tested in the EU and internationally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, withdrawal processes, customer support evaluation.

About the reviewer

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years in compliance consulting for operators licensed under the French ANJ framework. PhD in economic mathematics. Expertise: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection mechanisms.

Responsible gaming

Gaming can become addictive. If you feel you are losing control, contact Joueurs Info Service, SOS Joueurs, or use the national self-exclusion registry (self-exclusion file (FIJ)). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Breaks and cooling-off tools are leverage for sustainable enjoyment.

Legal notice

The information in this article is provided for editorial and comparative purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Players remain responsible for complying with local regulations.

FAQ

Why does the ANJ block online casino websites?

The National Gambling Authority (ANJ), the French regulator, implements these blocks to protect players from major risks associated with illegal offerings, such as gambling addiction and personal data theft. Unlike licensed operators like FDJ (La Française des Jeux) or PMU, these online casino websites guarantee neither operational reliability nor fund protection. They often serve as financial backing for criminal organizations.

How can I check if a website is on the ANJ blacklist?

You can consult the blacklist published and regularly updated by the ANJ. It lists URLs that have been subject to administrative blocking. Since this list is not exhaustive of all existing illegal sites, it is imperative to cross-reference this information with the official list of legally authorized operators in France before making any deposits.

What are the concrete dangers of playing on an unlicensed website?

Players face significant financial losses, malware installation, and identity theft. These platforms do not implement any protective measures such as age verification. Furthermore, in the event of a dispute, neither the ANJ nor the gaming mediator has jurisdiction. The player must contact the DGCCRF without any guarantee of reimbursement.

Does the voluntary gambling ban prevent access to illegal casinos?

No, the voluntary gambling ban only restricts access to ANJ-licensed operators (sports betting, poker) as well as FDJ and PMU games through a player account. It does not act as a technical filter against illegal online casino websites. These remain accessible unless they have been administratively blocked by internet service providers.

How can I report an illegal casino website to the ANJ?

If you identify a suspicious platform, you can report it directly to the ANJ through its official channels. This allows for an investigation and potential administrative blocking. This collaborative effort helps the regulator update its blacklist and protect the gaming community from fraudulent offers.