TLDR
- France’s Fédération Addiction has put forward 15 proposals to tighten sports betting rules ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Proposals include bans on gambling sponsorships, advertising during live matches, and athletes appearing in betting promotions
- Around 600,000 people in France are estimated to be gambling excessively, accounting for roughly 60% of gross gaming revenue
- France’s gambling sector generated €2 billion in gross gaming revenue in the second half of 2025 alone
- The group wants France to pause any further expansion of sports betting until stronger protections are in place
One of France’s largest addiction support networks is calling on lawmakers to tighten sports betting rules before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off.
Fédération Addiction has put forward 15 proposals targeting how gambling is promoted and sold in France. The group wants action before another major tournament drives a fresh surge in betting activity.
The last World Cup saw online wagers in France approach €600 million during the tournament. That was more than half again the amount staked during the previous edition.
With another month-long tournament about to begin, the organization says the time to act is now.
What the Proposals Would Change
The proposals call for bans on gambling sponsorships in sport, restrictions on advertising during live matches, and an end to promotional bonuses designed to push players to bet more.
They would also prohibit athletes and sporting figures from appearing in betting promotions.
Fédération Addiction argues that betting companies have become deeply embedded in sports culture. Through sponsorship deals, social media campaigns, and athlete partnerships, wagering is increasingly presented as a natural part of watching sport.
The group says younger men, including those from lower-income communities, are being specifically targeted by operators. There is also concern that teenagers are being exposed to gambling products despite laws that bar minors from participating.
The organization wants France to stop any further expansion of the sports betting sector until stronger prevention programs and consumer protections are in place.
The Numbers Behind the Concern
France’s gambling regulator estimates that around 600,000 people are likely gambling excessively. Despite being a minority of players, they account for roughly 60% of all gross gaming revenue.
In the second half of 2025 alone, France’s gambling sector generated €2 billion in gross gaming revenue. Around €1.2 billion of that came from players flagged as high risk.
Treatment providers say they are seeing more people seeking help for gambling problems. They warn that support services have not grown at the same pace as the market.
France already runs one of Europe’s most heavily taxed gambling markets. Online sports betting operators face levies of 59.3% of gross gaming revenue. Land-based betting is taxed at 42.1%.
The market still draws major operators. Bet365 recently entered France, suggesting the country remains commercially attractive despite its strict rules.
There have also been reports that French football players, including Kylian Mbappé and Rayan Cherki, sought help from the French Football Federation after training images were allegedly used by operator Betclic without their permission.
Fédération Addiction is urging the government to treat gambling harm as a public health issue, calling for action from health authorities, schools, and youth services working together.
