Blacklist of illegal casino sites blocked by the ANJ: Verification Guide
The blacklist of illegal casino sites blocked by the ANJ includes platforms targeted by an administrative blocking order. In France, online casinos are banned. Only operators licensed for sports betting, horse racing betting, and poker are allowed to operate. Consult the official register of licensed operators before making any deposit to avoid the risks of fraud, personal data theft, and addiction associated with unregulated sites.
Understanding the blacklist and the ANJ's administrative blocking
The blacklist of illegal casino sites blocked by the ANJ lists the URLs that have been subject to a blocking order, but it does not constitute an exhaustive register of all illegal operators. The ANJ (National Gaming Authority) uses administrative blocking to restrict access to these platforms without prior legal proceedings. However, the absence of a URL on this list in no way guarantees its legality. Only consulting the register of licensed operators offers total legal security to French players.
What is the blacklist of banned sites?
This list exclusively contains web addresses that have undergone an effective blocking order. It is not exhaustive: new illegal sites constantly emerge before being identified by the authorities. For example, if a site offers betting on e-Sports, it violates current regulations that prohibit this practice, even if it does not yet appear on the blacklist. The blacklist flags sites that have already been sanctioned, but does not protect against unlicensed operators operating in the shadows. Verifying the license remains the only reliable method to avoid the risks of addiction and financial loss.
How does administrative blocking and de-indexing work?
Since the entry into force of the law strengthening gaming regulation in 2022, the ANJ can directly order the administrative blocking and de-indexing of illegal sites. This measure, based on the Internal Security Code, replaces lengthy judicial procedures, allowing cases to be processed in a considerably reduced timeframe. De-indexing prevents search engines from displaying these sites, while technical blocking cuts off access via internet service providers. This reinforced mechanism aims to protect players against illegal offers that bypass protection obligations, such as mandatory deposit limits.
Why is the blacklist not enough?
Relying solely on the blacklist is a strategic mistake. Its monthly update leaves a window of vulnerability where illegal sites operate freely. The absence of a site on the blacklist does not mean it is authorized by the ANJ. Players must check the operator's presence on the official list of licenses, as foreign licenses (Malta, Curaçao) offer no legal protection in France. Playing on an unlisted but unlicensed site exposes players to major risks: data theft, lack of recourse in the event of a dispute, and unmonitored addiction.
Online Casinos in France: Legal Reality vs. Illegal Offer
In France, all online casino sites offering slot machines or table games are strictly prohibited, regardless of their foreign license. Only licensed operators officially listed by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) can offer sports betting, horse racing betting, or poker. Real security depends on this administrative authorization, and not on the simple absence of a URL in the blocking register.
Top slots of the day!
Are online casinos authorized in France?
No. French law explicitly prohibits online casinos, including slot machines and virtual table games. No international license, whether from Malta or Curaçao, has legal value on national territory. The lottery monopoly is held exclusively by LA FRANCAISE DES JEUX, which operates under a regulatory framework distinct from other online gambling. Thus, any site promising a complete "casino" experience outside the FDJ offer acts illegally, exposing players to major financial risks with no possible recourse to the ANJ.
What is the actually legal gaming offer?
Only operators appearing on the ANJ's public register are authorized to operate. This restricted list includes major players like Winamax, Betclic, or Unibet for betting and poker. PokerStars, for example, is one of the licensed operators with a valid license to offer ring games in France, thus respecting player protection obligations. Verify this affiliation before making any deposit: if a site does not appear in this official register, it is considered illegal, even if it is not yet technically blocked.
A frequent confusion concerns e-Sports betting. Although some licensed operators offer traditional sports betting, betting on e-Sports competitions remains explicitly prohibited by French law, even on legal platforms. This prohibition aims to protect sports integrity and minor players. Thus, a legal site like PokerStars or another licensed operator cannot offer this specific vertical, highlighting that an operator's legality does not apply uniformly to all types of games.
The concrete dangers of playing on an unlicensed site
The blacklist of illegal casino sites blocked by the ANJ flags sanctioned operators, but the absence of a site from this list does not guarantee its legality. Playing on an unlicensed platform directly exposes players to major player risks: lack of legal protection, unapproved software that facilitates cheating, and the impossibility of recovering winnings. These platforms escape the strict control of the National Gaming Authority, leaving the player without a safety net against predatory and potentially fraudulent commercial practices.
Financial risks and data security
On illegal sites, personal data theft is systemic because no cybersecurity standards are imposed. Your bank details and identity documents can be resold or used for scams, exposing you to a real risk of identity theft. Furthermore, the lack of segregation of funds facilitates money laundering, as financial flows are neither tracked nor reported to authorities like Tracfin. Unlike licensed operators who must return funds in the event of license loss, blacklisted sites often keep deposits without justification, thus participating in opaque financial circuits.
Lack of protection against addiction
Addiction is exacerbated by the total absence of responsible gaming mechanisms on banned platforms. Where French law imposes deposit limits and a mandatory cooling-off period for increasing them, illegal sites allow unlimited wagering without identity verification. No cross-platform self-exclusion system is offered, which prevents vulnerable players from effectively protecting themselves against excessive gambling and over-indebtedness. This dangerous freedom contrasts sharply with the strict obligations of legal operators regarding prevention.
No recourse in the event of a dispute
In the event of non-payment of winnings, the player has no legal recourse either with the ANJ or with the gaming mediator. Contracts entered into on these sites are void under French law, and any claim remains a dead letter. Verifying the license is imperative before making any deposit, because once funds are transferred to a site potentially appearing on the blacklist of illegal casino sites blocked by the ANJ, any recovery becomes virtually impossible.
How to verify the legality of a site and report fraud
To avoid the blacklist of illegal casino sites blocked by the ANJ, the only reliable verification consists of consulting the official register of licensed operators on anj.fr. The absence of a site from this whitelist means it operates illegally, exposing players to major financial risks without any possible legal recourse.
The foolproof method to verify a site
Do not be fooled by appearances: a site may look professional while being banned. The correct approach is to search for the operator in the register kept by the ANJ (National Gaming Authority), the French regulatory body. If the name is not there, or if the license has expired, walk away. Remember that online casinos and slot machines are strictly prohibited in France, regardless of their foreign license (Malta, Curaçao). This vigilance is the first step of Responsible Gaming, which requires players to ensure the legality of the platform before making any deposit to guarantee the protection of their funds and personal data.
How to report a suspect site to the ANJ?
The ANJ has administrative police powers to combat illegal offers. If you identify a platform offering prohibited games or operating without a license, use the dedicated reporting form on their website. This action allows the authority to open an investigation and, if the facts are proven, to order administrative blocking (DNS/IP) and de-indexing from search engines. This mechanism aims to protect the gaming community by making these sites inaccessible from French territory. For aspects related to cybercrime or data theft, it is also recommended to report the incident on the Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr platform.
What to do in case of a problem with an illegal site?
In the event of a financial dispute (blocked withdrawal, account closed unfairly) on an unlicensed site, the ANJ is not competent to arbitrate. You must then contact the DGCCRF (Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control) via the Signal.conso.gouv.fr platform to report the misleading commercial practice. For aspects related to fraud or cybercrime, a report on the PHAROS platform of the Ministry of the Interior is also recommended. Finally, if you experience difficulties related to your gambling habits, voluntary gambling self-exclusion remains a crucial tool: this self-exclusion system, managed by the ANJ, allows you to legally ban yourself from all licensed operators to promote player protection.
About this article - Writing & responsibility
✍️ Author: Sarah Weber - Casino tester & bonus analyst
✅ Verified by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming compliance analyst
📅 Last updated: 2026-08-21.
This article on the "blacklist of illegal casino sites blocked by the ANJ" was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content to reflect regulatory changes, licenses, and bonus conditions. All references to licenses, authorities, or legal frameworks refer to public sources (ANJ (National Gaming Authority), Law of May 12, 2010 on the opening of online gambling).
About the author
8+ years of testing casinos, 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. Areas: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection systems.
Responsible gaming
Gambling can become addictive. If you feel you are losing control, contact Joueurs Info Service, SOS Joueurs, or use the national self-exclusion register (file of banned players (FIJ)). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Breaks and cooldown tools are levers for sustainable enjoyment.
Legal disclaimer
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 rules.