The online betting scene in France, meticulously overseen by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), features a robust selection of operators catering to a wide range of preferences. For anyone looking to engage in sports betting, horse racing, or online poker (online casino games are generally prohibited), understanding these popular platforms is essential.
Here are 8 popular Betting Sites not On Gamstop that you should know if you’re exploring the French market in 2025:
1. Winamax
- Reputation: A homegrown French success story, Winamax is widely considered a leader in the French market. It’s especially popular for its poker offerings and has successfully translated that success into its sportsbook.
- Key Features: Renowned for offering some of the most competitive odds, particularly in football. Its “MyMatch” (Bet Builder) feature is highly intuitive and allows for complex, personalized bets on a single event. Strong mobile app and integrated poker room create a comprehensive experience.
- Why it’s popular: Attracts serious bettors seeking value, along with poker enthusiasts.
2. Unibet
- Reputation: A global powerhouse with a very strong and established presence in France. Unibet is known for its comprehensive coverage and user-friendly platform.
- Key Features: Exceptional live betting (in-play) platform with a vast number of events and often integrated live streaming. Offers a wide range of sports beyond football and rugby, with a highly-rated mobile app that ensures a smooth experience on the go.
- Why it’s popular: Ideal for live betting enthusiasts and those seeking a broad selection of sports and markets.
3. Parions Sport En Ligne (FDJ)
- Reputation: The official online sports betting platform of the Française des Jeux (FDJ), France’s national lottery operator. It benefits from immense public trust and brand recognition.
- Key Features: Offers a reliable and secure betting environment with a focus on national sports and events. While not always having the highest odds, its consistent promotions, strong responsible gambling features, and integration with the wider FDJ network make it highly accessible, especially for new bettors.
- Why it’s popular: Favored by those who prioritize reliability, strong ANJ compliance, and a connection to a familiar national institution.
4. Betclic
- Reputation: One of the most recognizable and widely used betting sites in France, known for its strong marketing and ease of use.
- Key Features: Highly praised for its ergonomic design and intuitive user experience on both desktop and mobile. Offers frequent and engaging promotions, including risk-free bets and challenges, which keep users engaged. A solid all-rounder for a broad range of sports.
- Why it’s popular: Appeals to bettors who value a smooth, easy-to-navigate platform and regular promotional offers.
5. Bwin
- Reputation: A major international player with a well-established global brand, Bwin has a significant footprint in the French market.
- Key Features: Offers a vast array of sports and betting markets, often providing a wide range of options for niche sports and specific events. Their platform is generally robust, and they frequently offer competitive odds and bonuses. Like Winamax, they also often have an integrated poker offering.
- Why it’s popular: Good choice for bettors seeking diverse market options and a reputable international brand.
6. NetBet
- Reputation: NetBet has steadily grown its presence in France, becoming a solid choice for many bettors.
- Key Features: Known for its comprehensive sportsbook and competitive odds. They often run various promotions, including enhanced odds and accumulator boosts. The platform is user-friendly, and they aim to provide a well-rounded betting experience.
- Why it’s popular: Offers a good balance of market depth, competitive odds, and regular promotions.
7. Zebet
- Reputation: Connected to Zeturf (a prominent horse racing betting site), Zebet focuses on sports betting and has carved out a niche with its unique approach.
- Key Features: Offers a variety of betting markets and often has interesting promotions, including loyalty programs and specific challenges. Their welcome bonus structure is often attractive, such as a refund on a first losing bet.
- Why it’s popular: Appeals to those looking for a different approach to promotions and who might also be interested in horse racing.
8. Olybet
- Reputation: A more recent entrant to the French market (having launched in late 2024), Olybet is quickly establishing itself as a rising player.
- Key Features: As a newer operator, Olybet is aggressively entering the market with potentially very competitive welcome bonuses and modern features like its “MyCombo” (personalized bet builder) and “MultiBoost” for accumulator bets. It’s likely to offer a fresh, modern user interface.
- Why it’s popular: Attracts bettors looking for the latest features, potentially more generous introductory offers, and a fresh platform.
Crucial Reminder:
Always remember that for any online betting activity in France, the paramount consideration is ensuring the site holds a valid ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux) license. This guarantees that the operator adheres to strict French regulations regarding fair play, security, and responsible gambling. Prioritize this verification above all else when choosing a betting site.
