Step-by-step manual
Self-exclusion in France
France has a single national exclusion register run by the ANJ, called the interdiction volontaire de jeux (voluntary gambling ban). You request it yourself, online, and it lasts a minimum of three years. Once recorded, it applies across all legal gambling: land-based casinos and gaming clubs, FDJ and PMU games played with a player account, and every ANJ-licensed sports betting, horse-racing and poker site. The ban does not lapse automatically when three years have passed; it stays in force until you actively ask for it to be lifted. Separately, licensed operators must offer shorter, operator-level self-exclusion and limits, which can be useful for a break but do not replace the national ban.
- Scheme
- Interdiction volontaire de jeux
- Type
- National register
- Minimum
- 3 years
- Cost
- Free
The steps
- 1
Go to the ANJ online service
Use the ANJ's interdiction de jeux online service, reachable from the regulator's website. There is no fee and you do not need to visit an office.
- 2
Submit your request
Enter your civil-status details (surname, first names, date and place of birth) exactly as they appear on your identity document, plus contact details. The process has three stages: request, authentication and confirmation.
- 3
Verify your identity
The ANJ contacts you by phone to check your identity before the ban is recorded. Keep your phone to hand and answer calls from unknown numbers for a few days.
- 4
Receive confirmation
Once verified, the ANJ confirms that you are registered. From then on operators must refuse you, and existing online accounts are closed with balances returned.
- 5
Add your own safeguards
The ban cannot reach unlicensed offshore sites, including online casinos that are illegal in France. Install blocking software and ask your bank about blocking gambling payments.
- 6
Get support alongside it
Call Joueurs Info Service or contact a CSAPA. Exclusion works best combined with counselling, budgeting help and a plan for urges.
- 7
Lifting the ban
After the three-year minimum you may request removal through the same online service; nothing happens unless you ask. Talk to a support service before deciding.
Before you start — what to know
- The minimum duration is three years; it cannot be shortened once recorded.
- The ban continues indefinitely after three years unless you request that it be lifted.
- It covers land-based casinos and gaming clubs as well as licensed online betting, horse racing and poker.
- Anonymous retail play with FDJ or PMU (without a player account) is not technically blocked, so personal safeguards still matter.
- Sites offering online casino games to French residents are illegal and will not check the register.
Make it stronger: add more barriers
Frequently asked questions
Is online casino legal in France?
No. As of October 2026, online slots, roulette and blackjack cannot be licensed in France. Only sports betting, horse-race betting and poker are legal online.
How long does the interdiction volontaire de jeux last?
A minimum of three years. After that it stays in place until you ask the ANJ to lift it.
Who runs the national lottery?
FDJ holds exclusive rights to lottery and retail sports betting games, under ANJ supervision, despite being privatised in 2019.
Is there a gambling helpline in France?
Yes. Joueurs Info Service (09 74 75 13 13) offers anonymous advice for players and families by phone and chat.
Procedures can change. Always follow the instructions of the official scheme or regulator. We2Bet is not affiliated with any self-exclusion scheme. Last reviewed October 2026.