French online gaming market grows 35% in Q1 2021

The French online gambling market posted a 35% year-on-year (YoY) increase in total revenue in Q1 2021, with sports betting, horseracing betting and poker all posting upticks. Data from French regulator ANJ showed total quarterly revenue of €587m, up from €435m in 2020. The number of total players across the market in Q1 2021 also increased, up 19% from 2.6 million in 2020 to 3.1 million in 2021. Sports betting continues to be the largest vertical in the French market, accounting for €357m in revenue, up 36% annually from €263m in 2020. The regular return of the sporting calendar, combined with the rise in active players, was hailed as the significant reason for the sports betting boom. Horseracing betting also saw a spike in revenue YoY, rising 48% from €74m to €110m. Similarly, poker revenue leapt YoY by 23% from €98m in 2020 to €120m in 2021. Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, ANJ president, said: “The dynamics of online games were confirmed again this quarter and accelerated. It calls for certain vigilance and must be accompanied in order to guarantee the protection of players, especially in the run-up to major sporting events such as the Tokyo Olympics. “As such, the ANJ reminded operators of the need for their commercial communications to stress the importance of maintaining a moderate and controlled gaming practice and that the bonus or welcome offers they offer are sufficiently clear, allowing players to understand the commitments they underpin,” she added.