ANJ Blacklist: How to Identify and Avoid Illegal Gambling Sites in France

The ANJ blacklist includes illegally operating gambling sites that have been administratively blocked in France. Managed by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), this list is not exhaustive. To play safely, always verify the presence of the ANJ license on the site. Unlicensed platforms expose players to major risks of fraud, data theft, and addiction, with no legal recourse available.

Understanding the Blacklist and Administrative Blocking Mechanism

The ANJ blacklist of illegal gambling sites lists platforms that have been subject to an administrative blocking order due to non-compliance. Published by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), this list aims to protect players from the fraud and addiction risks inherent to unregulated operators. Its non-exhaustive nature requires heightened vigilance: security primarily relies on positively verifying licensed operators.

Legal Framework and the Role of ISPs

The ANJ makes this blacklist publicly available on its official website, where it is regularly updated. This administrative blocking mechanism requires internet service providers (ISPs) to restrict access to domains identified as illegal. The Law of March 2, 2022, strengthened this administrative policing power. It expanded the Authority's prerogatives to more effectively combat illegal offerings, particularly targeting payment facilitators and illicit advertising.

This tool identifies rogue operators, but it remains a reactive measure against the proliferation of unauthorized offerings. The Authority notifies its decisions to ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and search engines. These entities are legally obligated to implement technical blocking of the targeted domain names.

Limitations of the Blacklist Regarding Mirror Sites

This list remains incomplete by definition. New illegal gambling sites and mirror sites constantly emerge to bypass restrictions. Fraudulent operators quickly change their domain names, rendering the list obsolete upon publication. Therefore, the absence of a URL from the blacklist does not guarantee its legality. A site can be dangerous without yet being listed.

This measure shows its limits when facing mirror sites that frequently change addresses to avoid censorship. Consulting the blacklist should never replace systematic verification of licensing.

Concrete Dangers of Unlicensed Platforms

The ANJ blacklist of illegal gambling sites flags platforms that have been administratively blocked, but it does not offer an absolute guarantee of safety. Simply consulting this list is not enough. Any online casino not explicitly listed on the white list of operators licensed by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) exposes players to major risks. This includes financial fraud and the compromise of personal data.

Financial Risks and Lack of Recourse

On an unregulated site, the lack of fund escrow means your deposits are not protected. Testimonials confirm that winnings are rarely paid out and accounts can be blocked without legal justification. This financial opacity facilitates money laundering, as these platforms operate outside the French prudential supervision framework. In case of dispute, the player has no legal recourse against the operator.

The ANJ is not competent to resolve financial disputes or scams occurring on unlicensed sites. In case of fraudulent charges or fraud, you must contact the DGCCRF or report the incident to Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr, a platform supported by the Ministry of the Interior.

Data Security and Uncontrolled Software

The lack of ANJ certification implies that gaming software is not audited. Cheating is therefore possible, with biased algorithms where randomness is not guaranteed, systematically putting the player at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, the security of personal and banking data is not ensured. Users are exposed to identity theft and banking fraud. Unlike legal operators subject to GDPR, these sites often resell sensitive information, leading to subsequent credit card scams.

Lack of Addiction Protection

Illegal sites do not implement any responsible gaming measures. They offer no deposit limits, no self-exclusion mechanisms, and no strict age verification. This lack of safeguards significantly increases the risk of over-indebtedness and pathological addiction. Unlike licensed sites that transmit the national gaming ban register, these platforms allow vulnerable individuals to play without restriction. This exacerbates the social and health consequences of excessive gambling.

Distinguishing Legal from Illegal Offerings in France

To play in compliance with French law, do not rely solely on the ANJ blacklist of illegal gambling sites, which remains non-exhaustive. The only absolute guarantee lies in consulting the positive list of operators licensed by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ). Any site absent from this official registry, or offering prohibited games such as slot machines, operates illegally. It exposes players to major financial and legal risks.

Which Operators Are Legally Authorized?

Only licensed holders, such as FDJ, PMU, Winamax, Betclic, and Unibet, are authorized to offer gambling games in France. These entities are subject to strict obligations: identity verification, addiction prevention, and tax contributions. The license directly ties these licensed operators to the ANJ, ensuring transaction traceability that cannot be found on the black market.

The Status of online casinos and E-Sports

The license does not cover all games. In France, online casinos (roulette, blackjack, slot machines) are completely banned, as are e-sports bets. Even if a site displays a foreign license (Malta, Curaçao), it remains illegal if it offers these verticals from French territory. FDJ and PMU do not offer these games online, thus respecting the restrictive legal framework that favors sports betting, horse racing, and poker.

How to Visually Identify an Illegal Site?

The absence of the "Licensed Operator by ANJ" logo at the bottom of the page is the first warning sign. Be wary of aggressive or "VIP" bonus offers that bypass the betting limits imposed by French regulation. Unlike licensed operators such as Winamax or Betclic, illegal sites do not systematically verify player identity or age, increasing data theft risks. Always verify the presence of a French registered office and compliance with legal notices before making any deposit.

Reporting an Illegal Site and Taking Action

The ANJ blacklist of illegal gambling sites lists platforms subject to administrative blocking, but it is not exhaustive. A site absent from this list remains dangerous if it is not on the positive list of authorized operators.

If you identify a suspicious platform, you can alert the ANJ directly through its online reporting form. This allows the regulator to open an investigation and, if illegality is confirmed, expand the scope of administrative blocking to protect the gaming community. Your vigilance thus helps update the list of prohibited sites.

About This Article - Authorship & Liability

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino Tester & Bonus Analyst Reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming Compliance Analyst Last Updated: 2026-07-30.

This article on the "ANJ blacklist of illegal gambling sites" was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content to reflect regulatory changes, licenses, and bonus terms. 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 casino testing, 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. Expertise: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection mechanisms.

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 (gaming ban file (FIJ)). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Breaks and cooldown tools are key drivers of sustainable enjoyment.

Legal Notice

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 regulations.