The history of gambling in France: From antiquity to the present

Gambling in France has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient Rome. During that time, Romans actively engaged in various forms of gambling, a pastime that spread across Europe. After the fall of the empire, gambling remained popular in France, especially during the Frankish era. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, gambling gradually became a part of daily life, although it often faced restrictions from the church and authorities.

A key moment in the development of gambling in France was the creation of the first state lotteries in the 16th century. Lotteries were endorsed by French monarchs like Francis I as a means to supplement state revenues. Around this time, card games began to spread, featuring early versions of modern blackjack and other card-based entertainment.

In the 18th century, gambling became a subject of political conflict. During the French Revolution, many gambling establishments were closed, and gambling itself was banned. However, underground gambling clubs continued to thrive, particularly in major cities. When Napoleon Bonaparte came to power, he introduced the first strict gambling regulations, laying the groundwork for the legalization of the industry in the following centuries.

In the latter half of the 20th century, France enacted laws regulating gambling in casinos and horse racing, and in 2010, a law was passed to open the online gambling market. This allowed for the legalization of online betting on sports, poker, and horse racing, significantly boosting industry revenue. Today, France is home to more than 200 casinos and is recognized as the birthplace of games like roulette and blackjack. Some of the most popular casinos are located in Deauville, Cannes, and Enghien-les-Bains.

Modern casinos in France are state-controlled, with licenses issued only for resort towns. Despite strict regulations, gambling remains an integral part of French culture, attracting both locals and tourists from around the world.