ANJ Blacklist 2026: Forbidden sites, administrative blocking and risks for players

The ANJ blacklist of forbidden sites 2026 groups gambling platforms targeted by an administrative blocking order. This registry, which is not exhaustive, targets in particular online casinos and illegal e-Sport betting sites. To play in complete safety, systematically check the license on the official registry of licensed operators before making a deposit. The blocked sites present real risks of scams and offer no legal protection to players.

Consult the ANJ blacklist and check the legality of a site in 2026

The ANJ blacklist of forbidden sites 2026 lists platforms that have been subject to an administrative blocking order, but it does not guarantee player safety on its own. The ANJ (National Gaming Authority) updates this registry regularly, but its non-exhaustive nature requires constant vigilance. This information must be cross-referenced with the positive list of Licensed Operators, the only ones authorized to offer gambling in France.

Where to find the official list of blocked sites?

The ANJ publishes the List of gambling and games of chance sites forbidden in France directly on its corporate website. This official document lists the URLs that have undergone administrative blocking and de-indexing by search engines. Although this blacklist is frequently updated to include new infractions, it remains by nature reactive and non-exhaustive. The Forbidden Sites listed on it are often online casinos or betting platforms that do not comply with French law. They present major risks for players' personal data and funds. The absence of a site from this list does not validate its legality, as new illegal platforms emerge daily without having been sanctioned yet.

How to know if a sports betting site is forbidden?

The most reliable method to identify a legal site is to check its presence on the registry of Operators licensed by the ANJ. A site absent from this white list operates illegally, even if it does not yet appear on the blacklist. In 2026, with the rise of crypto prediction platforms like Polymarket, which were recently blocked, the distinction becomes vital. If a site appears on the List of gambling and games of chance sites forbidden in France, any deposit is strongly discouraged because you expose yourself to a total absence of legal protection. Forbidden Sites do not respect the deposit limit obligations or the responsible gaming mechanisms imposed on licensed operators.

Is the blacklist exhaustive in 2026?

No, the ANJ explicitly specifies that the blacklist does not cover all existing Forbidden Sites. This list is a reactive catalog of sanctioned infractions, and not a preventive security directory. Consequently, the absence of a URL from the List of gambling and games of chance sites forbidden in France does not mean that the site is authorized. Only consulting the list of Licensed Operators offers legal certainty. Playing on unlisted but unlicensed sites exposes one to risks of addiction and disputes not handled by the gaming mediator, then falling under the DGCCRF.

Authorized vs forbidden games: the French legal framework in 2026

Only online gambling and games of chance strictly regulated by Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010, relating to the opening to competition and regulation of the online gambling and games of chance sector, are legal.

Why are online casinos blocked?

Online casinos, including slot machines and roulette, remain explicitly forbidden in France. Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010, relating to the opening to competition and regulation of the online gambling and games of chance sector, limits the legal offer to sports betting, horse race betting, and ring games like poker. This exclusion aims to protect players against the high risks of addiction associated with games of pure chance, which are not subject to the same skill controls as poker. Any site offering these games without a license is considered illegal and exposes the user to major financial risks.

The status of e-Sport betting and Polymarket

e-Sport betting is formally forbidden on French territory. The legislator took this measure to protect the young public, who are particularly vulnerable to addiction mechanisms and social isolation related to these practices. This prohibition now extends to new decentralized prediction platforms, such as Polymarket, which have recently been subject to administrative blocking by the ANJ. These sites, often operating outside the European regulatory framework, offer no legal protection in the event of a dispute or non-payment of winnings.

Quels sont les opérateurs légaux en France?

Only licensed operators and LA FRANCAISE DES JEUX, which holds the monopoly on the lottery, are authorized to offer online gambling and games of chance. LA FRANCAISE DES JEUX ensures a regulated and secure offer, distinct from the illegal sites that proliferate online. It is crucial to consult the official ANJ registry to confirm the legal status of an operator before any deposit, as the absence of technical blocking does not equal authorization.

Understanding administrative blocking and the role of ISPs

The ANJ blacklist of forbidden sites 2026 results from an accelerated administrative blocking procedure, replacing the old, too slow judicial process. The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) directly orders Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and search engines to cut access to illegal platforms, under the control of the administrative judge and in application of the Internal Security Code. This measure aims to protect French players from unlicensed operators who do not respect the legal obligations of personal data protection and responsible gaming.

How does the ANJ block illegal sites?

The mechanism is based on a prior formal notice. If the publisher or host does not withdraw the illegal offer within five days, the president of the ANJ orders the blocking. This administrative procedure, anchored in French law, allows for a much faster reaction than the 4 to 6 months previously required for a judicial decision. It specifically targets sites offering gambling or games of chance without a valid license on national territory.

The role of ISPs (Orange, SFR, Free) in the blocking

Internet Service Providers like Orange, SFR or Free are required to filter access to the sanctioned URLs. They mainly use DNS filtering (domain name system filtering) to prevent the resolution of forbidden sites' addresses. This DNS filtering is crucial because it blocks access at the network request level, making the site inaccessible to the majority of users without advanced technical configuration. The Ministry of the Interior supervises these administrative police measures to guarantee their effectiveness on French soil.

Bypassing the block: risks and reality

Although technically possible by modifying DNS servers, bypassing this block exposes one to major risks. Access remains illegal and the funds deposited on these platforms do not benefit from any legal protection. In the event of a dispute, the Ministry of the Interior and the ANJ cannot intervene for the return of funds, as these operators act outside the framework regulated by the Internal Security Code. It is therefore imperative to check the ANJ license before any deposit.

Player risks: why to avoid blacklist sites

Venturing onto these illegal sites exposes players to major risks: addiction, data theft and a total absence of legal recourse. Prudence dictates checking the active license rather than relying solely on the absence of a site from this list.

Lack of legal protection and recourse

The ANJ and the gaming mediator decline all competence for disputes involving an unlicensed operator. By playing on a site appearing on the ANJ blacklist of forbidden sites 2026, you step outside the protective framework of French law. Deposited funds are not segregated and their return is not guaranteed in the event of the site's closure. Without a legal framework, no gaming regulatory authority can arbitrate your conflicts, leaving you alone against an entity often located outside the European Union.

Financial risks: scamming and money laundering

Illegal platforms present a critical danger of money laundering. These sites, not subject to strict ANJ controls, can be used to recycle illicit funds, an activity closely monitored by Tracfin (Intelligence Processing and Action Against Clandestine Financial Circuits). By depositing money there, you risk not only pure fraud, but also involuntary involvement in criminal financial circuits. Tracfin identifies these anomalous flows, which can lead to the freezing of your personal bank accounts during investigations, beyond the simple loss of your stake.

Who to contact in case of dispute or addiction?

Facing player risks related to addiction, the reference resource is Joueurs Info Service. This organization offers support and guidance for people affected by excessive gambling, an increased risk on unregulated sites that do not respect mandatory deposit limits. To report a misleading commercial practice or a dispute with a forbidden site, contact the DGCCRF via the platform signal.conso.gouv.fr. The DGCCRF processes these reports to protect consumers, as the ANJ does not handle civil disputes on the illegal market.

About this article - Writing & responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino tester & bonus analyst

Verified by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming compliance analyst

Last updated: 2026-08-03.

This article on "ANJ blacklist forbidden sites 2026" was written by Sarah Weber and proofread by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both update the content regularly to reflect regulatory developments, licenses, and bonus conditions. 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 testing casinos, 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 proofreader

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years in compliance consulting for licensed operators under the French ANJ framework. PhD in economic mathematics. Fields: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection measures.

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 registry (file of gambling-ban individuals (FIJ)). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Breaks and cooldown tools are levers for sustainable pleasure.

Legal disclaimer

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.