ANJ Blacklist 2026: Banned Sites, Administrative Blocking, and Risks for Players

The 2026 ANJ blacklist of banned sites groups gambling platforms targeted by an administrative blocking order. This register, which is not exhaustive, specifically targets online casinos and illegal e-sports betting sites. To play safely, always verify the license on the official register of licensed operators before making a deposit. Blocked sites present real scam risks and offer no legal protection to players.

Check the ANJ Blacklist and Verify a Site's Legality in 2026

The 2026 ANJ blacklist of banned sites lists platforms subject to an administrative blocking order, but it does not alone guarantee player safety. The ANJ (National Gaming Authority) updates this register 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 directly on its institutional website the List of gambling and games of chance sites prohibited in France. This official document lists URLs that have undergone administrative blocking and de-indexing by search engines. Although this blacklist is updated frequently to include new violations, it remains by nature reactive and not exhaustive. The Prohibited Sites listed there are often online casinos or betting platforms non-compliant with French law. They pose major risks to 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 yet having been sanctioned.

How to know if a sports betting site is prohibited?

The most reliable method to identify a legal site is to verify its presence on the register of Operators approved by the ANJ. A site absent from this whitelist operates illegally, even if it does not yet appear on the blacklist. In 2026, with the rise of crypto prediction platforms like Polymarket, recently blocked, the distinction becomes vital. If a site appears on the List of gambling and games of chance sites prohibited in France, any deposit is strongly discouraged as you expose yourself to a total lack of legal protection. Prohibited Sites do not comply with deposit limit obligations nor the responsible gaming mechanisms imposed on approved operators.

Is the blacklist exhaustive in 2026?

No, the ANJ explicitly states that the blacklist does not cover all existing Prohibited Sites. This list is a reactive catalog of sanctioned violations, not a preventive security directory. Consequently, the absence of a URL from the List of gambling and games of chance sites prohibited in France does not mean the site is authorized. Only consulting the list of Approved Operators provides legal certainty. Playing on unlisted but unapproved sites exposes players to addiction and dispute risks not handled by the gaming mediator, then falling under the DGCCRF.

Authorized vs. Prohibited Games: The French Legal Framework in 2026

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

Why are online casinos blocked?

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

The status of e-Sports betting and Polymarket

E-Sports betting are formally prohibited on French territory. The legislator took this measure to protect the young audience, particularly vulnerable to addiction mechanisms and the social isolation linked to these practices. This prohibition now extends to new decentralized prediction platforms, such as Polymarket, which have recently been subject to administrative blocks by the ANJ. These sites, often operating outside the European regulatory framework, offer no legal protection in case of dispute or non-payment of winnings.

Who are the legal operators in France?

Only approved operators and LA FRANCAISE DES JEUX, which holds the monopoly on the lottery, are authorized to offer online games of chance and money. LA FRANCAISE DES JEUX provides a regulated and secure offer, distinct from the illegal sites proliferating online. It is crucial to consult the official ANJ register to confirm the legal status of an operator before any deposit, as the absence of technical blocking does not constitute authorization.

Understanding Administrative Blocking and the Role of ISPs

The ANJ blacklist of banned sites for 2026 results from an accelerated administrative blocking procedure, replacing the former judicial circuit that was too slow. The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) directly orders Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and search engines to cut access to illegal platforms, under the oversight of the administrative judge and in application of the Internal Security Code. This measure aims to protect French players from unlicensed operators that do not comply with legal obligations regarding personal data protection and responsible gaming.

How Does the ANJ Block Illegal Sites?

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

The Role of ISPs (Orange, SFR, Free) in Blocking

Internet Service Providers such as Orange, SFR, or Free are required to filter access to sanctioned URLs. They primarily use DNS filtering (domain name system filtering) to prevent the resolution of addresses belonging to banned sites. 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 oversees these administrative police measures to ensure their effectiveness on French soil.

Bypassing the block: risks and reality

Although technically possible by modifying DNS servers, bypassing this block exposes users to major risks. Access remains illegal, and funds deposited on these platforms benefit from no legal protection. In the event of a dispute, the Ministry of the Interior and the ANJ cannot intervene to refund the amounts, as these operators act outside the framework regulated by the Internal Security Code. It is therefore essential to verify ANJ approval before making any deposit.

Player risks: why to avoid sites on the blacklist

Venturing onto these illegal sites exposes players to major dangers: addiction, data theft, and a total lack of legal recourse. Prudence dictates verifying active approval rather than relying solely on a site's absence from this list.

Absence of legal protection and recourse

The ANJ and the gaming mediator decline jurisdiction over disputes involving an unapproved operator. By playing on a site listed on the 2026 ANJ banned sites blacklist, you step outside the protective framework of French law. Deposited funds are not segregated, and their refund is not guaranteed in the event of site 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: fraud and money laundering

Illegal platforms present a critical danger of money laundering. These sites, not subject to the strict controls of the ANJ, 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 abnormal 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 a dispute or addiction?

When facing player risks related to addiction, the reference resource is Joueurs Info Service. This organization provides listening and guidance for people affected by excessive gambling, a heightened risk on unregulated sites that do not respect mandatory deposit limits. To report misleading commercial practices or a dispute with a banned site, contact the DGCCRF via the signal.conso.gouv.fr platform. The DGCCRF handles these reports to protect consumers, as the ANJ does not manage civil disputes on the illegal market.

About this article - Authorship & accountability

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino tester & bonus analyst

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

Last updated: 2026-08-03.

This article on "ANJ blacklist banned sites 2026" 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 point to public sources (ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux), Law of 12 May 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 advisory for operators licensed under the French ANJ framework. PhD in economic mathematics. Areas: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection mechanisms.

Responsible gaming

Gaming can become addictive. If you feel you are losing control, contact Joueurs Info Service, SOS Joueurs, or use the national self-exclusion register (fichier des interdits de jeux (FIJ)). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Breaks and cooldown tools are levers for 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 rules.