Bet365 has launched in France after securing approval from the Autorité Nationale des Jeux. The move gives the UK-based operator access to one of Europe’s largest regulated sports betting markets. The launch comes shortly before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That timing gives Bet365 a major football event to support its first marketing push in France.
Licence covers online sports betting
Bet365 received approval to operate online sports betting through its Hillside subsidiary. The licence allows the operator to offer betting through the approved bet365.fr domain.
France has a tightly controlled online gambling market. Licensed operators can offer sports betting, horse race betting and poker, but online casino games remain prohibited.
That makes sports betting the main route for Bet365 in France. The operator enters a market already served by brands including Betclic, Winamax, FDJ United and Unibet.
Bet Builder included in launch
Bet365 is bringing several core sportsbook features to French users. Bet Builder is available across 16 sports, allowing customers to combine selections within the same event.
Cash Out is also part of the French offer. The feature lets customers settle all or part of a bet before the event finishes. Those tools are central to Bet365’s product identity in other markets. In France, they will now compete with local sportsbook features already used by established operators.
France remains difficult for new entrants
France’s betting market is large, but entry is not simple. Operators face strict rules on advertising, player protection, account checks and responsible gambling.
The country’s tax structure has also made profitability harder than in some other European markets. That is one reason several major international brands have been careful about French expansion. Bet365 had stayed outside France’s regulated online betting market for years after the country opened licensing in 2010. Its entry now marks a major change in the competitive picture.
World Cup adds early test
The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts in June and will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Football remains the main betting product in France, making the tournament an important first test for Bet365.
A strong World Cup period could help the operator build early brand recognition. It will also test how quickly French bettors respond to another major international sportsbook in an already crowded market.
Recent prediction market cases have focused heavily on federal pre-emption. That issue decides whether CFTC-regulated contracts can override state gambling laws when the same products involve sports outcomes.
Kalshi’s legal wins have given prediction market operators more confidence, but the issue remains active in several courts. Each ruling can affect how quickly platforms expand sports contracts and how strongly states can respond.
