Welcome: this guide clearly explains what happens to your money when you win at gambling in France, whether at the PMU, live poker, or after an evening at a land-based casino. Honestly, if you want to avoid unpleasant tax surprises and understand the rules of the ANJ and TRACFIN, read on — we start with the basics and then move on to specific cases.
First useful thing: for most casual players in France, gambling winnings are not taxable as income. That's the key point, but it's not the end of the story — there are exceptions and formalities to be aware of, so read on to find out when CSG or KYC obligations apply. This explanation brings you straight to the logic of payments and controls, which we detail below.
How the French tax authorities view your earnings in France
Look, here's the crux of the matter: if you play poker for fun with friends or win a one-off jackpot, the tax authorities do not generally consider this winnings to be taxable income for a non-professional player, so there is no income tax to pay. That said, a CSG/CRDS may sometimes apply in certain specific cases and, for large amounts, land-based casinos apply TRACFIN controls. This nuance raises the question: how do you know if you are considered a «professional» in the eyes of the tax authorities?
Let's clear things up: you are considered a professional if gaming is your main and regular activity, if you declare these winnings as a regular activity, or if your gaming organisation resembles a business (structures, accounting, commercial logic). If this is the case, your income may be subject to income tax and social security contributions — which changes everything when it comes to managing your £1,000.50 earned from a series of tournaments. The following explains how to avoid being reclassified and what evidence to keep.
Specific mechanisms: CSG, deductions, and casino payments
For practical purposes: at land-based casinos, the payment of a large win (often over €1,500) may result in social security contributions or a tax declaration. For example, some establishments apply a CSG/CRDS withholding tax at the time of payment when the taxable portion exceeds certain thresholds, and above €3,000 you will often be required to provide proof of identity and accept a non-endorsable cheque or bank transfer. This step brings us directly back to KYC/AML obligations — we will discuss this shortly so that you know what to prepare.
In practice, payment methods are standard: bank card (CB), SEPA transfer, non-endorsable cheque, TITO ticket for slot machines and sometimes Apple Pay or PayPal for additional transactions, depending on the establishment. For larger cash winnings, expect to have to show proof of identity — it's a pain, but it's normal, and it ties in with the next section on KYC and TRACFIN.
KYC, TRACFIN and obligations for players in France
Honestly, these controls exist to prevent money laundering — TRACFIN monitors suspicious flows and casinos apply KYC procedures. If you cash out €5,000 or €10,000 in a single transaction, you will probably be asked to provide proof of address and proof of the source of funds. This requirement raises the following question: how can you prepare for this without getting stressed out?
Prepare two documents: valid identification and recent proof of address. Keep your bank statements handy if the casino requests proof of origin, and do not attempt to circumvent the system with tricks — this is the best way to get caught up in lengthy procedures. Next, let's move on to the difference between land-based winnings, professional poker and winnings on offshore sites — and why French law is clear on this last point.
Online gaming and legal status in France (ANJ)
Important for French gamblers: online casino games (slot machines, online roulette) remain prohibited under the 2010 law; only online poker (under ANJ licence), sports betting and horse betting are regulated. The ANJ monitors websites and blocks/closes those that operate illegally. That said, many gamble on the «grey market» via crypto or VPN — not recommended as these winnings come from unregulated platforms and can cause problems for withdrawals and proof in the event of a tax audit.
If you play legally (e.g. poker on an approved platform), keep records of your tournaments and declarations: this helps to prove the occasional or professional nature of your activity. Also, for more practical and local information, consult specialised resources — for example, the website casino-pornic offers useful sections dedicated to payments and regulations for French players, which can help you prepare your supporting documents. This recommendation leads you to a few specific cases below.
Case studies & mini-scenarios (examples)
Case A — The casual player: you win €50 playing poker with friends, no declaration, no worries. Simple and straightforward, and it brings you back to good budget management practices.
Case B — Winner of a €10,000 jackpot at the casino: the casino may require proof of identity, a KYC form and payment by non-endorsable cheque or SEPA transfer; TRACFIN may be alerted if the amount appears to be linked to suspicious flows. Keep your tickets and receipts — it is better to be safe than sorry, and below is a quick checklist.
Case C — Professional poker player: if you make a living from tournaments and declare this income, keep accounts and consult a tax expert; you may be taxed as a professional and subject to social security contributions, which changes the financial picture. After these cases, let's look at common mistakes to avoid.
Quick checklist for French players
- 18+: you must be of legal age to gamble in France.
- Keep all supporting documents (tickets, statements, proof of winnings).
- Identity document and proof of address available (useful for earnings ≥ €1,500).
- Standard payment methods: credit card, SEPA transfer, Apple Pay, PayPal.
- If you are unsure about your professional status, consult a tax advisor before filing your tax return.
- If you are looking for practical local guides, take a look at casino-pornic for information aimed at French players.
This checklist helps you prepare for the evening and avoid administrative bottlenecks, serving as a bridge to common mistakes to be wary of.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Mistake: thinking that all winnings are automatically taxable — False for occasional players.
- Mistake: not keeping your tickets or statements — Keep everything, especially for large winnings.
- Error: gambling on offshore sites and relying on British protection — Bad idea, difficult to prove in the event of a dispute.
- Error: bypassing KYC requirements for large payments — anticipate and prepare your documents.
By avoiding these mistakes, you reduce your administrative risks and keep the fun part of the game stress-free, which naturally brings us to a handy little FAQ.
Mini FAQ for players in France
Are casino winnings taxable in France?
For a casual player: no, normally no income tax. However, social security contributions or TRACFIN checks may apply depending on the amounts involved and the situation.
What should I do if I win €3,000 at the casino?
Expect to be asked to present identification; the casino may request a bank transfer or non-endorsable cheque and carry out KYC checks. Keep documentation of your winnings.
Do offshore sites pose a tax risk for me?
Yes: unregulated sites can complicate the verification of winnings and withdrawals, and the ANJ offers no protection. Choose licensed platforms for poker and sports betting.
Comparison: land-based winnings vs licensed online poker vs offshore sites
| Criterion | Land-based casino (FR) | Online poker (ANJ-approved) | Offshore/crypto site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal certainty | Élevée (ANJ / Ministry) | Élevée (ANJ licence) | Weak (risky) |
| Ease of withdrawal | Bon (cheque/bank transfer, KYC) | Bon (credit transfer, bank transfer) | Variable (crypto, fees) |
| Fiscal risk | Possible controls (TRACFIN) | Possible controls | Difficult evidence in the event of a dispute |
This comparison shows why most cautious players prefer land-based or licensed platforms — and that brings us to our final reminder about responsible gaming.
18+ Gambling should remain a leisure activity. If you feel that things are getting out of hand, call Joueurs Info Service on 09 74 75 13 13 or visit joueurs-info-service.fr for help and support. If you have specific tax questions, contact a tax advisor; if you are in France, it is best to be cautious and prepare your documents.
Useful sources and resources
- ANJ — National Gaming Authority (anj.fr)
- TRACFIN — anti-money laundering (public service)
- Player Information Service — 09 74 75 13 13
- Practical guides and payment sections: casino-pornic
About the author
Written by a poker and regulatory information enthusiast based in France, with several years of experience in live and online (licensed) gaming — I have seen players rebuild their bankrolls, burn through their money, and learn to manage their winnings. My goal: to give you concrete advice, not slogans. If you want personalised insight into a specific case, let me know and I will refer you to a tax or legal expert.
