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France Is Considering Legalizing Online Casinos

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 24, 2024

62%. This is public support for the French authorities’ intentions to legalize online casinos, according to a survey by the French Association of Online Games (AFJEL). Very soon, such legal amendments may become a fact, writes the French publication Le Figaro.

Online casinos in France are prohibited by law. Along with Cyprus, it is the only country in the EU that completely bans online casino games. French authorities only allow sports betting, horse racing, and poker online. The online lottery is also legal in France, although there is only one operator – La Française des Jeux (FDJ).

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However, in 2023, illegal online casinos operating in France generated an impressive 750 million euros in turnover, a sign that legal restrictions are in no way preventing these businesses from thriving from the comfort of tax havens, in which are registered.

Now the government is proposing changes as part of the draft budget for 2025, which would make the activity of online casinos subject to control. The texts were presented over the weekend and considered by French MPs on Monday. If the changes are finally adopted, virtual casino games will be taxed at 55.6% of their turnover.

The government claims that legalizing online casinos will help tackle the presence of illegal sites that often operate from tax havens. This could contribute to limiting the risk to public health,

However, the proposed amendments are not being taken lightly by casino owners, who have come out strongly against the amendment, which will expose their establishments to unwanted competition.

“According to our calculations, the opening of online casinos to competition will lead to a drop in gross gambling revenue of land-based casinos by around 20 to 30% and the closure of 30% of establishments,” said Gregory Rabuel, president of the Casinos de France union. to the French media Les Echos.

THE BUDGETARY POLICY OF FRANCE

Last year, France’s government deficit reached 5.5% of the country’s GDP, significantly exceeding forecasts and breaching the EU’s target of 3%. Late last month, new budget minister Laurent Saint-Martin revealed that this year’s deficit could exceed 6%.

While the government hopes to rein in spending, it is also looking for ways to raise revenue. Part of the country’s current financial problems are related to reduced tax revenues. This is partly because economic growth has recently been driven by exports rather than domestic consumption, resulting in lower VAT revenues.

A review of the revenue side of the 2025 state budget, which calls for 60 billion in new tax revenue, began on Monday, kicking off the most important few weeks of Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s tenure, whose government enjoys fragile support.

In his opening speech, Economy Minister Antoine Armand advocated a budget that would allow the public deficit to be reduced to 5% of GDP in 2025, rejecting any “austerity” while predicting a 0.4% increase in public spending

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Cyprus Introduces 8% Crypto Tax As European Rules Diverge

Fragmented Crypto Tax Rules Across Europe

Although the European Union has introduced a common regulatory framework for digital assets through the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), taxation remains under the jurisdiction of individual member states. As a result, crypto investors face a wide range of tax regimes across Europe.

Cyprus Introduces Dedicated Crypto Tax Framework

Beginning January 1, 2026, Cyprus will implement a dedicated taxation regime for digital assets. The new framework imposes an 8% flat tax on net gains from cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, making it one of the lowest rates within the European Union. Taxable events will include the sale, exchange, or use of cryptocurrencies for payments and donations. Losses will only be offset against gains generated from crypto transactions within the same tax year, with no provision allowing losses to be carried forward.

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Diverging Approaches Across Europe

Several European countries have adopted markedly different policies. Greece is preparing legislation that would introduce a 15% capital gains tax on cryptocurrency profits, with the first €500 of gains exempt from taxation. Germany classifies cryptocurrencies as private assets. Gains are generally exempt from tax if the assets have been held for more than one year, distinguishing the country from many other European jurisdictions.

Other Key Jurisdictions

Portugal continues to offer favorable conditions for long-term investors, with private individuals generally exempt from taxation if digital assets are held for more than 12 months. Switzerland treats cryptocurrencies as part of personal wealth, subject to annual cantonal wealth taxes, while capital gains realized by individual investors are typically exempt. France applies a flat tax of 31.4% on cryptocurrency gains, combining income tax and social contributions. Italy recently increased the tax rate on crypto gains for individuals to 33%, up from 26%, while Spain applies progressive rates ranging from 19% to 30%, depending on the amount of profit realized.

The Netherlands And The Baltic States

The Netherlands uses a different model, taxing presumed returns on assets regardless of whether they have actually been sold. Tax treatment in the Baltic region varies. Lithuania generally imposes a 15% rate, rising to 20% for very high non-salary income. Latvia applies a 25.5% capital gains tax, while Estonia taxes cryptocurrency gains at the standard personal income tax rate of 22%, without exemptions for long-term holdings.

A Diverse Tax Landscape

Approaches to cryptocurrency taxation continue to differ significantly across Europe. Cyprus’ upcoming framework places the country among jurisdictions offering relatively low rates and dedicated rules for digital assets, while investors operating across borders continue to navigate a patchwork of national tax regimes.