AFJEL takes full view of French online gambling led by Nicolas Béraud

Nicolas Béraud, founder and CEO of Betclic, will maintain his position as President of AFJEL, the Online Gaming Association of France.

The unanimous re-election will see Béraud begin his second term as President of AFJEL, amid critical forthcoming regulatory changes for the French gambling sector.

As sanctioned by the 2025 State Budget, the French government will impose a new gambling tax framework, charging retail sports bets at 10% (up from 7%) and online sports bets at 15% (up from 10.5%).

Further tax measures will also apply to online poker stakes, taxed at 10% of GGR, with the budget applying a 15% tax on advertising expenditure by gaming operators.

Forthcoming adjustments to tax impacts were detailed by the full-year accounts of Française des Jeux (FDJ) and Betclic, who estimate respective revisions of EBITDA of €50m and €20m for year trading in 2025

As a trade body, AFJEL will continue to promote legal, ethical, and responsible online gaming by combatting illegal gambling that undermines France regulated online gambling marketplace.

Furthermore members will cooperate to create fair competition, by strengthening player protection and adopting the highest standards to ensure a safe, fun, and responsible gaming experience.

Béraud noted on the positive developments of AFJEL that has expanded its trade body during a point of inflection for the French online gambling sector: “I am honoured to be able to continue to speak for our members at such an important time for our industry.”

“Now strengthened by the arrival of Winamax, AFJEL is the only professional association to represent online gaming tech companies. Its members are essential strategic partners in protecting players, fighting cybercrime and the scourge of the illegal market, and securing the digital space with demanding technological standards.”

The inclusion of Winamax, France’s biggest online poker room, saw founder Alexandre Roos take the role of Vice-President of the association in order to strengthen the representation of AFJEL across all online gambling disciplines.  Winamax’s membership sees AFJEL represents all companies in the French online gaming sector.

Alexandre Roos, President of Winamax and Vice-President of AFJEL, said: “I am very happy and honoured to have been elected Vice-President of AFJEL in order to support the action of the members to lay the foundations of a favourable framework for gaming tech companies, which are very strategic for the evolution of the sector.”