France has officially banned betting on esports

France has officially introduced a complete legal ban on betting on esports competitions. Authorities say the decision is intended to protect users, particularly young people, from the risks associated with gambling.

Regulators emphasize that any platform offering esports betting is operating outside the law. As a result, French residents are advised not to use such services, as they may pose serious risks to both their finances and personal data.

One of the main reasons for the ban is the high risk of gambling addiction. According to government representatives, illegal operators actively attract users with appealing bonuses and promotions while lacking mechanisms to help prevent excessive gambling. This, in turn, can lead to financial difficulties, social isolation, and family-related problems.

French regulators have also highlighted cybersecurity concerns. They warn that illegal websites do not guarantee adequate protection of users' personal information or payment data. As a result, there is a risk of fraud, theft of confidential information, or even identity misuse.

In addition, the authorities noted that the software used by such platforms is not subject to official inspection or certification. This means the fairness of these services has not been verified, and users have no guarantees regarding the payment of winnings or the return of their funds. Unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts are also listed among the potential risks.

French regulators urge users to rely exclusively on operators holding official licenses and to avoid any illegal platforms offering betting on esports events.