Paris Judicial Court: Understanding the blocking of illegal online casinos

The Paris Judicial Court orders the blocking of illegal gambling sites like Cbet and Stake at the request of the National Gaming Authority (ANJ). This technical measure requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to restrict access to unauthorized domains. It differs from a judicial gambling ban, a personal sanction issued by a judge to protect players against gambling addiction.

The role of the Paris Judicial Court in blocking casinos

The Paris Judicial Court is the central judicial authority that orders the blocking of illegal gambling sites in France. Appealed to by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), this court requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to make unauthorized platforms, such as Cbet, inaccessible, thereby protecting players from outlaw operators.

How does the ANJ petition the court to block a site?

The National Gaming Authority (ANJ), the public regulator responsible for market surveillance, identifies betting and casino offers operating without a French license. When it detects illegal activity, the ANJ petitions the summary judge of the Paris Judicial Court to obtain an emergency measure. This procedure allows the offer to be qualified as illegal under the Internal Security Code and orders its immediate removal from the French digital territory. The ANJ plays a pivotal role here by providing technical evidence of the infringement, transforming an administrative finding into an enforceable judicial order.

Which sites were recently blocked (Cbet, Stake)?

International platforms like Cbet and Stake have been the subject of landmark decisions. The Paris Judicial Court recently ordered them to be blocked, deeming them "particularly aggressive" towards the French public. These sites offered unauthorized games, notably the title JETX, and bypassed national regulation. The ANJ highlighted that these operators attracted significant traffic by offering prohibited services, justifying firm judicial intervention to protect public order and players.

How do ISPs implement the court decision?

Once the order is issued, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as Orange, SFR, or Free are legally required to block access to the targeted domain names. This technical gambling site blocking measure makes platforms like Cbet inaccessible from French connections. ISPs are required to technically execute this decision of the Paris Judicial Court, filtering traffic to prevent any connection to illicit servers. This mandatory cooperation between the justice system and telecom operators ensures the effectiveness of the ban on national territory.

Judicial ban vs technical blocking: what is the difference?

The Paris judicial court casino blocking does not penalize the player, but the illegal operator. This technical measure, distinct from a judicial gambling ban, aims to cut off access to unauthorized sites like Stake or Cbet. This distinction is fundamental: blocking protects the legal market, while a personal ban addresses protection issues or criminal sanctions.

What is a judicial gambling ban?

A judicial gambling ban is an individual decision pronounced by the sentence enforcement judge. It specifically prohibits a person from accessing physical casinos and licensed operator sites in France. This measure is often applied as an additional penalty following an offense, such as attempted fraud, or as part of a suspended sentence with probation. The Ministry of the Interior then forwards the decision to the ANJ for registration in the national ban file.

Who can issue an administrative ban?

The Ministry of the Interior holds the power to issue an administrative ban, distinct from the judicial route. This authority acts in the event of public disorder or disturbance of peace in gambling establishments. The maximum duration of this ban is five years, and it can be imposed without the player's consent. The ANJ is systematically informed to ensure the application of this measure with legal operators.

Does a site block mean I am banned?

No, the technical block does not concern you personally. It results from the application of the Internal Security Code, which allows authorities to obstruct illegal sites. This measure targets the offering of unauthorized games, such as online slot machines, which are strictly prohibited in France. Conversely, voluntary self-exclusion is a personal step related to gambling addiction, allowing players to protect themselves by registering in the ban file. This latter measure leads to the immediate closure of all legal gambling accounts.

Voluntary self-exclusion procedures and support for players

Voluntary self-exclusion constitutes an essential self-protection measure against gambling addiction, distinct from the technical blocks ordered by the Paris judicial court casino blocking. This personal step, managed by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), bans access to legal operators such as La Française des Jeux (FDJ) and offers a secure framework for struggling players.

How to request a voluntary gambling ban?

The procedure falls under the exclusive competence of the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), the regulatory body responsible for supervising the French market. The request is made online or by mail, accompanied by an identity document, for a minimum duration of three years. This measure is strictly personal and confidential, reserved for adults facing serious consequences of excessive gambling, such as isolation or financial difficulties. Once registered, the ban is tacitly renewable without any further action, ensuring continuous protection against the risks associated with gambling addiction.

What are the consequences of registration in the ban file?

Registration in the national file results in an immediate ban on entering all physical casinos and gaming clubs in France. Digitally, it becomes impossible to open an account with authorized operators, such as La Française des Jeux (FDJ) or PMU. Furthermore, all existing accounts held with these legal operators are systematically closed. Suspending this measure is impossible during the first three years, thereby reinforcing its effectiveness against compulsive behavior.

Where to find help for gambling addiction?

To support players, specialized services like Joueurs Info Service offer anonymous and free support. The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) also provides the Evalujeu.fr questionnaire, allowing players to anonymously evaluate their addiction. These resources are essential for understanding the mechanisms of gambling addiction and guiding players toward appropriate care, thus supplementing restrictive measures with psychological and social support.

Risks of unlicensed casinos and legal framework

The Paris judicial court casino blocking orders the ban of access to sites operating without authorization, a technical measure imposed on internet service providers to protect players. This procedure, initiated by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), specifically targets platforms offering unauthorized games or using opaque payment methods, thus ensuring strict application of the Internal Security Code and the Law of May 12, 2010.

Why is the use of cryptocurrency a red flag?

Cryptocurrency is a major indicator of illegality for French regulators. Its use is strictly prohibited on licensed operator sites, as it hinders the mandatory fight against money laundering and terrorism financing. Platforms like Stake have been blocked by the judge for integrating this payment method to bypass national financial regulations. Unlike monitored traditional methods, crypto transactions make fund tracing impossible, exposing users to major financial risks with no guarantee of reimbursement.

Which games are offered on blocked sites?

Sites targeted by the blocking of gambling sites often offer titles absent from the legal French catalog, such as JETX. This game, offered by operators like Cbet, escapes the controls of the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) regarding the fairness of algorithms and the protection of personal data. The lack of regulation on these unauthorized slot machines means that no technical measure limits excessive play, significantly increasing the risks of gambling addiction for unwary players.

What recourse is there in case of non-payment of winnings?

On illegal platforms, there is no legal recourse in case of non-payment of winnings, a reality confirmed by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ). Once the block is ordered by the Paris Judicial Court, players can no longer petition the French courts to recover their funds, unlike users of licensed sites. This lack of legal protection highlights the importance of systematically verifying the ANJ license before depositing any money.

About this article - Authorship & responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino tester & bonus analyst

Verified by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming compliance analyst

Last updated: 2026-07-10.

This article on "Paris judicial court casino blocking" was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both update the content regularly to reflect regulatory developments, licenses, and bonus conditions. All references to licenses, authorities, or legal frameworks refer to public sources (ANJ (National Gaming Authority), Law of May 12, 2010 on the opening of online gambling).

About the author

8+ years of casino testing, 200+ platforms personally tested in the EU and internationally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, withdrawal processes, customer support evaluation.

About the reviewer

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years in compliance consulting for operators licensed under the French ANJ framework. PhD in economic mathematics. Areas: bonus mathematics, wagering analysis, player protection measures.

Responsible gambling

Gambling can become addictive. If you feel you are losing control, contact Joueurs Info Service, SOS Joueurs, or use the national self-exclusion register (gambling ban file (FIJ)). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Breaks and cooldown tools are levers for sustainable enjoyment.

Legal disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for editorial and comparative purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Players remain responsible for complying with local regulations.