Paris Judicial Court: Understanding the Blocking of Illegal Online Casinos

The Paris Judicial Court orders the blocking of illegal gaming sites such as Cbet and Stake upon request from the National Gaming Authority (ANJ). This technical measure requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to restrict access to unlicensed domains. It is distinct from a judicial ban on gambling, a personal sanction issued by a judge to protect players from gambling addiction.

The Role of the Paris Judicial Court in Casino Blocking

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

How does the ANJ refer a site to the court for blocking?

The National Gaming Authority (ANJ), the public regulator responsible for market oversight, identifies betting and casino offerings operating without a French license. When it detects illicit activity, the ANJ refers the matter to the summary proceedings judge of the Paris Judicial Court to obtain an urgent measure. This procedure allows the offer to be classified as illegal under the Internal Security Code and mandates 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 constraint.

Which sites have been blocked recently (Cbet, Stake)?

International platforms such as Cbet and Stake have been the subject of landmark decisions. The Paris Judicial Court recently ordered their blocking, judging them to be "particularly aggressive" towards the French public. These sites offered unauthorized games, including 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 apply the court's 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 measure of blocking gaming sites 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 judiciary and telecom operators ensures the effectiveness of the ban across the national territory.

Judicial Ban vs Technical Blocking: What is the Difference?

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

What is a judicial gaming ban?

A judicial gaming ban is an individual decision issued by the judge responsible for the application of penalties. It specifically prohibits a person from accessing physical casinos and the websites of licensed operators in France. This measure is often applied as a complementary 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 register of banned individuals.

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 cases of public order disturbances or tranquility issues within gaming 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 enforcement of this measure among legal operators.

Does site blocking mean I am banned?

No, technical blocking does not concern you personally. It results from the application of the Internal Security Code, which allows authorities to block illegal sites. This measure targets unauthorized gaming offers, such as online slot machines, which are strictly prohibited in France. In contrast, a voluntary gaming ban is a personal procedure related to gambling addiction, allowing the player to protect themselves by registering in the banned persons file. This latter measure leads to the immediate closure of all legal gaming accounts.

Voluntary ban procedures and player assistance

Voluntary gaming ban constitutes an essential self-protection measure against gambling addiction, distinct from the technical blocks ordered by the Paris judicial court casino blocking. This personal procedure, managed by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), prohibits access to legal operators such as Française des Jeux (FDJ) and provides a secure framework for players in difficulty.

How to request a voluntary gaming 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 a piece of ID, 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 further action, ensuring continuous protection against risks linked to gambling addiction.

What are the consequences of being listed in the banned players register?

Registration in the national register leads to the immediate prohibition of entry into all physical casinos and gaming clubs in France. On the digital side, it becomes impossible to open an account with authorized operators, such as Française des Jeux (FDJ) or PMU. Furthermore, all existing accounts held with these legal operators are systematically closed. Interruption of this measure is impossible during the first three years, thereby reinforcing its effectiveness against compulsive behaviors.

Where to find help for gambling addiction?

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

Risks of unlicensed casinos and legal framework

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

Why is cryptocurrency use a warning sign?

Cryptocurrency is a major indicator of illegality for French regulators. Its use is strictly prohibited on licensed operator sites, as it hinders mandatory efforts against money laundering and terrorist 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.

What games are offered on blocked sites?

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

What remedies exist in case of unpaid winnings?

On illegal platforms, there is no legal recourse in case of unpaid winnings, a reality confirmed by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ). Once the block is pronounced by the Paris Judicial Court, players can no longer approach 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

Reviewed 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 regularly update the content to reflect regulatory changes, licenses, and bonus terms. 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, wager analysis, player protection devices.

Responsible gaming

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

Legal notice

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 rules.