bet365 has taken another step in its expansion across France’s regulated gambling market by introducing a dedicated online poker offering.
The new poker platform went live on 5 August, following the operator’s entry into the French market earlier this year after receiving approval from the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ). The launch broadens bet365’s presence beyond sports betting and gives French customers access to a wider range of online gaming products.
New poker offering targets French players
For its French poker operation, bet365 has partnered with Playtech’s iPoker Network, which provides the technology and infrastructure supporting the platform.
The operator is joining France’s shared online poker ecosystem, where licensed operators can participate in shared liquidity arrangements with approved markets elsewhere in Europe.
Players will have access to several popular poker formats, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha cash games, as well as Sit & Go competitions, multi-table tournaments and bet365’s fast-paced Twisters format.
Tournament poker is a major part of the launch strategy. bet365 says it will provide more than €2.5 million in guaranteed prize pools every week, giving the new platform a substantial competitive offering from the outset.
bet365 enters a challenging tax environment
The poker launch comes at a time when France remains a particularly demanding market for online gambling operators.
Recent tax changes have significantly increased the financial burden on the sector. Since 2025, higher gambling taxes and social contributions have pushed the effective burden on online sports betting towards 50% of gross gaming revenue (GGR).
That environment is likely to put pressure on operators seeking sustainable growth while competing for customers in one of Europe’s largest regulated gambling markets.
Despite these challenges, bet365 sees considerable potential in French online poker.
Christopher Kean, Poker Manager at bet365, described France as one of Europe’s most significant markets for the vertical. He said the company wants to differentiate its offering through the quality of its platform, ease of use and range of products, while establishing a long-term presence in the country.
The French poker launch represents another important milestone in bet365’s wider European expansion strategy and strengthens the operator’s position in a market where regulated online gambling continues to evolve.
