Unblocking a casino site by the ANJ: understanding administrative blocking and appeals

Unblocking a casino site by the ANJ does not exist for illegal platforms. The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) imposes a permanent administrative block on internet service providers. Only a player who has registered for voluntary self-exclusion can regain access to licensed operators, and only after a period of three years. Users should consult the blacklist and turn to certified sites such as FDJ or Winamax.

Understanding the administrative blocking of online casinos by the ANJ

Unblocking a casino site by the ANJ is impossible for the player, as this administrative policing measure targets illegal operators permanently. The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) orders Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to filter the URLs registered on its blacklist, cutting off the connection at the source. This procedure differs from voluntary self-exclusion. It is based on Law No. 2020-1525 of December 8, 2020. Bypassing this block exposes the user to major financial risks.

Why does the ANJ block casino sites?

Administrative blocking is a prerogative of the ANJ defined by Law No. 2020-1525 of December 8, 2020. It is based on Article L. 336-3 of the Internal Security Code, which came into force to strengthen the fight against illegal gambling offers. This mechanism allows the regulatory authority to act directly, unlike the former long and complex judicial procedure. The ANJ identifies sites without a French license, such as Cresus Casino, and issues an administrative blocking order. This measure protects players against the risks of addiction and financial losses associated with unregulated operators by making access to these platforms illegal.

The role of ISPs in enforcing the blacklist

ISPs (Internet Service Providers) like Orange, Free, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom technically execute the ANJ's decisions. When a site is added to the blacklist published by the authority, these operators have a legal obligation to block access to the relevant URLs for all their subscribers. This collaboration between the regulator and the ISPs ensures a consistent application of filtering across French territory. Without this cooperation from ISPs, administrative blocking would remain a simple recommendation with no concrete effect on the availability of illegal sites.

DNS blocking and IP filtering: how does it work?

Administrative blocking operates mainly through DNS filtering and IP blocking. When you try to access a blacklisted site, your DNS request is intercepted by your ISP's servers, which refuse to translate the domain name into a valid IP address. In parallel, IP filtering prevents direct connection to the servers hosting the illegal content. This double barrier makes unblocking a casino site by the ANJ impossible through simple means like changing to a public DNS, as the filtering takes place at the operator's network level.

Frequent confusion: site unblocking vs removal of voluntary self-exclusion

One must not confuse the technical unblocking of a site with the removal of a personal self-exclusion. The ANJ (National Gaming Authority) permanently blocks unlicensed operators, while voluntary self-exclusion is a reversible protection for the player. The latter registers the user in the National Self-Exclusion File, preventing them from accessing legal sites and land-based casinos. Responsible gambling dictates this distinction: you do not "unblock" an illegal site; you lift a legal self-exclusion after a strict timeframe.

How to lift your voluntary self-exclusion?

The removal procedure is only possible after a minimum period of three years from the initial registration. During this period, the exclusion remains uninterrupted to guarantee the effectiveness of the Responsible Gambling measure. To initiate the process, the player must complete an online form on the ANJ portal or send a request by post. This action aims to remove their name from the National Self-Exclusion File, thus restoring their access to licensed operators such as FDJ or poker sites. Without this active step, the exclusion continues indefinitely.

Identity verification and the role of IDnow

Securing the request relies on a rigorous identity verification to prevent identity theft. Although the process is managed by the ANJ, the validation of identity documents (national ID card, passport, or residence permit) follows strict protocols often assisted by verification technologies like IDnow to guarantee the integrity of the National Self-Exclusion File. This step is vital for Responsible Gambling, ensuring that only the person concerned can modify their exclusion status.

Withdrawal period and request processing

Once the complete file is submitted, the ANJ verifies its admissibility and immediately proceeds to lift the registration if the conditions are met. There is no additional administrative withdrawal period. The official notification is then sent by post. This rapid processing allows the player to regain access to legal games while maintaining the traceability required for Responsible Gambling and the update of the National Self-Exclusion File.

The phenomenon of mirror sites and persistent risks

Unblocking a casino site by the ANJ is technically illusory in the face of evasion strategies by illegal operators. When the National Gaming Authority orders a block, actors like Cresus Casino immediately deploy mirror sites to maintain access. This cat-and-mouse game exposes players to major risks of money laundering and cybercrime. Report these bypass attempts via Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr to protect the legal gaming ecosystem in France.

What is a casino mirror site?

A mirror site is an exact copy of a gaming platform, hosted on a new domain name to escape blacklists. In the specific case of Cresus Casino, the operator uses this block-bypassing technique to continue targeting French players despite repeated administrative bans. These clones aim to deceive the vigilance of ISPs and search engines. The ANJ identifies these new URLs and orders them to be blocked, but the process remains reactive in the face of the rapid multiplication of these ghost domains. This dynamic creates dangerous confusion, leading users to believe that the initial site has been "unblocked", when in fact it is a new illegal entry into the market.

The financial and security dangers of unlicensed sites

Accessing these unregulated platforms directly exposes users to fraud and money laundering. Unlike licensed operators, these sites do not comply with the GDPR, significantly increasing the risk of personal and banking data theft. Deposited funds can be used for criminal activities without any legal traceability. In the event of a dispute or non-payment of winnings, the player is completely without recourse. Faced with these cyber threats, it is crucial to consult Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr to identify scams and secure digital devices. The absence of ANJ certification also means the total absence of protection mechanisms against addiction or age verification.

Reporting an illegal offer to the ANJ

Every player can actively contribute to expanding the blacklist by reporting new suspicious URLs. The ANJ makes this updated list available to the public, but it is not exhaustive due to the speed at which mirrors are created. By identifying and reporting these block-bypassing attempts, users help the authorities react faster. This reporting allows access to platforms like those linked to Cresus Casino to be cut off before they cause significant financial harm. Collective vigilance remains the best defense against the proliferation of these illegal offers that threaten the integrity of the French market.

Legal alternatives: playing safely in France

The only viable solution is to migrate to the regulated legal offer, guaranteeing the security of funds and player protection against the risks of fraud inherent to unlicensed sites.

The list of operators licensed by the ANJ

In France, monopoly and regulated competition rely on historical actors and online betting specialists. FDJ (Française des Jeux) and PMU constitute the historical pillars, offering a legal selection of sports betting, horse racing betting, and lottery under the strict supervision of the National Gaming Authority. These entities are required to comply with high security standards, including the systematic verification of players' identity and age.

At the same time, private operators like Winamax and Betclic have obtained licenses to offer online poker and sports betting services. Unlike banned online casinos, these platforms offer a secure environment where disputes can be resolved through French legal channels. Choosing these licensed operators makes it possible to avoid the traps of illegal sites, such as the theft of personal data or the lack of guarantee of winnings payouts. For the player, prioritizing these legal players means accepting a restricted offer (no online slot machines) but benefiting from total protection of their capital and rights.

The "100% winner?" awareness campaign

To counter the appeal of illegal platforms, the ANJ has deployed the "100% winner?" campaign, a massive prevention initiative broadcast on social networks like TikTok and Snapchat. This campaign aims to deconstruct the myths of easy money by redirecting users to the reference site Risques-casino-en-ligne.fr, which exposes the reality of the dangers: addiction, over-indebtedness, and support for organized crime.

This campaign informs that the illegal offer does not protect the player. By promoting Risques-casino-en-ligne.fr, the ANJ provides concrete tools to identify blocked sites and understand the mechanisms of addiction. This proactive approach complements repressive blocking measures, ensuring that players, especially young people exposed on social networks, realize that the only sustainable victory lies in responsible and legal play.

Why online casinos remain banned in France

The ANJ's position regarding the ban on slot machines and online casino games is based on a principle of health and social protection. Unlike sports betting or poker, which are considered games of relative skill, pure casino games are perceived as presenting an addictiveness risk that is too high to be opened up to online competition.

The Authority maintains that opening this market would expose players to unapproved, potentially rigged software, with no recourse in the event of non-payment. Thus, any attempt to unblock a casino site by the ANJ runs into this fundamental legislative barrier: French law prioritizes player safety over the freedom of commercial offering for this category of games. Funds committed on illegal sites therefore remain exposed to unrecoverable losses, reinforcing the need to stick to legal betting and poker offers.

About this article - Writing & 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 "unblocking a casino site by the ANJ" was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content to reflect regulatory changes, 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 testing casinos, 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: mathematics of bonuses, wager analysis, player protection systems.

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 (National Self-Exclusion File (FIJ)). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Breaks and cooldown tools are levers for sustainable pleasure.

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.