Unblocking casino sites by the ANJ: understanding administrative blocking and appeals

Unblocking casino sites by the ANJ does not exist for illegal platforms. The National Gaming Authority imposes a definitive administrative block on internet service providers. Only a player who has voluntarily applied for a ban can regain access to licensed operators, and only after a three-year waiting period. Users must consult the blacklist and turn to certified sites such as FDJ or Winamax.

Understanding the administrative blocking of online casinos by the ANJ

Unblocking casino sites by the ANJ is impossible for the player, as this administrative police measure definitively targets illegal operators. The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) orders Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to filter URLs listed on its blacklist, cutting off the connection at the source. This procedure differs from voluntary gaming bans. 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 relies on Article L. 336-3 of the Internal Security Code, which came into force to strengthen the fight against illegal offerings. This mechanism allows the regulatory authority to act directly, unlike the old lengthy 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 from addiction risks and financial losses linked to unregulated operators by making access to these platforms illegal.

The role of ISPs in enforcing the blacklist

ISPs (Internet Service Providers) such as Orange, Free, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom technically enforce the ANJ's decisions. When a site joins the blacklist published by the authority, these operators are legally required to block access to the relevant URLs for all their subscribers. This collaboration between the regulator and ISPs ensures uniform filtering enforcement across French territory. Without this ISP cooperation, administrative blocking would remain a mere recommendation with no concrete effect on the availability of illegal sites.

DNS blocking and IP filtering: how does it work?

Administrative blocking is primarily carried out via DNS filtering and IP blocking. When you attempt to access a blacklisted site, your DNS request is intercepted by your ISP's servers, which refuse to resolve the domain name into a valid IP address. Simultaneously, IP filtering prevents direct connections to servers hosting illegal content. This double barrier makes unblocking casino sites by the ANJ impossible through simple means like changing to a public DNS, as filtering occurs at the operator's network level.

Common confusion: site unblocking vs lifting a voluntary ban

Do not confuse the technical unblocking of a site with the lifting of a personal ban. The ANJ (National Gaming Authority) definitively blocks unlicensed operators, whereas the Voluntary Gaming Ban is a reversible protection for the player. The latter registers the user in the National Self-Exclusion Register, preventing access to legal sites and physical casinos. Responsible Gaming mandates this distinction: you do not "unblock" an illegal site, you lift a legal self-exclusion after a strict waiting period.

How to lift your voluntary gaming ban?

The lifting procedure is only possible after a minimum waiting period of three years from the initial registration. During this time, the ban remains uninterrupted to ensure the effectiveness of the Responsible Gaming measure. To initiate the process, the player must complete an online form on the ANJ portal or send a postal request. This action aims to remove their name from the National Self-Exclusion Register, thereby restoring access to licensed operators such as FDJ or poker sites. Without this active step, the ban continues indefinitely.

Identity verification and the role of IDnow

Securing the application relies on rigorous identity verification to prevent impersonation. 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 ensure the integrity of the National Self-Exclusion Register. This step is vital for Responsible Gaming, ensuring that only the concerned individual can modify their ban status.

Cooling-off period and application processing

Once the complete file is submitted, the ANJ verifies its admissibility and immediately proceeds to lift the registration if conditions are met. There is no additional administrative cooling-off period. The official notification is then sent by postal mail. This swift processing allows the player to regain access to legal games while maintaining the traceability required for Responsible Gaming and the updating of the National Self-Exclusion Register.

The mirror site phenomenon and persistent risks

Unblocking casino sites by the ANJ is technically illusory against the evasion strategies of illegal operators. When the National Gaming Authority orders a block, entities like Cresus Casino immediately deploy mirror sites to maintain access. This cat-and-mouse game exposes players to major money laundering and cybercrime risks. 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 evade blacklists. In the specific case of Cresus Casino, the operator uses this blocking bypass 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 their blocking, but the process remains reactive to the rapid proliferation of these ghost domains. This dynamic creates dangerous confusion, leading users to believe the original site has been "unblocked," when in fact it is a new illegal entry on the market.

Financial and security dangers of unlicensed sites

Access to these unregulated platforms directly exposes users to fraud and money laundering. Unlike licensed operators, these sites do not comply with GDPR, significantly increasing the risk of personal and banking data theft. Deposited funds may be used for criminal activities with no legal traceability. In case of disputes or non-payment of winnings, the player is completely without recourse. Faced with these cybermalveillance threats, it is crucial to consult Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr to identify scams and secure digital devices. The lack of ANJ certification also means a complete absence of addiction protection mechanisms or age verification.

Reporting an illegal offer to the ANJ

Every player can actively contribute to enriching the blacklist by reporting suspicious new URLs. The ANJ makes this updated list available to the public, but it is not exhaustive due to the rapid creation of mirrors. By identifying and reporting these blocking bypass attempts, users help authorities react more quickly. 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 switch to the regulated legal offering, which guarantees fund security and protects players from the fraud risks inherent to unlicensed sites.

The list of operators licensed by the ANJ

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

Meanwhile, private operators such as Winamax and Betclic have obtained licenses to offer online poker and sports betting services. Unlike prohibited online casinos, these platforms provide a secure framework where disputes can be resolved through French legal channels. Choosing these licensed operators helps avoid the pitfalls of illegal sites, such as personal data theft or lack of payout guarantees. For the player, prioritizing these legal entities means accepting a restricted offering (no online slot machines) but benefiting from complete protection of their capital and rights.

The "100% winning?" awareness campaign

To counter the appeal of illegal platforms, the ANJ launched the "100% winning?" campaign, a massive prevention initiative broadcast on social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. This campaign aims to debunk myths of easy winnings 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 offering does not protect the player. By promoting Risques-casino-en-ligne.fr, the ANJ provides concrete tools to identify blocked sites and understand addiction mechanisms. This proactive approach complements repressive blocking measures, ensuring that players, particularly young people exposed on social media, realize that the only lasting victory lies in responsible and legal gaming.

Why online casinos remain prohibited in France

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

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

About this article - Authorship & Responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino tester & bonus analyst Reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming compliance analyst Last updated: 2026-07-02.

This article on "unblocking casino sites 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 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. Expertise: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection mechanisms.

Responsible Gaming

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 Register (FIJ)). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Breaks and cooldown tools are key to 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 regulations.