Key Moments:
- French prosecutors placed two individuals in pre-trial detention, alleging operation of a €1 billion illegal online casino network since 2021.
- The accused reportedly ran Crésus Casino and other associated sites without a French license, primarily targeting French residents.
- Investigators identified player losses of €201,755 and traced €92.6 million to Czech bank accounts between February 2022 and May 2025.
Crackdown on Unauthorized Online Gambling Platform
French prosecutors have moved two men into pre-trial detention, charging them with managing a network of unlicensed online casinos. According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the operation reportedly generated nearly €1 billion in turnover since 2021. The scheme is said to have revolved around Crésus Casino, a platform run from Curaçao and Cyprus and operating outside French regulatory approval.
The case is now overseen by the Juridiction nationale de lutte contre la criminalité organisée (JUNALCO), France’s national organized-crime court. Charges include operating banned games of chance as part of an organized group, illegal online gambling, group money laundering, and marketing unauthorized gaming sites. Prosecutors stated that each suspect could face up to 10 years in prison, along with possible fines reaching €750,000 or half the value of laundered assets, depending on court rulings.
Suspicious Casino Activity and Enforcement Actions
The investigation began after the French National Gambling Authority (ANJ) notified law enforcement in July 2024 about the unlicensed operations. Prosecutors noted that over 98 percent of Crésus Casino’s activity targeted French residents, amounting to more than one million monthly visits. Despite multiple warnings from the ANJ, operators continued, repeatedly relaunching the casino under different domains after being blocked by authorities.
Reports indicated that administrators shared new web addresses with clients via SMS. Recruitment efforts were bolstered by two YouTube channels, with one channel gathering a subscriber base of 900,000. The French Central Service for Horse Racing and Gaming (SCCJ), assisted by the anti-cybercrime office (OFAC), led the investigation, revealing connections to four additional illegal casinos: Jackpot Bob, Lucky 8, Casino-Privé, and Olympe Casino.
Victim Losses and Financial Tracing
Some players reported difficulties withdrawing winnings, and total documented victim losses amounted to €201,755. Deposits by French-based users reached €237 million for the 2022–2023 fiscal year, according to the official statement. Financial tracking revealed Czech bank accounts received €92.6 million between February 2022 and May 2025. Authorities conducted searches and asset seizures at the Cyprus residence of one of the suspects, supported by Eurojust and the Republic of Cyprus as part of judicial cooperation.
| Casino Brand | Activity | Main Jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Crésus Casino | Primary platform, targeted French players | Curaçao, Cyprus |
| Jackpot Bob | Linked network brand | Not specified |
| Lucky 8 | Linked network brand | Not specified |
| Casino-Privé | Linked network brand | Not specified |
| Olympe Casino | Linked network brand | Not specified |
Ongoing Regulatory Debate in France
The Cyprus National Betting Authority, which oversees online gaming in Cyprus, did not provide comments regarding whether any companies in the Crésus network held local online gaming licenses. The Crésus case has reignited debates concerning France’s ban on online casino games, such as slots, roulette, and blackjack, while online sports betting and poker remain legal and taxable.
Industry representatives assert the restriction is pushing millions of French gamblers to unregulated foreign sites. Nicolas Béraud, president of the French Online Gaming Association (Afjel), stated, “four million French people are already playing on these sites, generating an estimated €2 billion in gross gaming revenue,” he told senators earlier this year.
Regulators maintain they are concerned about high risks of addiction and fraud. Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the National Gambling Authority (ANJ), told lawmakers that “online casinos are probably the most addictive product in the entire sector” and would require “extremely strict regulation.” Land-based casino operators fear that legalizing online casinos might harm their businesses and cause substantial job and tax revenue losses. Grégory Rabuel, president of Casinos de France, estimated, “legalisation could cost 15,000 jobs and €450 million in tax income for the state and local authorities.” The gambling industry in France recorded €14 billion in revenue in 2024, which positions the country as Europe’s fourth-largest market.
Continued Investigations
Investigations remain ongoing, with both suspects remaining in custody as French and European authorities pursue further leads within the dismantled illegal network.
- Author
Daniel Williams
