A first in France: crypto at the JOA Casino
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29 Mar 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes The JOA Casino in Le Tréport, located in Seine-Maritime, has become one of the first gaming establishments in France to accept payments in cryptocurrencies. The move, made possible through a partnership with fintech LYZI, allows players to convert their cryptos into euros securely and seamlessly. Although the service has not yet been widely used, the casino is anticipating growing demand, particularly with the return of tourists. The move echoes a wider trend in the industry, with other groups such as Partouche also beginning to experiment with cryptocurrency payments, marking a new era for casinos in France.
The world of French casinos is undergoing a major revolution with the adoption of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment. The JOA Casino in Le Tréport, Seine-Maritime, has set itself apart by becoming one of the first establishments to offer this option to its customers. This initiative is part of an innovative approach designed to meet the expectations of an increasingly digitally-oriented clientele.
A strategic step forward for the Casino JOA du Tréport
Since the beginning of 2025, the JOA Casino in Le Tréport has allowed its customers to pay for their games by converting their cryptocurrencies into euros. This bold decision reflects the JOA Group’s desire to embrace new technologies and diversify the payment methods available to its players. Marion Prouveur, the casino’s promotions manager, points out that although no customers have yet used this method of payment, the establishment anticipates an increase in demand with the return of tourists.
To introduce this new service, Casino JOA du Tréport has teamed up with LYZI, a French fintech specialising in cryptocurrency payments. This partnership guarantees a smooth and secure conversion of digital assets into euros, offering customers a simple experience at no extra cost.
A strict regulatory framework to prevent abuse
For the time being, only physical casinos are offering cryptocurrency payments. This decision is part of new regulations allowing land-based casinos to integrate cryptos as a payment method, while complying with strict security and transaction traceability protocols.
The introduction of cryptocurrency payments in land-based casinos is subject to strict regulations. The Service Central des Courses et Jeux ensures that the identity of cryptocurrency users is verified in order to prevent money laundering and other illicit activities. Exchange platforms are required to pass on information about their users’ transactions, or face severe penalties.
A growing trend in the casino industry
The JOA group is not the only one to go down this route. Groupe Partouche has also announced the acceptance of cryptocurrency payments, starting with a test phase at Casino Cannes Royal Palm. This initiative aims to attract an international clientele and modernise the gaming experience by offering innovative payment solutions.
The adoption of cryptocurrencies by French casinos could transform the French gaming landscape for good. By offering faster and more secure transactions, the establishments hope to appeal to a new generation of players, while adapting to technological developments and market expectations. However, the success of this initiative will depend on customer acceptance and the ability of casinos to guarantee the security and transparency of transactions.
The integration of cryptocurrency payments by Casino JOA du Tréport marks a significant step in the evolution of the casino industry in France. It remains to be seen whether this trend will become widespread and transform payment practices in French gaming establishments in the long term.
Are there cryptocurrency casinos in Belgium?
In Belgium, casinos, whether online or physical, are subject to strict regulations and cannot accept payments in cryptocurrencies. According to the Gaming Commission (CJH), all transactions must be made with real money. Cryptocurrencies, due to their decentralised and sometimes anonymous nature, are excluded from authorised payment methods. Thus, legal Belgian casinos must comply with these rules, and any site or establishment accepting cryptos is considered illegal in the country.