France bans betting on esports, but what is the situation in Belgium?
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9 Jul 2026 •
Reading time: 2 minutes
With Paris set to host the Esports World Cup from 6 July to 23 August 2026, the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) has reiterated that betting on esports remains banned in France. In Belgium, the situation is different: esports betting is permitted and regulated by the Gaming Commission.
A global esports event in the spotlight
Paris will host the Esports World Cup from 6 July to 23 August 2026. For seven weeks, the French capital will become the centre of an esports event on an unprecedented scale, bringing together 25 tournaments across 24 games, with a prize fund exceeding 75 million dollars – the highest ever offered in esports.
However, the ANJ has reiterated a key rule: betting on esports competitions is not permitted in France. The scale of such an event brings with it an increase in betting-related solicitations, but French players who engage with such offers expose themselves to the risks associated with any illegal gambling activity.
In Belgium, a different framework
The situation in Belgium differs significantly from that in France. In Belgium, betting on esports is legal. Esports betting is regulated by the Gaming Commission, which ensures that the activity takes place within a fair and secure framework.
The fact that it is authorised in Belgium does not mean you should let your guard down. We recommend setting a budget, not betting more than you can afford to lose, knowing your limits and seeking help if you encounter difficulties. The Belgian legal framework does not make betting a risk-free activity.
The key takeaway is simple: in France, esports betting is prohibited; in Belgium, it is permitted under regulation. This difference means you must not confuse the visibility of an event with the legality of a bet.
To bet on esports legally in Belgium, we recommend Napoleon Sports, Napoleon Casino’s sports betting platform. You can find other legal online betting operators on this page.
Esports: a market driven by major competitions
Esports is based on professional video game competitions. The disciplines cover several genres: virtual football, strategy games, shooters, battle arenas and mobile competitions. Games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike, Valorant and virtual football competitions attract well-known teams and a large audience.
This landscape is increasingly resembling that of traditional sport: teams, fixtures, statistics, head-to-head records, recent performances and major international tournaments. It is this structure that attracts betting operators.