In France, there is an official list of sports matches that people are allowed to bet on. This sports list determines which matches are reliable enough for betting providers.
The intention is simple: gambling must remain fair. Betting on dubious matches or unverifiable results increases the chances of fraud. Think of bribed referees or players losing on purpose.
With the sports list, France wants to prevent this. Only matches with clear rules, professional control and approved results are on the list.
No betting on yellow cards or crazy scenarios
Besides the selection of matches, the sports list also looks at the type of betting. Gambling on negative or hard-to-control moments, such as a red card or an injury, is not allowed.
The focus is on positive bets. Think about who wins, how many goals are scored or who drives the fastest lap. These are measurable results that are difficult to manipulate.
This is how the French regulator wants to protect integrity. Not only for the players, but also for the sport itself.
Other countries now also want to adopt the model
At first, other countries looked at the French approach with suspicion. They thought the number of bets would drop. Less choice, less turnover.
But the opposite happened. The market actually grew. Players gained more confidence. And match-fixing became less common.
Germany is now looking at the French model to introduce it itself. Other EU countries are also following suit. So the sports list seems not only effective but also scalable.
France shows that gambling and sport can go together without risk
Betting on sport does not have to be a risk for the sport itself. But then you have to set rules. Not everything has to be betable.
The French sports list is a clear example of this. It offers transparency, prevents abuse and gives players and athletes clarity. That’s something other countries can learn from.