Legality of Online Gambling in Mayotte
Online gambling in Mayotte falls under French national law, meaning all relevant French regulations apply. However, the cultural and technological landscape of the island creates a distinct local experience. Mahoran players may access some French-licensed platforms, but often turn to international sites for a wider variety of games and bonuses.
French Law and Its Application in Mayotte

As an overseas department of France, Mayotte is subject to the same gambling laws as mainland France. The primary regulatory body is ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux), which oversees the licensing and operation of legal gambling platforms in France. Only certain types of online gambling are authorized under French law — mainly sports betting, horse racing, and poker. Online casinos offering slots and other games of chance are not legally licensed within France or its territories.
Despite this, players in Mayotte are not typically prosecuted for accessing unlicensed platforms, and there is little active enforcement at the local level. There is also no local gambling authority specifically targeting Mahoran residents. This leaves a grey area where players often use international platforms without legal consequences, though these sites operate without ANJ oversight.
While the legal framework limits locally licensed online casinos, it does not entirely block access. Many Mahoran users are turning to offshore casinos to enjoy a broader gaming experience.
What’s Legal and What’s Not
Let’s break down which gambling activities are legal under French law (and therefore in Mayotte) versus what’s typically accessed through offshore providers:
| Gambling Type | Legally Licensed in France | Accessible in Mayotte | Common via Offshore Casinos |
|---|
| Sports Betting | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Horse Racing Betting | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Online Poker | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Online Casino Games | ❌ No | ❌ No (officially) | ✅ Yes |
| Online Slots | ❌ No | ❌ No (officially) | ✅ Yes |
| Live Dealer Games | ❌ No | ❌ No (officially) | ✅ Yes |
Key Legal Considerations for Players
Here are some legal and practical tips for Mahoran players looking to gamble online:
- ⚖️ Gambling is regulated by French law, which applies fully in Mayotte.
- 📵 Casino games like roulette, blackjack, and slots are not legally offered by French-licensed operators.
- 🌍 Access to offshore casinos is not blocked, but players should exercise caution.
- 💳 Payment processing may be limited depending on the method and provider used.
- 📑 Winnings are not taxed if gambling is not the player’s main occupation.
- 🧾 Responsible gambling tools are often required on licensed platforms but may be absent on offshore sites.
- 🔍 Always check for licenses (such as MGA or Curaçao) when using non-French platforms.
Offshore Casinos in Mayotte
Although online casino games are not available under French law, many Mahoran players use offshore casinos that accept French-speaking users and Euro currency. These platforms are typically regulated by authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or Curaçao eGaming and offer the full range of casino games – from slots to live dealer tables.
Most offshore platforms are optimized for mobile use, making them accessible to Mahoran players via smartphones, which are more common than desktop computers in the region. Many also offer multilingual support, including French interfaces, as well as Euro (€) banking options via credit card, e-wallets, and sometimes even cryptocurrencies.
| Feature | Available on Offshore Casinos |
|---|
| Full Casino Game Library | ✅ Yes |
| French Language Support | ✅ Yes |
| Euro (€) Payments | ✅ Yes |
| Mobile Access | ✅ Yes |
| Licensed by EU Jurisdictions | ✅ Often (e.g., MGA) |
| Accepts Mahoran Players | ✅ Usually |