French Lottery Law & Tax for International Players
Is it legal to play French lotteries from abroad? Do you pay tax on your winnings? This guide answers both questions with a clear country-by-country tax overview for 2026.
📅 Updated January 2026 · ⚠️ Not legal or tax advice · Always consult a professional
⚠️ Important Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Tax laws change frequently and vary by individual circumstance. Always consult a qualified tax adviser or lawyer in your country of residence before acting on this information.
Legality
Is It Legal to Play French Lotteries from Outside France?
For the vast majority of international players, yes — it is entirely legal. Playing French lotteries via a licensed online lottery service is permitted in most countries worldwide.
These services — often called lottery couriers or messenger services — are regulated companies that purchase official FDJ tickets on your behalf and hold them securely. They operate under their own gambling licences, typically issued in Malta, Gibraltar, or Curaçao.
The legality depends primarily on the laws of your country of residence, not French law. France itself has no restriction on selling lottery tickets to international buyers through regulated intermediaries.
How Licensed Services Work
You place an order on the licensed service’s secure platform, which holds its own regulated gambling licence.
An agent in France purchases an official FDJ ticket at an authorised retailer. The ticket is scanned and linked to your account.
Results are checked automatically after the draw. You are notified of any prize by email.
Winnings are paid out — small prizes to your account, large prizes via FDJ’s official claims process.
French Tax Law
France Does Not Tax Lottery Winnings
This is the single most important fact for international players to understand about French lottery taxation.
0% French Source Tax on All Lottery Prizes
France does not withhold tax on lottery winnings at source — whether you are a French resident or an international player. EuroMillions, Loto, and KENO prizes are paid in full gross amount directly to winners. A €50 million jackpot winner receives the full €50 million from FDJ with no deduction. Whether you then owe tax in your home country is a completely separate matter.
Country by Country
Lottery Tax Overview by Country (2026)
The following is a general overview only. Tax rules change — always verify with a local tax professional before claiming large prizes.
United Kingdom
Lottery winnings are completely tax-free in the UK. No income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax applies to the prize itself. However, if the money earns interest or investment returns, those are taxable.
Netherlands
The Netherlands applies a kansspelbelasting (gambling tax) of 30.1% on prizes above €449. For foreign lottery wins, Dutch residents must declare and pay this tax themselves via their annual tax return.
Germany
Lottery prizes are not subject to income tax in Germany. The prize is considered a windfall gain, which is not taxable under German law. Investment returns earned on the prize money are taxable at normal rates.
Belgium
Belgium levies a 30% withholding tax on lottery prizes above €25,000. For foreign lottery wins, Belgian residents are required to declare prizes and pay the applicable tax in their annual tax return.
Spain
Spain applies a 20% tax on lottery winnings above €40,000. The threshold amount itself is tax-free — only the portion exceeding €40,000 is taxed. This applies to foreign lottery wins received by Spanish residents.
Italy
Italy taxes lottery winnings at 20%. Foreign lottery wins received by Italian residents must be declared in the annual tax return (Unico) under “redditi diversi” (other income).
United States
US residents must report all worldwide gambling winnings to the IRS. Federal tax of up to 37% applies to large prizes. State tax varies from 0% to 13%. Foreign lottery wins are reported on Form 1040 as “other income”.
Australia
Lottery winnings are generally tax-free in Australia — considered a windfall, not income. Any interest or investment returns earned on the prize money are taxable at normal income tax rates.
Canada
Lottery winnings are tax-free in Canada. The CRA considers lottery prizes a windfall — not taxable income. Investment returns on prize money are taxable at normal rates.
Quick Reference Summary
| Country | Tax on Lottery Winnings | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France (source) | None | 0% | Prizes paid in full gross |
| 🇬🇧 UK | None | 0% | Fully tax-free windfall |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | None | 0% | Windfall, not taxable income |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | None | 0% | Investment returns taxable |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | None | 0% | Investment returns taxable |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Partial | 20% | On amount above €40,000 |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Yes | 20% | Declare in annual return |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | Yes | 30% | Above €25,000 |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Yes | 30.1% | Above €449 threshold |
| 🇺🇸 United States | Yes | Up to 37% + state | Worldwide income must be declared |
Rates are general guidance only and may have changed. Always verify with a qualified tax adviser in your country.
Large Prize Winners
If You Win a Large Jackpot — What to Do First
Winning a jackpot over €1 million requires careful planning. Here’s what experts recommend before you do anything else.
Stay Anonymous
Do not tell friends, family, or post on social media until you have taken legal advice. Premature disclosure can create legal and social complications.
Consult a Tax Lawyer
Before claiming, consult a tax lawyer specialising in international windfall income in your country of residence. For US residents this is especially critical — timing of the claim affects your tax year.
Secure the Prize
Keep all confirmation emails and ticket scans from your lottery service. Contact your service provider — they will guide you through the official FDJ prize claims process step by step.
Check Claim Deadline
French EuroMillions and Loto prizes must be claimed within 60 days of the draw date. After this deadline, unclaimed prizes are forfeited. Don’t delay.
Responsible Gambling
Legal Age & Responsible Play
The minimum legal age to play any FDJ lottery — including EuroMillions, Loto, and KENO — is 18 years old. This applies to both French residents and international players using licensed services.
Licensed services are required to implement responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and cool-off periods. If you feel gambling is becoming a problem, use these tools or contact your national helpline.
Lotteries should be played for entertainment only. Never spend more than you can afford to lose.
🇫🇷 France
Joueurs Info Service
09 74 75 13 13 · joueurs-info-service.fr
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
GamCare
0808 8020 133 · gamcare.org.uk
🇳🇱 Netherlands
AGOG
agog.nl
🇧🇪 Belgium
Gokinfo
gokinfo.be
Questions?
Law & Tax FAQ
Ready to Play?
Buy Official French Lottery Tickets
International players can participate via Giant Lottos — a regulated, licensed lottery service. Prizes paid in full, no French tax deducted.
Explore More