Complete guide on ANJ blocks: techniques, risks and alternatives

Bypassing ANJ online casino blocks is technically possible with a VPN or DNS modification. However, this approach entails significant legal and financial risks. Voluntary self-exclusion imposes a minimum waiting period of three years. The only legal way to regain access to licensed operators remains submitting a request for removal from the exclusion list after this period. Offshore platforms licensed in Curaçao allow access without immediate IP blocking, but offer no player protection guaranteed by the French state.

Technical methods to access sites blocked by the ANJ

To understand how to bypass ANJ online casino blocks, it is important to know that the National Gaming Authority instructs ISPs to filter access via administrative blacklists. Technical solutions such as VPNs, Smart DNS, modifying the hosts file, or using a web proxy aim to hide the IP address or avoid the DNS blocking imposed by these providers.

Using a VPN to hide your IP address

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an encryption tool. It makes the bookmaker and the state believe the connection does not originate from France, but from a foreign country chosen by the user. This method bypasses ISP IP filtering by masking the player's real address behind that of a remote server. Although easy to set up and legal for data protection, VPNs have a major limitation: they do not guarantee the withdrawal of winnings if the casino requires a local bank account. Furthermore, the ANJ can still identify the user during identity verification procedures (KYC). This solution is technically viable but legally risky for withdrawals.

Smart DNS and hosts file modification

DNS blocking is the ANJ's preferred method for preventing access to illegal sites without blocking the entire internet infrastructure. By modifying network settings to use an alternative DNS server or a Smart DNS service, users can sometimes avoid redirection to the blocking page imposed by their ISP. Smart DNS differs from a VPN in that it does not encrypt traffic. It thus offers faster connection speeds, ideal for real-time gaming, but leaves the IP address visible.

Another more advanced technique involves modifying the computer's hosts file. By manually mapping the game site's IP address to its domain name in this system file, the user forces their browser to ignore the ISP's DNS servers. This method is becoming increasingly ineffective as operators now directly block the IP addresses of the relevant sites. ISPs regularly update their IP blocking lists, making simple DNS resolution changes insufficient.

Using Proxies and the Tor network

A web proxy acts as an intermediary between the user and the gaming site. It partially masks the origin of the request. However, compared to a VPN, web proxies offer lower security and stability often incompatible with real-time gaming. The Tor network, while effective for anonymity, significantly slows down connections by routing data through multiple volunteer nodes worldwide. This high latency makes it impractical for online gaming, where every millisecond counts, and often leads to unexpected disconnections during gameplay. These solutions bypass initial DNS blocking but remain vulnerable to deep IP blocking implemented by ISPs under ANJ orders. Playing on unlicensed sites directly exposes users to financial risks, including the freezing of funds if French residency is detected.

Lifting the ban: the only legal and sustainable solution

To understand how to bypass ANJ online casino blocks in a sustainable and secure manner, the only official route remains lifting the ban after the legal waiting period. The ANJ imposes a minimum period of three years before any reassessment. This addiction protection measure cannot be reversed impulsively. This administrative procedure, managed by the authority's services, requires submitting a valid ID. It marks the official end of registration in the exclusion file, allowing a controlled return to licensed games.

Minimum 3-year waiting period before any request

Voluntary gaming bans are a strict protective measure that binds the player for an unbreakable duration. According to current regulations, it is impossible to lift this ban before a three-year period has elapsed from the initial registration date. This temporal lock aims to prevent immediate relapses and ensure a stabilization period for individuals facing gambling-related difficulties.

During this period, the ANJ maintains the block with ISPs and search engines. Access to legal sites remains impossible. Any technical bypass attempt during these three years exposes the player to significant financial risks. Operators outside French jurisdiction offer no payment guarantees in case of disputes. The law provides no exceptions, even in the event of personal circumstances changes. This underscores the seriousness of this commitment.

Online procedure for lifting the ban

Once the three-year period has passed, the player can initiate their ban lift request via the ANJ's dedicated portal. The procedure is conducted entirely online and requires rigorous identity verification to prevent any fraud. The applicant must complete an electronic form and upload a digital copy of their valid ID. This can be a national ID card (front and back), a passport, or a residence permit.

The ANJ reviews the file and, if admissible, immediately removes the applicant from the exclusion file. An official notification is then sent by postal mail to confirm the end of the measure. Without active steps, the ban remains in effect indefinitely beyond the three years. Voluntary action is required to regain access to licensed platforms.

Alternatives: voluntary access limitation

For those who wish to resume playing without exposing themselves to the risks of illegal offerings, voluntary access limitation constitutes a nuanced alternative to a total ban. Unlike voluntary gaming bans, which block access to all casinos and clubs, this limitation allows players to set their own deposit or playtime limits on their player accounts.

This approach, supported by Joueurs Info Service resources, offers a more flexible framework while maintaining a safety net. It allows budget management without going through the cumbersome ban lift procedure and the three-year wait. However, it only applies to operators licensed by the ANJ. It offers no protection on offshore sites, where self-exclusion mechanisms are often ineffective or ignored.

Casinos outside the ANJ: offshore licenses and access without VPN

Operators licensed in Curaçao do not systematically appear on the National Gaming Authority's blacklist as they operate outside French jurisdiction. These online casinos outside the ANJ use decentralized payment infrastructures, such as cryptocurrency, to avoid traditional banking blocks imposed on illegal sites. Unlike licensed operators, these platforms are not required to comply with ANJ restrictions. They offer direct access without necessarily requiring a VPN, although this carries significant legal and financial risks for the player.

Understanding the Curaçao license and access from France

The Curaçao license, issued by the Curacao eGaming regulatory authority, is the most common permit for online casinos outside the ANJ targeting the European market without local approval. This license allows certain offshore operators to offer games of chance prohibited in France, such as slot machines, as they are not subject to the law of May 12, 2010. Unlike Malta (Malta Gaming Authority), which imposes strict compliance standards aligned with the EU, the Curaçao license offers regulatory flexibility. It attracts operators seeking to avoid ANJ administrative blocks.

Casinos under this license are not blocked by default. The ANJ must issue a specific administrative act for each illegal URL. This procedure does not cover the entire offshore fleet in real time. However, playing on these sites exposes users to a lack of legal recourse in case of disputes. The ANJ cannot intervene against entities outside its jurisdiction.

The Role of Brokers and Cryptocurrencies in Payments

Cryptocurrencies play a pivotal role for online casinos outside the ANJ. They enable anonymous transactions that are untraceable by French banks. By using digital assets like Bitcoin, players bypass the credit card blocks imposed by French financial institutions on unlicensed gaming sites. A broker often acts as a technical intermediary. It facilitates the conversion of fiat currencies into cryptocurrencies, thereby masking the origin of funds intended for betting.

This method is considered by some experts more reliable than a simple VPN for securing financial flows. It separates the player's banking identity from their gaming activity. However, using these payment methods offers no protection against the confiscation of winnings if the operator decides to close the account for terms of service violations. This is common on unregulated sites.

Lack of player protection and specific risks

The main difference between an online casino outside the ANJ and a licensed operator lies in the complete absence of player protection mechanisms mandated by the French state. On Curaçao-licensed sites, there is no obligation to verify registration in the gaming exclusion file. There are also no deposit or playtime limitation tools. This means a player under voluntary ban can technically register and play. This constitutes potential fraud and voids any legal protection.

Furthermore, these platforms are not connected to support services like Joueurs Info Service. Players remain vulnerable to addiction without institutional support. In case of issues, the player cannot contact the ANJ to resolve a dispute. The operator is not subject to its authority, making fund recovery extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Legal risks: identity theft and illegal offerings

Attempting to bypass ANJ online casino blocks by falsifying one's identity exposes individuals to severe criminal penalties. This includes identity theft, punishable under the Penal Code. Beyond judicial risk, players face total confiscation of their winnings on illegal platforms, with no recourse available before the Paris Judicial Court. This practice falls under cybercrime and violates Article L. 335-2-1 of the Internal Security Code, which strictly regulates access to unauthorized gambling in France.

Legality of bypassing and use of fake documents

Identity theft is a serious offense defined as using a third party's data to disturb their peace or harm their honor. According to Article 226-4-1 of the Penal Code, this offense is punishable by one year in prison and a €15,000 fine. In the context of online gaming, attempting to register under a false identity to bypass a voluntary ban constitutes direct fraud. The ANJ emphasizes that any ban or lift request must be submitted personally. Any bypass attempt via identity theft renders the application inadmissible and exposes the perpetrator to prosecution. This practice falls under cybercrime, where the falsification of digital documents (such as an ID card) is tracked and penalized.

Risks of confiscating winnings on illegal platforms

Players participating in illegal offerings face irreversible financial losses. Article L. 335-2-1 of the Internal Security Code allows authorities to block financial flows to unlicensed operators. In case of a dispute, such as account closure due to document fraud, the operator can confiscate the player's balance with no legal recourse available in France. The Paris Judicial Court does not protect contracts concluded with entities operating illegally within the national territory. Thus, winnings accumulated on these platforms can be seized. Players are left without legal protection against abusive confiscation practices.

Data protection and GDPR on unregulated sites

Sites outside the ANJ do not necessarily comply with GDPR. They expose users to personal data breaches. Unlike licensed operators, these platforms may share identification information with unsecured third parties. These third parties are often located in jurisdictions where data protection laws are non-existent or poorly enforced. Using fake identities to register exacerbates this risk. The provided data is, by definition, fraudulent, which voids any legal protection in case of identity theft. The ANJ emphasizes that illegal offerings constitute an opaque ecosystem where player protection is not guaranteed. It is therefore crucial to prioritize legal channels to preserve the integrity of personal and financial data.

About this article - Authorship & Responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino tester & bonus analyst Reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming compliance analyst Last updated: 2026-07-30.

This article on "how to bypass ANJ online casino blocks" was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content to reflect regulatory changes, licenses, and bonus terms. All references to licenses, authorities, or legal frameworks refer to public sources (ANJ (National Gaming Authority), Law of May 12, 2010 on the opening of online gambling).

About the author

8+ years of casino testing, 200+ platforms personally tested in the EU and internationally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, withdrawal processes, customer support evaluation.

About the reviewer

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years in compliance consulting for operators licensed under the French ANJ framework. PhD in economic mathematics. Fields: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection mechanisms.

Responsible gaming

Gambling can become addictive. If you feel you are losing control, contact Joueurs Info Service, SOS Joueurs, or use the national self-exclusion registry (gaming exclusion file (FIJ)). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Breaks and cooldown tools are key drivers of sustainable enjoyment.

Legal notice

The information in this article is provided for editorial and comparative purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Players remain responsible for complying with local regulations.