Complete guide on ANJ blockages: techniques, risks, and alternatives

Bypassing online casino ANJ blockage is technically possible with a VPN or a DNS modification. However, this process entails heavy legal and financial risks. Voluntary self-exclusion imposes a minimum period of three years. The only legal way to regain access to licensed operators remains requesting the removal of the ban after this period. Offshore platforms under Curaçao license allow access without immediate IP blocking, but without any player protection guaranteed by the French State.

Technical methods to access sites blocked by the ANJ

To understand how to bypass online casino ANJ blockage, it is important to know that the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) orders ISPs to filter access via administrative blacklists. Technical solutions such as VPN, 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 access 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 that the connection does not come from France, but from a foreign country chosen by the user. This method bypasses the ISPs' IP filtering, as it hides the player's real address behind that of a remote server. Although simple to set up and legal for data protection, VPNs have a major limitation: they do not guarantee the recovery of winnings if the casino requires a local bank account. Furthermore, the ANJ can still identify the user during identity verification (KYC) procedures. This solution is technically viable but legally risky for withdrawals.

Smart DNS and hosts file modification

DNS blocking is the preferred method used by the ANJ to prevent access to illegal sites without blocking the entire internet infrastructure. By modifying their network configuration to use an alternative DNS server or a Smart DNS service, the user can sometimes avoid redirection to the blocking page imposed by their ISP. Smart DNS differs from a VPN because it does not encrypt traffic. It thus offers a higher connection speed, ideal for real-time gaming, but leaves the IP address visible.

Another more advanced technique consists of modifying the computer's hosts file. By manually associating the IP address of the gaming site with its domain name in this system file, the user forces their browser to ignore their ISP's DNS servers. This method is becoming less and less effective because operators now directly block the IP addresses of the sites concerned. ISPs regularly update their IP blocking lists, making a simple change in name resolution insufficient.

Use of 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, a web proxy offers less security and stability that is often incompatible with real-time gaming. The Tor network, while effective for anonymity, significantly slows down the connection by routing data through multiple volunteer nodes around the world. This high latency makes it impractical for online gaming, where every millisecond counts, and often exposes the user to untimely disconnections during games. These solutions bypass the initial DNS blocking but remain vulnerable to deep IP blockages implemented by ISPs on the orders of the ANJ. Playing on unlicensed sites directly exposes users to financial risks, notably the freezing of funds if French residency is detected.

Lifting the ban: the only legal and sustainable solution

To know how to bypass online casino ANJ blockage in a sustainable and secure manner, the only official path remains the lifting of the ban after the legal timeframe. The ANJ imposes a minimum period of three years before any re-evaluation. This protective measure against addiction cannot be cancelled impulsively. This administrative procedure, managed by the authority's services, requires the provision of a valid ID. It marks the official end of registration in the banned players list, allowing a controlled return to licensed games.

Minimum period of 3 years before any request

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

During this period, the ANJ maintains blocking with ISPs and search engines. Access to legal sites remains impossible. Any technical bypass attempt during these three years exposes the player to major financial risks. Operators outside French jurisdiction offer no guarantee of payment in the event of a dispute. The law does not provide for any exemption, even in the event of a change in personal circumstances. This underscores the serious nature of this commitment.

Online procedure for lifting the ban

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

The ANJ reviews the application and, if admissible, immediately proceeds with removal from the banned players file. An official notification is then sent by post to confirm the end of the measure. Without active action, the ban remains in place indefinitely beyond the three years. Voluntary action is required to regain access to licensed platforms.

Alternatives: voluntary access limitation

For those wishing to resume gambling without exposing themselves to the risks of illegal offers, voluntary access limitation constitutes a nuanced alternative to a total ban. Unlike voluntary self-exclusion, which blocks access to all casinos and clubs, limitation allows players to set their own deposit or playing time limits on their player account.

This approach, supported by the resources of Joueurs Info Service, offers a more flexible framework while maintaining a safety net. It allows players to manage their budget without going through the cumbersome ban-lifting procedure and the three years of waiting. 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.

Non-ANJ casinos: offshore licenses and access without VPN

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

Understanding the Curaçao license and its access from France

The Curaçao license, issued by the Curacao eGaming regulatory authority, is the most common permit for non-ANJ online casinos targeting the European market without local licensing. 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 the administrative blocks of the ANJ.

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 inventory in real time. However, playing on these sites exposes the user to a lack of legal recourse in the event of a dispute. The ANJ cannot intervene with entities outside its jurisdiction.

Role of Brokers and cryptocurrencies in payments

Cryptocurrencies play a pivotal role for non-ANJ online casinos. They allow anonymous transactions that cannot be seized 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, which masks the origin of the funds destined for betting.

This method is considered by some experts to be more reliable than a simple VPN for securing financial flows. It dissociates 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 violating the terms and conditions. This is common on unregulated sites.

Lack of player protection and specific risks

The main difference between a non-ANJ online casino and a licensed operator lies in the total absence of player protection mechanisms imposed by the French State. On sites under a Curaçao license, there is no obligation to check registration in the banned players database. Nor are there tools to limit deposits or playing time. This means that a player under voluntary self-exclusion can technically register and play. This constitutes potential fraud and voids any legal protection.

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

Legal risks: identity theft and illegal offerings

Attempting to bypass online casino ANJ blockage by falsifying one's identity exposes the user to severe criminal penalties. This includes identity theft, which is punished under the Penal Code. Beyond the legal risk, players expose themselves to the total confiscation of their winnings on illegal offerings, with no possibility of recourse before the Judicial Court of Paris. 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 forged documents

Identity theft is a serious offense defined as using a third party's data to disturb their peace or damage their honor. According to Article 226-4-1 of the Penal Code, this infraction is punished by one year of imprisonment and a 15 000 € fine. In the context of online gambling, attempting to register under a false identity to bypass a voluntary ban constitutes direct fraud. The ANJ reiterates that any request for a ban or lifting of a ban must be made personally. Any bypass attempt via identity theft makes the request inadmissible and exposes the author to prosecution. This practice falls within the scope of cybercrime, where the falsification of digital documents (such as an ID card) is tracked and penalized.

Risks of winnings confiscation on illegal offerings

Players participating in illegal offerings expose themselves to irremediable financial losses. Article L. 335-2-1 of the Internal Security Code allows authorities to block financial flows to unlicensed operators. In the event of a dispute, such as closing an account for document fraud, the operator can confiscate the player's balance without any possibility of legal recourse in France. The Judicial Court of Paris does not protect contracts concluded with entities operating illegally on national territory. Thus, winnings accumulated on these platforms can be seized. The player finds themselves without legal protection against abusive confiscation practices.

Data protection and GDPR on unregulated sites

Non-ANJ sites do not necessarily respect the GDPR. They expose users to personal data leaks. 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 weakly enforced. Using false identities to register aggravates this risk. The data provided is by definition fraudulent, which voids any legal protection in the event of identity theft. The ANJ highlights that the illegal offering constitutes an opaque ecosystem where player protection is not guaranteed. It is therefore crucial to prioritize legal channels to preserve the integrity of one's personal and financial data.

About this article - Writing & responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino tester & bonus analyst

Verified by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming compliance analyst

Last updated: 2026-07-31.

This article on "how to bypass online casino ANJ blockage" was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content to reflect regulatory changes, licenses, and bonus conditions. 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 testing casinos, 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 assessment.

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 measures.

Responsible gambling

Gambling can become addictive. If you feel you are losing control, contact Joueurs Info Service, SOS Joueurs, or use the national self-exclusion register (banned players file (FIJ)). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Breaks and cooldown tools are levers for sustainable pleasure.

Legal disclaimer

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.