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

Bypassing the ANJ online casino block is technically possible with a VPN or DNS modification. However, this process carries 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 the request to lift 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 the ANJ online casino block, you need 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 mask the IP address or avoid the DNS blocking imposed by these access providers.

Using a VPN to mask 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 ISP IP filtering because it masks 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 ban page imposed by their ISP. Smart DNS differs from a VPN because 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 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 effective because operators now directly block the IP addresses of the concerned sites. ISPs regularly update their IP blocking lists, making a simple name resolution change 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 several volunteer nodes around the world. This high latency makes it impractical for online gaming, where every millisecond counts, and often exposes players to untimely disconnections during games. These solutions bypass the initial DNS blocking but remain vulnerable to the deep IP blocking implemented by ISPs on behalf of the ANJ. Playing on unlicensed sites directly exposes players to financial risks, particularly the freezing of funds if French residency is detected.

Lifting the ban: the only legal and lasting solution

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

Minimum period of 3 years before any request

Voluntary self-exclusion is a strict protection 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 date of the initial registration. This temporal lock aims to prevent immediate relapses and to ensure a stabilization period for individuals facing gambling-related difficulties.

During this period, the ANJ maintains the blocking with ISPs and search engines. Access to legal sites remains impossible. Any attempt at technical bypass 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 derogation, even in the event of a change in personal circumstances. This underlines 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 any identity theft. The applicant must complete an online form and upload a digital copy of their valid ID. This can be a national identity card (double-sided), a passport, or a residence permit.

The ANJ examines the application and, if admissible, immediately removes the name from the self-exclusion file. An official notification is then sent by post 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 gaming 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 the player to set deposit or playing time limits on their player account themselves.

This approach, supported by resources from Joueurs Info Service, offers a more flexible framework while maintaining a safety net. It allows players to manage their budget without going through the heavy procedure of lifting a ban and the three-year waiting period. 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 under a Curaçao license do not systematically appear on the National Gaming Authority's blacklist because they operate outside French jurisdiction. These online casinos without ANJ use decentralized payment infrastructures, such as cryptocurrency, to avoid traditional banking blockages imposed on illegal sites. Unlike licensed operators, these platforms are not required to comply with 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 online casinos without ANJ 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, because 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 looking to avoid ANJ administrative blockages.

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 network 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 on entities outside its jurisdiction.

Role of Brokers and cryptocurrencies in payments

Cryptocurrencies play a pivotal role for online casinos without ANJ. They allow anonymous transactions that cannot be seized by French banks. By using digital assets like Bitcoin, players bypass bank card blocks imposed by French financial institutions for 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, the use of 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 an online casino without ANJ 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 self-exclusion file. There are also no deposit or playing time limit tools. This means that a self-excluded player can technically register and play. This constitutes potential fraud and voids all legal protection.

Furthermore, 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 offers

Attempting to bypass the ANJ online casino block by falsifying one's identity exposes players to severe criminal penalties. This includes identity theft punished by the Penal Code. Beyond the legal risk, players face the total confiscation of their winnings from the illegal offer, with no recourse possible before the Judicial Court of Paris. This process 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 harm their honor. According to Article 226-4-1 of the Penal Code, this offense is punished by one year of imprisonment and a €15,000 fine. In the context of online gaming, attempting to register under a false identity to bypass voluntary self-exclusion constitutes direct fraud. The ANJ reminds players that any request for exclusion or lifting of exclusion must be made personally. Any attempt to bypass it through identity theft makes the request inadmissible and exposes the author to prosecution. This practice falls under the scope of cybercrime, where the falsification of digital documents (such as an ID card) is tracked and sanctioned.

Risks of winnings confiscation on illegal offers

Players who participate in illegal offers 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 the closing of 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 is left without legal protection against abusive confiscation practices.

Data protection and GDPR on unregulated sites

Non-ANJ sites do not necessarily comply with the GDPR. They expose users to personal data leaks. Unlike licensed operators, these platforms can 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. The use of false identities to register logo aggravates this risk. The data provided is by definition fraudulent, which voids any legal protection in the event of identity theft. The ANJ stresses that the illegal offer constitutes an opaque ecosystem where player protection is not guaranteed. It is therefore crucial to prioritize legal channels to preserve the integrity of your personal and financial data.

About this article - Writing & responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino Tester & Bonus Analyst
Expertly reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming Compliance Analyst
Last updated: 2026-07-30.

This article on "how to bypass the ANJ online casino block" was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both update the content regularly 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 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 measures.

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 (file of excluded gamblers (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.