Complete Guide to ANJ Blocks: Techniques, Risks and Alternatives

Bypassing the ANJ online casino block is technically possible with a VPN or a DNS modification. This approach, however, entails heavy legal and financial risks. The voluntary ban on games imposes a minimum waiting period of three years. The only legal way to regain access to licensed operators remains the request for the ban to be lifted after this period. Offshore platforms under a Curaçao license allow access without immediate IP blocking, but without any player protection guaranteed by the French state.

Technical methods for accessing sites blocked by ANJ

To understand how to bypass ANJ online casino blocking, 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, hosts file modification, or the use of a web proxy aim to hide the IP address or avoid the DNS blocking imposed by these internet service 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 ISP IP filtering, as it hides the player's real address behind that of a remote server. Although easy to set up and legal for data protection, VPNs have one major limitation: they do not guarantee the recovery of winnings if the casino requires a local bank account. Furthermore, 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 preferred method used by ANJ to prevent access to illegal sites without blocking the entire internet infrastructure. By modifying its network configuration to use an alternative DNS server or a Smart DNS service, the user can sometimes avoid being redirected to the ban page imposed by their ISP. Smart DNS differs from VPN because it does not encrypt traffic. It thus offers a faster connection speed, 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 gaming site's IP address 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 in question. ISPs regularly update their IP blocking lists, making simple name 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, the web proxy offers less security and stability often incompatible with real-time games. 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 leads to unexpected disconnections during sessions. These solutions bypass initial DNS blocking but remain vulnerable to deep IP blocks implemented by ISPs on ANJ's orders. Playing on non-approved sites directly exposes players to financial risks, particularly the freezing of funds in case of French residence detection.

Lifting the ban: the only legal and lasting solution

To know how to bypass ANJ online casino blocking in a sustainable and secure way, the only official path remains lifting the ban after the legal period. ANJ imposes a minimum period of three years before any reassessment. This measure to protect against addiction cannot be canceled 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 persons file, allowing a controlled return to approved games.

Minimum 3-year waiting period before any request

Voluntary game ban 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 the expiration of a three-year period from the initial registration date. This time lock aims to prevent immediate relapses and to ensure a stabilization period for people facing difficulties related to gambling.

During this period, the ANJ maintains the block with ISPs and search engines. Access to legal sites remains impossible. Any attempt to bypass this technically during these three years exposes the player to major financial risks. Operators outside French jurisdiction offer no payment guarantee in case of dispute. The law provides no exemption, even in case of a change in personal circumstances. This highlights 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 ANJ's dedicated portal. The procedure is carried out entirely online and requires rigorous identity verification to prevent any impersonation. The applicant must complete an electronic form and upload a digital copy of their valid ID document. This can be a national ID card (front and back), a passport, or a residence permit.

The ANJ reviews the file and, if it is admissible, immediately removes the entry from the banned persons register. 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 necessary to regain access to approved platforms.

Alternatives: voluntary access limitation

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

This approach, supported by Joueurs Info Service resources, 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-year wait. However, it applies only 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 because they operate outside French jurisdiction. These online casinos outside the ANJ use decentralized payment infrastructures, such as cryptocurrency, to avoid the traditional banking blocks imposed on illegal sites. Unlike approved operators, these platforms are not required to comply with ANJ restrictions. They offer direct access without systematically requiring a VPN, although this entails 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 outside the ANJ targeting the European market without local approval. This license allows certain offshore operators to offer games of chance banned 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 the user to a lack of legal recourse in case of 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 outside the ANJ. They enable anonymous transactions that are untraceable by French banks. By using digital assets like Bitcoin, players bypass the bank 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, masking the origin of funds intended for betting.

This method is considered by some experts to be 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 violating general terms. 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 total absence of player protection mechanisms imposed by the French state. On sites with a Curaçao license, there is no obligation to check registration in the file of banned players. There are also no tools for limiting deposits or play time. This means that a player under a voluntary ban can technically register and play. This constitutes potential fraud and cancels all legal protection.

Furthermore, these platforms are not connected to assistance services like Joueurs Info Service. Players remain vulnerable to addiction without institutional support. In case of a problem, the player cannot appeal to 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 Offer

Attempting to circumvent 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 judicial risk, players face the total confiscation of their winnings on the illegal offer, with no possible recourse before the Paris Judicial Court. This approach 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 Circumvention and Use of False Documents

Identity theft is a serious offense defined as using a third party's data to disturb their tranquility or harm their honor. According to Article 226-4-1 of the Penal Code, this offense is punishable 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 a voluntary ban constitutes direct fraud. The ANJ reminds that any request for a ban or its removal must be made personally. Any attempt to circumvent this by identity theft makes the request inadmissible and exposes the perpetrator to prosecution. This practice falls within the field of cybercrime, where the falsification of digital documents (such as an ID card) is tracked and sanctioned.

Risks of Winnings Confiscation on the Illegal Offer

Players participating in the illegal offer face irremediable 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 for document fraud, the operator may confiscate the player's balance with no possibility of legal recourse in France. The Paris Judicial Court does not protect contracts concluded with entities operating illegally on national territory. Thus, winnings accumulated on these platforms may be seized. The player is 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 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 poorly enforced. Using fake identities to register exacerbates this risk. The data provided is fraudulent by definition, which nullifies any legal protection in the event of identity theft. The ANJ highlights 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 personal and financial data.

About This Article - Writing & Responsibility

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

This article on "how to bypass ANJ online casino block" was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content to reflect regulatory developments, 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. Areas: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection devices.

Responsible Gaming

Gaming can become addictive. If you feel you are losing control, contact Joueurs Info Service, SOS Joueurs, or use the national self-exclusion register (FIJ - File of Banned Gamblers). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Breaks and cooldown tools are levers for 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 rules.