France’s regulated online gambling market saw revenue rise 4% to €756m in 2015, thanks primarily to a stellar sports betting performance.

French gambling regulator ARJEL says total online sports betting turnover in 2015 was up 30% to €1.44b, an impressive feat given the comparison with a FIFA World Cup year. The figures were driven by a record Q4 performance, which saw wagers rise 40% to €452m.

ARJEL credited a 1.8% rise in customer payout ratio (to 81.3%) for boosting active sports betting customers by 31% in 2015. Sports betting revenue spiked 53% to €54m in Q4 while full-year revenue rose 19% to €270m.

Lest anyone get too excited, it’s worth pointing out that the increased sports betting stakes triggered higher rates in France’s punitive tax regime. So despite the betting bonanza, the net take by French-licensed operators was up a mere 6% last year. Liberté, égalité, fraternité… merde.