Bypassing the ANJ Block: Methods, Risks, and Technical Reality
It is technically possible to bypass the ANJ block by using a VPN or changing your DNS servers. However, this maneuver exposes the player to significant financial and legal risks. The National Games Authority requires internet service providers (ISPs) to cut off access to unlicensed operators to protect users. While these technical tricks allow you to reach the sites, they offer no protection in case of scams, payment refusals, or data theft.
Warning: This article is purely informational and technical. It does not encourage you to play on illegal sites. Gambling involves risks: debt, isolation, addiction. To get help, call 09 74 75 13 13 (non-premium rate call).
Understanding the ANJ Administrative Block Mechanism
The ANJ block is a protective measure imposed by the National Games Authority (ANJ) on Internet Service Providers (ISPs). This restriction targets platforms operating without a French license. It aims to remove these sites from players' view to prevent financial risks and addiction, in accordance with the Law of March 2, 2022.
Why is my betting site blocked?
An online gaming site is blocked when it is identified as illegal. This means it offers betting or casino without the mandatory approval issued by the ANJ in France. These illegal sites appear on the official "blacklist". This is a database maintained by the regulator that lists operators not complying with national law. Without this French license, the operator is not subject to player protection obligations, such as deposit limits or monitoring for excessive gambling. Users are then exposed to major risks of fraud and non-payment of winnings.
The Role of the Law of March 2, 2022
The Law of March 2, 2022, modified the legal arsenal against illegal offerings. It transferred blocking power from the judicial judge to the president of the ANJ. Before this reform, the procedure was slow and required filing a case with the Paris Judicial Court. Now, administrative blocking allows for a rapid response to the proliferation of illegal sites and their mirrors. This legislative change authorizes the Authority to directly order ISPs to block access to URLs and search engines to de-reference them. In 2024, this effectiveness resulted in 232 blocking orders targeting 1,337 URLs. The ANJ thus adapts to the speed of the digital age.
How to know if a site is blocked by the ANJ?
To check if a platform is restricted, consult the blacklist published monthly on the official ANJ website. This list, although not exhaustive, references illegal sites that have been subject to administrative or judicial blocking. Note: a site not on this list is not necessarily authorized. Only operators listed on the whitelist of sites approved by the ANJ offer legal guarantees and recourse in case of dispute. Players must systematically cross-reference the site's URL with official registries before making any deposits.
Technical Methods to Bypass the Block
Filtering primarily relies on IP addresses and name resolution. Players often modify their Domain Name System (DNS) server or use an encrypted tunnel to mask their real location. Although technically feasible, this approach exposes them to major financial risks, as it bypasses French legal protections.
Using a VPN to Access Blocked Sites
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure tunnel between your device and a remote server. It thus masks your real IP address. By connecting via a server located abroad, you bypass the geographic filtering imposed by French internet service providers. This method does not guarantee the security of funds deposited on platforms not regulated by the ANJ.
Changing DNS to Access Gaming Sites?
DNS Blocking is the most common method used by ISPs to restrict access to illegal URLs. By modifying your Domain Name System (DNS) settings, you can replace your provider's servers with public alternatives like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google Public DNS. These services resolve domain names without applying local blacklists, sometimes allowing access to mirror sites. However, this solution remains vulnerable if the ISP uses deep packet inspection.
Bypassing ANJ Block without VPN: Proxies
Web proxies act as intermediaries to mask the initial request. They offer an alternative to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) without software installation. Although they can bypass simple DNS Blocking, they are often less stable and do not offer the same level of encryption. Using Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google Public DNS generally remains more reliable for name resolution. None of these methods protect against fraud or non-payment of winnings on illegal sites.
Mirror Sites and Operator Evasion Strategies
Mirror sites use a new Domain Name to replace a blacklisted IP Address or URL. This strategy allows operators to maintain access to online gambling despite French injunctions. It creates a constant cycle of blocking and technical recreation.
What is a mirror site for bypassing the block?
A mirror site is an exact copy of the original site hosted on a new domain name to avoid the blacklist. According to the National Games Authority (ANJ), the only distinguishing feature between the initially blocked site and its clone lies in the unique URL address. A large portion of blocked URLs specifically targeted these mirror sites, allowing operators to maintain access.
These duplicates retain the infographics, logo, and branding of the illegal operator to deceive player vigilance. This superficial similarity masks a different technical reality: each mirror has its own server infrastructure. For players, identifying these clones is crucial because they enjoy no legal protection. The absence of French regulation means that in case of a withdrawal dispute or fraud, no recourse is possible with national authorities.
The Role of Foreign Licenses (Curacao and Malta)
Operators rely on jurisdictions like Curacao or Malta to operate outside the French legal framework while remaining accessible. The Curacao license eGaming is particularly favored by mirror sites because it offers a low barrier to entry and minimal supervision compared to strict European standards.
Meanwhile, the Malta Gaming Authority represents a more structured European jurisdiction, but it confers no operating rights in France. An operator holding a Maltese license remains considered illegal if it targets the French market without ANJ approval. Unlike Curacao, Malta imposes more rigorous audits, but this protection does not apply to French players who bypass blocks. By operating from an extraterritorial Jurisdiction, these platforms evade ANJ obligations, such as mandatory deposit limits or contributions to funding excessive gambling prevention.
This regulatory relocation creates a major risk for the player. Unlike operators approved in France, entities licensed in Curacao or Malta (without French approval) are not required to segregate player funds or guarantee algorithm fairness through independent audits recognized in Europe. When a mirror site changes domains to escape a block, it often breaks service continuity. This leads to the loss of balances and game histories with no possibility of claiming them back.
Legal Framework: Monetary and Financial Code and Financial Risks
Attempting to bypass blocks exposes the player to a complete lack of legal safety net. By crossing these administrative barriers, you leave the protective framework of French law and enter a lawless zone where cybercrime thrives.
Violation of the Monetary and Financial Code
Platforms operating outside the oversight of the National Games Authority (ANJ) do not comply with the French Monetary and Financial Code. This code strictly governs payment services and prohibits unlicensed institutions from collecting funds for unauthorized gambling. In case of a dispute, such as a refusal to withdraw winnings, no authority like the DGCCRF can intervene. The player is left isolated against entities often based in regulatory havens. Any legal action becomes impossible and losses are unrecoverable.
Danger to Personal and Banking Data
Access to these sites directly compromises the security of your sensitive information. The payment providers used by these illegal operators are not regulated by the ACPR and risk prosecution for handling stolen goods if they facilitate these transactions. These payment providers operate outside any legal framework, drastically increasing the risk of banking fraud. This lack of supervision exposes your banking details to cybercrime and data theft, as encryption protocols are not audited according to European standards.
The Importance of Voluntary Gambling Ban
For struggling players, the sustainable solution is not technical but legal: voluntary gambling ban. By registering via Joueurs Info Service, the player is added to the banned players file, a database shared with all legal operators and physical casinos. This measure blocks the opening of any new account and prevents access to approved gambling, offering real protection against addiction. The banned players file thus acts as an effective administrative shield, unlike easily bypassable DNS blocks. Joueurs Info Service also guides players toward specialized care, emphasizing that protection comes first through prevention.
About this article - Authorship & Liability
Author: Sarah Weber - Casino Tester & Bonus Analyst Verified by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming Compliance Analyst Last updated: 2026-07-02.
This article on "how to bypass the ANJ block on illegal sites" 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 Games 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 Gambling
Gambling can become addictive. If you feel you are losing control, contact Joueurs Info Service, SOS Joueurs, or use the national self-exclusion registry (banned players file (FIJ)). 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 regulations.