The rise of Spins in France as an alternative to online poker

The French online poker market has become an instructive environment for understanding how simplified, fast-cycle poker formats behave under strict regulatory conditions. For us at EvenBet Gaming, it has offered a clear view into how Spins-style tournaments influence engagement, revenue stability and cross-vertical behaviour – and why operators in other regions are now re-evaluating the format’s potential.

France: data-rich market insights

France remains one of Europe’s most regulated and structurally stable poker ecosystems. In 2023, the market generated €504m in online poker GGR, with 2024 estimates placing the figure slightly higher at around €514m, according to the yearly reports of the Autorité Nationale de Jeux (ANJ), the country’s regulatory body.

What stands out is the composition of this revenue in these reports:

• 66%-69% of poker GGR comes from Sit and Go (SNG) formats
• 94% of SNG GGR is generated by Spins-style tournaments
• The format is now standard across major operators, including Winamax, Betclic and Unibet

This indicates that Spins – defined by short sessions, small player pools and random prize multipliers – have effectively become the dominant SNG format in the market. A notable trend is stability: SNG formats show only 13.6% month-on-month GGR variability, compared with 48% for MTTs (multi-table tournaments) and 20.4% for cash games (data taken from officially reported accumulated revenue from Spin and Go tournaments for all French poker operators), illustrating why operators value Spins as a counterbalance to seasonal sportsbook fluctuations.

Why the format resonates with players

Across interviews and operator discussions, several behavioural patterns appear consistent:

• Players prefer short, predictable five-to-seven-minute sessions
• Three-player structures lower the barrier to participation
• Randomised prize multipliers introduce volatility similar to casino games
• The simplicity of the format appeals to casual audiences, including sportsbook users

This combination positions Spins as an accessible alternative to longer, more complex forms of poker, without completely removing the skill element.

Operational advantages for sportsbooks and casinos

French operators have demonstrated that Spins can function effectively and independently of a full poker room infrastructure.

Key reasons for the format success are:

• Smaller liquidity requirements
• Limited operational overhead
• Straightforward integration into existing sportsbook and casino environments
• Compatibility with responsible gaming controls
• Clear monetisation through buy-in fees and high session volume

This operational simplicity is part of the reason Spins is being evaluated by operators in markets where launching a full-scale poker vertical is impractical.

Applicability beyond France

The conditions that support Spins adoption in France – short mobile sessions, multi-vertical user bases and demand for fast entertainment – are increasingly visible in other markets. This includes Latam, parts of Asia and emerging African jurisdictions, where casual play and mobile-first activity dominate.

In these regions, operators face familiar challenges: volatility in sportsbook traffic, the need to engage bettors between events and constraints on launching full casino portfolios. Spins, as a lightweight P2P format, fit naturally within those limitations.

In mature markets such as Western Europe and North America, operators often face two obstacles: restricted advertising environments that limit poker liquidity and the high operational costs associated with launching a full poker vertical. Spins mitigate both challenges by offering access to a P2P product without the need to build a dedicated team or invest long timelines into generating a sustainable traffic base.

Looking ahead

The performance of Spins in France demonstrates that lightweight, fast-cycle poker formats can deliver measurable results in markets where traditional poker faces structural limitations. The data indicates three consistent advantages: lower liquidity requirements, greater month-to-month stability and broader appeal among casual and cross-vertical players. With Spins accounting for over 94% of SNG GGR in France, according to the ANJ reports, and contributing to significantly reduced seasonal volatility compared with MTTs and cash games, the format has shown it can operate as a resilient revenue component rather than an experimental niche.

As operators evaluate product portfolios under stricter regulatory conditions, rising acquisition costs and increasing emphasis on mobile behaviour, formats that can produce predictable engagement with minimal operational overhead become more relevant.

The evidence from France suggests that Spins fit this profile, offering a scalable model for markets where poker demand exists but traditional liquidity or infrastructure barriers limit growth. In this context, Spins are positioned not as an alternative to full poker ecosystems, but as a practical, data-backed entry point into P2P entertainment for both sportsbooks and casinos.

Dmitry Starostenkov is the CEO of EvenBet Gaming, a leading company in the igaming sector, where he drives innovation and strategic growth.

With over two decades of experience in the high-tech and IT industries, Starostenkov has been at the forefront of the igaming revolution since 2004, serving as the head of EvenBet Gaming, a premier provider of poker software. His deep understanding of software development, market expansion and sales strategies has made him a respected figure in the field.