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France's leading online poker platform, co-founded by poker champion Patrick Bruel, genuinely ANJ-licensed
Visit Winamax →Winamax welcome bonus in Spain
Context for Spain: Spain banned welcome bonuses for new customers under Royal Decree 958/2020, but the Supreme Court annulled that part of the decree in April 2024, so sign-up offers are lawful again. A reintroduction of the ban has since been proposed, so any Spanish welcome offer should be treated as subject to change. Only operators on the DGOJ register may offer gambling in Spain. Spain has also approved joint deposit limits that apply across ALL the licensed operators you use - reported as EUR 700 a day, EUR 1,750 a week and EUR 3,300 over four consecutive weeks, tracked across your accounts together - so a bonus larger than your lawful deposit ceiling cannot be claimed in full.
Here is the current Winamax welcome offer for players in Spain. Bonus terms change and are set by Winamax for each market — always confirm the live offer on its own site. See every licensed betting site in Spain →
Pros
- Genuine French ANJ licence since 2010, plus a Spanish licence since 2018
- France's dominant online poker platform (~2/3 market share)
- Co-founded by well-known public figure Patrick Bruel, adding real credibility
- Widely regarded as one of the best poker apps in the regulated French market
- Nearly two decades of operating history
Cons
- Core focus concentrated on France and Spain
- Sportsbook secondary to the dominant poker product
- Germany not confirmed as a licensed market despite some player-community mentions
- Bonus terms vary by country
Our verdict
Winamax is France's dominant online poker platform, holding roughly two-thirds of the French poker market as of 2022 — a genuinely remarkable market position. Founded in 1999 as a video game company before pivoting to poker with its 2007 launch, it was co-founded by Alexandre Roos, Christophe Schaming and Patrick Bruel, the well-known French singer, actor and world poker champion, whose public profile adds real credibility to the brand. Winamax holds a genuine French licence under the ANJ (Autorite Nationale des Jeux, licensed since 2010) and expanded into Spain in 2018 with its own local licence. Beyond poker, it also offers a competent sportsbook. Declared expansion plans include Portugal, Italy and the UK. For poker players specifically — and increasingly sports bettors — in France or Spain, Winamax is one of the most credible, market-leading operators covered here.
How we rated it
Trust & licensing (25%)9.2
Genuine French licence under the ANJ (since 2010, formerly ARJEL) and a Spanish licence since 2018; France's clear market leader in online poker, co-founded by a well-known public figure (Patrick Bruel) — strong, verifiable trust profile.
Mobile & UX (10%)8
Widely regarded as having one of the best poker platforms and mobile apps in the regulated French market.
Customer support (10%)7.8
Established support infrastructure backed by nearly two decades of operating history and market leadership.
Payments & payouts (20%)7.6
Reliable regulated-market payment processing across its French and Spanish markets.
Sportsbook & odds (20%)7.5
Solid sportsbook offering alongside its dominant poker product, backed by nearly two decades of French-market operating experience.
Bonuses & value (15%)7.5
Regulated-market welcome offers, varying by country under ANJ/Spanish compliance requirements.
Quick facts
| Founded | 1999 (company); poker platform launched 2007 |
| Owner | Co-founded by Alexandre Roos, Christophe Schaming and Patrick Bruel |
| Licensing | France ANJ (since 2010, formerly ARJEL); Spain (since July 2018) |
| Poker | France's leading online poker platform, ~2/3 market share (2022) |
| Sports | Sportsbook alongside the core poker product |
| Markets | France (core), Spain; declared expansion plans for Portugal, Italy, UK |
| Notable founder | Patrick Bruel — French singer, actor and world poker champion |
| Reputation | Widely regarded as having one of the best poker apps/platforms in the regulated French market |
How we verified this
Winamax holds a genuine French licence under the ANJ (Autorite Nationale des Jeux, formerly ARJEL since 2010) and a Spanish licence since July 2018. It is France's leading online poker platform by market share. Its welcome bonus varies by country and currency; confirm the current offer and applicable licence on Winamax's own local site.
Where Winamax is licensed
Winamax appears on the official register in 4 countries. Highlighted countries have a full local review — pick yours for its welcome bonus and licence details.
About Winamax
Winamax was founded in 1999, originally as a video game company, before pivoting to online poker with its 2007 platform launch. It was co-founded by Alexandre Roos, Christophe Schaming and Patrick Bruel — the well-known French singer, actor and world poker champion. Winamax holds a genuine French licence under the ANJ (Autorite Nationale des Jeux, licensed since 2010, formerly ARJEL) and expanded into Spain in 2018 with its own local licence. It is France's clear market leader in online poker, holding roughly two-thirds of the market as of 2022, and also offers a sportsbook. Declared expansion plans include Portugal, Italy and the UK.
Winamax FAQ
Is Winamax safe and legit?
Yes — Winamax holds a genuine French licence under the ANJ (Autorite Nationale des Jeux, licensed since 2010) and a Spanish licence since 2018, and is France's clear market leader in online poker.
Is Winamax mainly a poker site or a sportsbook?
Winamax started as a poker platform and remains France's dominant online poker operator (~2/3 market share), though it also offers a competent sportsbook.
Who founded Winamax?
Winamax was co-founded by Alexandre Roos, Christophe Schaming and Patrick Bruel, the French singer, actor and world poker champion.
Which countries can use Winamax?
Winamax's core markets are France and Spain, with declared expansion plans for Portugal, Italy and the UK.
What is the Winamax welcome bonus?
Winamax offers a new-customer welcome bonus that varies by country. Always check the current offer on Winamax's own local site.