Regulator Unveils New Strategy to Curb Gambling Harm

In a bid to tackle the growing issue of excessive gambling and its societal consequences, France's gambling regulator, ANJ, has released its strategic plan for the next few years. With three years of experience under its belt, the ANJ is determined to closely monitor the market and ensure that licensed operators adhere to regulations.

After the first phase of regulations under ANJ's authority concluded in 2023, it became evident that the French gambling market had experienced remarkable growth, reaching a turnover of over €13 billion ($14.1 billion). However, this growth has also brought about concerns regarding problem gambling.

Despite efforts made by gaming operators to protect players, problem gambling remains a significant issue. In 2019, around 1.4 million players were at risk, with nearly 400,000 classified as pathological gamblers. Problem gambling accounted for more than 38% of the sector's turnover, with 21% attributed to excessive gamblers alone.

France is also grappling with illegal online gambling operators exploiting the lack of regulated iGaming. ANJ estimates that this illegal sector constitutes between 5% and 11% of the market, and it has vowed to take action against this growing problem. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has called on France to regulate iGaming to address this issue effectively.

1. Drastically Reducing Excessive Gambling: ANJ aims to reduce the number of excessive gamblers within the market through coordinated efforts and balanced regulation.

2. Fighting Against Illegal Gambling: The regulator is committed to preserving transparency and integrity within the sector by combating illegal gambling.

3. Strengthening Economic Regulation: ANJ will focus on understanding market dynamics and providing solutions to current challenges.

ANJ's President, Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and regulatory bodies to achieve these goals. She states, "Reducing the number of excessive gamblers and strengthening the protection of minors... can only be achieved if all stakeholders join forces alongside the regulator."

ANJ's strategic plan signals a significant step forward for the French gambling market as it seeks to address the social issues associated with excessive gambling. While challenges persist, ANJ's determined approach offers hope for a more balanced and responsible gambling environment in the years to come.