The ANJ is calling for operators to do more to prevent addiction 

Between November 2025 and March 2026, the National Gambling Authority (ANJ) scrutinised the action plans of all gambling operators in France. Whilst progress has been acknowledged, the regulator insists that the fight against excessive gambling and the protection of minors remain absolute priorities.

An unprecedented mobilisation of an entire sector

All French gambling operators were required to submit their annual strategy for preventing excessive gambling and protecting minors. This obligation, introduced by the Order of 2 October 2019, is not limited to a simple administrative check. It forms part of an ongoing dialogue between operators and the ANJ, which may issue recommendations or even requirements.

This vigilance stems from the high number of problem gamblers. In 2024, the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addictive Behaviours estimated that there were 1.17 million problem gamblers in France, 360,000 of whom were considered to be problem gamblers. The ENJEU-Mineurs 2025 survey also reveals a worrying trend. Among 5,000 young people aged 15 to 17 surveyed, 42.6% reported having gambled at least once in the past year. This figure represents a significant increase compared to 2021.

The problem extends far beyond the individual level. In 2019, 38.3% of gross gaming revenue came from problem gamblers, 20.7% of whom were problem gamblers. A significant proportion of the sector’s revenue relies on risky behaviour. In light of this, the ANJ has set a clear objective in its 2024–2026 strategic plan: to drastically reduce the number of excessive gamblers by 2027.

The ANJ’s assessment

FDJ and PMU

The two giants of the sector, which account for nearly two-thirds of the market, have had their plans approved with reservations.

The ANJ is asking them, in particular, to strengthen controls on the ban on sales to minors. This involves increased monitoring of retail outlets, as well as more dissuasive penalties.

Another key focus: improving the identification of players in difficulty, particularly in physical retail outlets. 

Online gaming

As for licensed online operators, the results are more encouraging. Detection systems have evolved, incorporating new indicators. As a result, the number of problem gamblers identified has almost tripled in a year, rising from 31,000 to 89,000.

Preventive measures targeting minors have also been strengthened. Awareness campaigns, parental control tools, registration checks… initiatives are multiplying.

Casinos

In casinos, the picture is more nuanced. Some establishments are showing significant progress, particularly through partnerships with addiction treatment organisations. These collaborations enable players to be referred to support services. Staff training is also improving. More than 2,200 professionals have completed an online module launched by the ANJ in November 2024.

However, these efforts remain unevenly distributed. Many establishments still identify too few players in difficulty, relative to their footfall. This situation is considered a cause for concern by the regulator.

Moreover, not all plans have been approved: one casino had its plan rejected.

Racecourses 

Coordinated by the National Horse Racing Federation, racing companies have taken steps regarding information and training. But here too, shortcomings remain.

The ANJ highlights a sensitive issue: the presence of minors at racecourses. It recommends clearly separating family areas from betting zones. It also calls for caution in activities aimed at children, to avoid any indirect introduction to gambling.

Training to prevent

At the heart of all these strategies, one element recurs consistently: training. Training professionals means giving them the tools to identify risky behaviour, engage with players and guide them towards solutions.

But prevention also relies on informing the players themselves. Understanding the risks, knowing what support is available, being able to self-exclude… these are all tools that remain under-utilised.

Beyond regulatory obligations, a genuine cultural shift appears to be underway. The gambling sector, long focused on economic performance, is now being called upon to take its social impacts into account.