The ANJ, a key player in the fight against match-fixing
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11 Dec 2024 •
Reading time: 3 minutes Faced with the rise of manipulation in sports competitions, the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) plays a decisive role in France. By combining increased surveillance, prevention and international cooperation, the ANJ has established itself as a bulwark against match-fixing that threatens the integrity of sport and the confidence of bettors.
The ANJ’s missions: vigilance at all levels
At the heart of the ANJ’s action is the control of sports betting. The ANJ college establishes a list of competitions authorized for betting and the types of bets that are admissible. This careful selection aims to reduce the risks of manipulation. Each bet recorded is analyzed to detect possible anomalies. Abnormally high odds or atypical bets immediately trigger investigations.
When serious signs of manipulation are found, the ANJ president can ban betting on a competition, a decisive lever to protect bettors and preserve sporting fairness.
The national platform
Created in 2016, the national platform to combat the manipulation of sports competitions is a central tool. Under the presidency of the Minister of Sports, this structure brings together two training courses: prevention and surveillance. Approximately every six weeks, experts meet to assess risks and coordinate actions.
ANJ agents also intervene in the field, particularly as part of the “Signale!” project, which raises awareness among young athletes about the risks of manipulation. The training courses organized in sports institutions such as INSEP or CREPS aim to instill a culture of integrity from a young age.
Monitoring high-risk matches is a priority
Unbalanced sporting events, where the level gaps between teams are significant, are particularly monitored because these matches are prime targets for fraudsters. Thanks to a close partnership with sports federations, the national platform identifies these sensitive events and places bets related to them under increased surveillance.
In the event of a report, the ANJ acts quickly, alerting administrative authorities such as TRACFIN or judicial authorities, including prosecutors.
The Copenhagen Group
Since 2016, France has been a member of the Copenhagen Group, an international network that brings together nearly 40 national platforms. By sharing information with countries such as Belgium, Denmark and Japan, the ANJ contributes to a global fight against match-fixing. The ANJ represents the French platform within this network
Protecting athletes and sport
For athletes, coaches and spectators, the integrity of competitions is an absolute priority. In this regard, the ANJ invites all stakeholders to report manipulation attempts via secure and confidential channels.
“Protect your sport, report fraud”, insists the ANJ in its awareness campaigns.
With innovative tools, solid partnerships and unwavering determination, the ANJ continues to strengthen its actions to guarantee a fair and transparent sport. The challenges remain numerous, but thanks to its commitment, sporting integrity remains a fundamental value in France.
If you witness suspicious behavior in the sporting world, do not hesitate to report your observations via the dedicated platforms. Together, let’s protect the spirit of sport.