In the face of recent criticism of online sports betting, the Association Française des Jeux en Ligne (AFJEL) is fighting back. It denounces a series of preconceived ideas that fuel the stigmatisation of legal operators, while overshadowing the real danger: the massive growth of the illegal market.
AFJEL fights preconceived ideas
Over the past few days, the association Addictions France has been speaking out repeatedly about the dangers of online sports betting. In response, AFJEL has been keen to set the record straight. In its view, reducing the sector’s complexity to a few anxiety-provoking slogans perpetuates misleading clichés and distracts attention from the real problem: the explosion of the illegal market.
‘The continued stigmatisation of legal businesses based on preconceived ideas and approximations is totally counter-productive at a time when the authorities are struggling to halt the expansion of illegal gambling,’ insists AFJEL.
Contrary to what some people think, the legal sector is one of the most tightly regulated in Europe, with strict supervision by the State and its regulator, the Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ).
Four common misconceptions
Advertising without controls?
One of the recurring criticisms is that advertising is excessive and uncontrolled. AFJEL does not agree. Each marketing plan is in fact subject to prior approval by the ANJ. The ANJ can impose conditions, prohibit messages or set limits on commercial offers.
In 2021 and 2022, several advertisements were withdrawn for non-compliance. In addition, during Euro 2024, operators complied with the ANJ’s call for moderation. Proof, according to AFJEL, that the profession is also capable of self-regulation.
As for the figures, a clarification is in order: advertising expenditure in 2024 did not amount to €671 million, as some have claimed, but to €144 million for the sector as a whole (sports betting, horserace betting and poker).
Attracting minors?
Another oft-heard criticism is the risk of exposure to minors. On this point, AFJEL is categorical:
“Targeting minors is strictly prohibited. This is a non-negotiable principle. Gambling by minors is prohibited on approved platforms.”
Approved platforms are obliged to implement verification and exclusion tools.
Marketing campaigns must also comply with an absolute ban on targeting under-18s. Here again, the ANJ exercises permanent control.
Exploiting vulnerable players?
One argument frequently put forward by opponents concerns the proportion of problem gamblers. However, the available data shows a different picture.
According to the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Tendencies (OFDT), the proportion of vulnerable gamblers has fallen by 20% since 2019, despite a 10% increase in the total number of gamblers. In 2024, only 1.5% of gamblers were considered excessive.
‘This figure contradicts the idea of a widespread phenomenon, even if operators are determined to reduce it further,’ says AFJEL, which recalls its investments in prevention and support for vulnerable audiences.
Dominating the market?
Another common misconception is that online sports betting is the biggest gambling industry in France. Here again, the reality is more nuanced.
With gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €1.7 billion, this segment represents only one tenth of the total market. The lottery, scratch cards and land-based casinos generate much higher amounts.
The real danger: an out-of-control illegal market
But behind these debates, one subject remains largely absent from public statements: the illegal market. Every month, nearly 4 million French people visit unlicensed sites. There are no rules, no controls, no protection.
The figures are worrying: 66% of gamblers on the illegal market are considered to be excessive, compared with just 1.5% on the legal market. This represents more than 2.5 million people. A study by Astéres estimates the social cost of these addictions at nearly 5 billion euros a year, not to mention an estimated loss of tax revenue of one billion euros.
Why is this whole aspect of the problem so little discussed? This is the question posed by AFJEL, which believes that the fight against these illegal platforms should be an absolute public health priority.
Between perceptions and realities
The debate on online sports betting raises sensitive issues such as addiction, the protection of minors and the supervision of advertising. But AFJEL urges us not to fight the wrong battle. The data shows that the legal sector, despite its imperfections, remains strictly regulated and has reduced the vulnerability of players. On the other hand, the illegal market is exploding and represents a massive risk, both for public health and for the State’s finances. A reality that is still too often absent from the debate.