On 24 June 2025, the French National Gaming Authority (ANJ) published its 2024 activity report. This document marks five years of existence for the institution and represents a turning point in its regulation. At the halfway point in its 2024-2026 strategy, the ANJ has set a clear course: fewer gamblers at risk and greater responsibility for operators.
Reducing excessive gambling as a key priority
Since its creation in 2020, the ANJ has adopted an approach that combines support and control. However, in 2024, the urgency intensified: the number of people on the register of voluntary bans has doubled in three years, and now stands at 85,000. This figure reflects both increased awareness… but also a persistent structural problem.
For Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, President of the ANJ, it is time to move on from an objective of intent to an obligation of results:
“Driven by a very dynamic market that has been boosted by digitalisation, gambling, which is not a product like any other, has nevertheless become an everyday consumer item. The objective of reducing excessive gambling set by the ANJ must now be translated into an obligation to achieve results, which means reducing the number of excessive gamblers and their contribution to the revenues of gambling operators. More broadly, the fight against gambling addiction requires us to look beyond sectoral considerations and consider the more global and societal dimension of the phenomenon, which concerns operators, public authorities, the regulator, associations, educators, parents, etc.”
The 2024-2026 strategic plan therefore aims to bring about a paradigm shift: changing the sector’s business model to make it less dependent on high-risk gamblers.
A strengthened and validated legal framework
The year 2024 saw the legal consolidation of the ANJ’s action. Two decisions by the Conseil d’État confirmed the institution’s legitimacy to regulate the supply of games and the promotional strategies of the monopolies. This regulatory victory gives the ANJ additional leverage to influence the behaviour of operators.
A firmer sanctions policy
The ANJ no longer confines itself to recommendations: it imposes sanctions. In 2024, nine penalties were imposed, some of them as high as €150,000. A milestone was reached in January 2025, with a public fine of €800,000 for excessive gambling. A record, and a clear signal to the market.
Illegal gambling in the spotlight
The regulator has also taken a more vigorous stance against illegal gambling sites. In 2024, 1,335 URLs were blocked, 231 administrative acts were issued and financial blocking measures were activated. These actions were targeted because these platforms are heavily frequented by high-risk profiles. The aim is simple: to dry up access to a dangerous and uncontrolled supply.
A conference at the Senate to rethink collective action
The ANJ does not wish to act alone. On 27 June 2025, it is organising a national conference on gambling addiction at the French Senate. The aim? To take stock of the obligations imposed on operators since 2019 to identify and support problem gamblers.
Players from a variety of backgrounds – political, associative, educational and international – will share their practices and visions. The aim is clear: to think about better coordination between all the players involved and, if necessary, propose changes to the regulatory framework.
Transforming regulation
While the first cycle (2020-2023) laid the foundations for modern regulation, the second (2024-2026) is more ambitious. The aim now is not just to regulate, but to transform the gambling ecosystem over the long term.
The challenge is a major one: to change the economic logic of a sector where revenue still comes largely from the most active players, who are often the most vulnerable.