The ANJ has given its approval, subject to strict conditions, to FDJ’s 2026 programme. The emphasis is on protecting players, at a time when indicators of excessive gambling are on the rise again.
The Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) has just given the green light to the Française des Jeux’ (FDJ) 2026 gaming programme. The approval is long-awaited, but comes with a number of restrictive conditions.
Validation of the 2026 programme is intended to provide a framework for the operator’s commercial practices, while strengthening the prevention of excessive gambling. The Conseil d’État recently reaffirmed the ANJ’s right to impose these restrictions as part of its regulatory role.
Increase in problem gambling in 2024: a warning signal
According to data provided by the FDJ, taken from the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI), the proportion of problem gamblers rose again in 2024, after remaining relatively stable between 2020 and 2023. This finding had a direct influence on the ANJ’s decision to impose tighter controls for 2026.
This increase affects all games under monopoly, in particular draw games and scratch cards, two historically popular segments that are regularly criticised for their high addictive potential.
Innovation and attractiveness hampered by regulation
FDJ wanted to revitalise its commercial offering in 2026 through innovation, digitalisation and enhanced animation of its product ranges. However, this ambition came up against regulatory imperatives. The ANJ has asked the operator to limit its promotional messages, which are deemed to be too attractive.
In particular, messages highlighting the frequency or probability of winning, such as ‘More than X chances in Y of winning’ or ‘Best chance of winning €X’, have been banned.
The aim is to avoid any illusion of control or accessibility of winnings, a recognised risk factor for excessive gambling.
Online gambling: pressure on high-risk segments
For online gambling, the ANJ is imposing a substantial reduction in the proportion of turnover generated by excessive or problem gamblers. Three segments are specifically targeted:
- Online successive-draw games
- Online scratch card games costing €3 or more
- “Web Only” games
The ANJ is demanding that the most problematic games be abolished or converted. These decisions come at a time when digital gambling accounts for a growing proportion of the FDJ’s business, but is also a vector of increased risk, particularly due to the immediacy and anonymity of online gambling.
Online ban on Amigo and freeze on certain games
One of the highlights of the ANJ’s decision concerns the ban on the online version of the Amigo game, which is deemed to offer too much of an incentive. Already under fire for its high draw rate and its accessibility on the physical network, the game will no longer be offered online. In addition, the freeze on the range of games with successive draws, introduced in 2025, has been extended to 2026.
Another important measure is that the FDJ must continue to reduce the proportion of Live® Bingo’s gross gaming revenue generated by excessive gamblers. Additional measures are also required to mitigate the risks associated with Amigo in physical retail outlets.
Scratch card games: strict ceilings for 2026
The scratch card games market is particularly tightly regulated for 2026. The ANJ imposes the following limits
- Maximum of 3 launches or relaunches of €3 games
- Maximum of 2 launches or relaunches of €5 games
- Maximum of 9 €5 games marketed simultaneously, including the physical network and online versions
These ceilings are intended to limit the saturation effect of the offer and to curb compulsive gambling behaviour, which is often associated with these accessible and instantaneous ranges.
Exclusive online games
The ANJ is calling for a reduction in the total number of online-only games, particularly those priced at €2, €3 and €5. These games, which are often perceived as harmless, nevertheless account for a significant proportion of excessive gambling. Their immediate accessibility and attractive format make them particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups.
The aim of this reduction is to avoid the ‘long tail’ effect of games with low stakes but high repetition, which can lead to significant losses over time.