The ANJ is stepping up its action against excessive gambling and underage gambling by imposing strict prevention plans on operators. Faced with alarming figures – 1.17 million problem gamblers by 2024, including 360,000 problem gamblers – the ANJ is demanding concrete, measurable measures, including early detection of risky behaviour and personalised support for vulnerable gamblers. The protection of minors remains a priority, with tighter controls and penalties for non-compliance. By 2026, the ANJ aims to significantly reduce excessive gambling by imposing new obligations and increased controls on operators.
The National Gaming Authority (NGA) recently reviewed the action plans submitted by gambling operators to prevent excessive gambling and protect minors. The review is part of a drive to significantly reduce the number of problem gamblers by 2026. But what are the concrete measures envisaged and how do the operators intend to implement them?
An alarming report
According to the Observatoire Français des Drogues et des Tendances Addictives (OFDT), in 2024 there will be around 1.17 million problem gamblers in France, including 360,000 considered to be excessive gamblers. Despite the legal ban, gambling by minors remains a cause for concern. A study by the OFDT shows that one in four secondary school pupils in Year 9 has played a game of money or chance in the course of the year. Given these figures, the ANJ stresses the urgent need to step up efforts to protect vulnerable populations.
Gambling operators, whether online or land-based, are required to submit their action plans for preventing excessive gambling and underage gambling to the ANJ every year. These plans provide a basis for dialogue between the regulator and the operators, making it possible to set clear objectives and monitor their implementation. The ANJ stresses the need for operators to demonstrate operational and measurable results, particularly in terms of early detection of risky behaviour and personalised support for players identified as excessive.
Protection of minors at the heart of concerns
The protection of minors is an absolute priority for the ANJ. Operators must strengthen their control systems to prevent minors from accessing gambling. This means providing better information on the ban on gambling by minors, setting up awareness-raising campaigns and stepping up checks at points of sale. The ANJ also provides for sanctions in the event of failure to comply with these obligations.
In addition to online and land-based gambling operators, the Fédération Nationale des Courses Hippiques (FNCH) must also step up its efforts to prevent excessive gambling and protect minors. Racecourses, which are often perceived as family entertainment venues, need to better separate betting areas from family areas to prevent young people from being exposed to gambling at an early age.
Towards a significant reduction in excessive gambling
The ANJ has set an ambitious target: to significantly reduce the proportion of operators’ Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) accounted for by problem gamblers by 2026. To achieve this, operators are required to diversify their support measures, adapt their offerings to limit the risks of addiction and regularly assess the effectiveness of their actions. The ANJ plans to step up controls to ensure that the recommended measures are properly applied.