ANJ introduces framework for monetizable digital objects in gaming

The Autorité Nationale des Jeux has formally introduced a regulatory framework aimed at overseeing games that incorporate what it defines as monetizable digital objects. This initiative represents a significant development in France’s evolving approach to digital gaming and emerging blockchain-based mechanics. The framework establishes a structured compliance environment for operators whose products fall between conventional video games and regulated gambling services.

The regulation forms part of a broader legislative effort to address technological developments that blur traditional distinctions between entertainment and gambling. By implementing a dedicated regime, French authorities seek to ensure legal clarity, consumer protection and financial transparency while maintaining proportionality and innovation safeguards.

Legal basis under the SREN Act

The new framework is grounded in the Security and Digital Space Regulation Act, known in France as the SREN Act. Adopted in May 2024, the legislation created a distinct legal category for online games that combine elements of chance, financial participation and digital assets that can be resold, yet do not provide payouts in legal tender.

The SREN Act enables regulators to address a segment of the gaming market that previously operated in a legal grey area. These games typically allow players to acquire digital assets such as non fungible tokens or blockchain-based items which may be exchanged or traded on secondary markets. Although such assets may carry monetary value, they are not equivalent to traditional cash prizes distributed by licensed gambling operators.

By formally defining this category, lawmakers have sought to provide predictability for operators while reinforcing safeguards against excessive risk, particularly among vulnerable groups.

Scope of application and pilot phase

The regulatory framework has initially been introduced as a three year pilot programme. During this period, the ANJ will monitor the functioning of the regime, evaluate compliance standards and assess the impact on consumers and market participants.

The scope covers games that involve a combination of chance and financial stakes where players can obtain digital objects that are monetizable through resale mechanisms. Crucially, the framework excludes games that directly award cash or cash equivalents in the manner of traditional gambling products. Operators wishing to provide such services remain subject to France’s established gambling licensing regime.

Under the pilot structure, games falling within the new category are subject to operational limits. Among these is a cap on the maximum value of digital rewards that a single player may receive within a defined period. This measure aims to mitigate the risk of excessive financial exposure while preserving the entertainment character of the products.

Distinction from traditional gambling

A central objective of the ANJ is to maintain a clear separation between licensed gambling activities and video games that incorporate monetizable digital objects. The framework explicitly prohibits games under this regime from offering cash prizes or legal tender payouts.

This distinction is intended to avoid regulatory arbitrage and ensure that operators do not circumvent established gambling laws through technological structuring. At the same time, it acknowledges that certain blockchain-based features have commercial characteristics that require oversight even if they do not meet the legal definition of gambling.

The approach reflects a balanced regulatory philosophy. Rather than imposing a blanket prohibition, French authorities have opted to create a supervised space in which innovation may continue under defined parameters.

Consumer protection and responsible gaming safeguards

The ANJ has placed particular emphasis on consumer protection measures within the new regime. Participation by minors is strictly prohibited. Operators must implement robust age verification procedures supported by appropriate know your customer controls.

In addition to age safeguards, operators are required to integrate responsible gaming tools. These include mechanisms that allow players to set play time limits and spending caps. Self exclusion functionality must also be available, enabling individuals to restrict their own access if they perceive a risk of excessive engagement.

The regulator’s intention is to ensure that products featuring monetizable digital objects do not expose consumers to unchecked financial or psychological risks. By embedding protective tools at the design stage, operators are expected to align their services with France’s broader public policy objectives in the gambling sector.

Reporting obligations and regulatory oversight

Operators seeking to offer games under the new category must submit a formal declaration to the ANJ prior to launch. This notification requirement provides the regulator with visibility over market entrants and product characteristics.

Beyond initial registration, companies are required to maintain detailed records of activity. These include transaction logs and systems that allow regulatory access for supervisory purposes. The objective is to ensure transparency in the flow of funds and the creation or transfer of digital assets.

Such obligations reflect a compliance oriented model. Rather than relying solely on ex post enforcement, the framework encourages proactive documentation and accountability. Failure to adhere to reporting standards may expose operators to administrative action in accordance with French law.

International context and comparative developments

France’s initiative is widely regarded as one of the first structured attempts to regulate monetizable digital object games at a national level. However, it does not exist in isolation. Other European jurisdictions have examined similar issues in recent years.

In Belgium authorities have previously taken a restrictive view of certain loot box mechanisms under gambling legislation. The UK Gambling Commission in the United Kingdom has also engaged in consultations and enforcement actions relating to digital gaming features with gambling characteristics. Meanwhile Poland has explored amendments to its Gambling Act with the aim of clarifying the treatment of emerging digital formats.

France’s model differs in that it creates a dedicated legal category rather than subsuming such games entirely under existing gambling definitions. This approach may influence broader European regulatory discussions, particularly as blockchain technologies continue to evolve.

Industry implications and compliance considerations

For operators, the new framework introduces both opportunities and responsibilities. On one hand, it provides a lawful pathway for innovative products that incorporate blockchain elements without automatically classifying them as gambling. On the other hand, it imposes compliance costs related to age verification, responsible gaming integration and reporting infrastructure.

Companies operating internationally will need to evaluate how the French regime interacts with other jurisdictions’ rules. Divergent regulatory interpretations across Europe may require tailored product configurations depending on the target market.

Legal advisors are likely to play a central role in guiding businesses through classification assessments, risk analysis and procedural filings. Given the pilot nature of the programme, ongoing dialogue between industry participants and the ANJ is expected as practical questions arise.

Monitoring and future evaluation

As a pilot initiative, the framework will be subject to periodic evaluation. The ANJ is expected to collect data on player behaviour, financial flows and compliance outcomes during the three year trial.

Should the regulator identify systemic risks or unintended consequences, legislative adjustments may follow. Conversely, successful implementation could lead to permanent incorporation of the category into French gambling law.

This adaptive element underscores the dynamic character of digital markets. Regulatory structures must remain sufficiently flexible to respond to technological innovation while preserving fundamental principles of consumer protection and financial integrity.

Conclusion

The introduction of a dedicated framework by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux marks a measured and forward looking response to the growing presence of monetizable digital objects in online gaming. By anchoring the regime in the SREN Act and launching it as a pilot programme, French lawmakers have sought to combine legal certainty with regulatory caution.

The framework draws a clear line between traditional gambling and blockchain enabled games that involve digital assets without cash payouts. At the same time, it embeds strict safeguards including age verification, reward caps, responsible gaming tools and enhanced reporting obligations.

In the broader European context, France’s approach contributes to an emerging debate about how best to supervise hybrid digital products. Its structured yet flexible model may offer a reference point for other jurisdictions seeking to reconcile innovation with public interest objectives.

Ultimately, the success of the initiative will depend on effective compliance by operators and vigilant oversight by the regulator. If balanced correctly, the regime has the potential to foster technological development within a transparent and legally sound environment that protects players while supporting responsible growth in the digital gaming sector.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the new ANJ framework?
The framework aims to regulate games that include monetizable digital objects while distinguishing them from traditional gambling products.

What are monetizable digital objects?
They are digital assets such as blockchain based items or NFTs that players can trade or resell on secondary markets.

Does the framework allow cash prizes?
No, games covered by this regime are prohibited from offering payouts in legal tender.

Who can participate in these games?
Participation is restricted to adults and operators must implement strict age verification procedures.

What responsible gaming measures are required?
Operators must provide play time limits, spending caps and self exclusion tools.

Is the regulation permanent?
It has been introduced as a three year pilot programme subject to evaluation and possible adjustment.

What legal act established this framework?
The regulation is based on the Security and Digital Space Regulation Act adopted in May 2024.

Are operators required to register with the ANJ?
Yes, companies must file a declaration before launching games under this category.

How does this differ from traditional gambling regulation?
Traditional gambling permits cash payouts under licence while this category prohibits cash rewards and focuses on digital assets.

Could other countries adopt similar rules?
Yes, several European jurisdictions are examining comparable issues and may consider structured regulatory responses.