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AFJEL Urges iGaming Regulation in France

AFJEL Urges iGaming Regulation in France
by
April 29, 2024
in iGaming News, Laws
73

The landscape of online gambling in France is under scrutiny as key stakeholders express concerns over the burgeoning illegal market. The French gambling trade association, L’Association Française du Jeu En Ligne (AFJEL), underscores the need for stricter regulations to combat the surge in illicit online gambling activities. This article delves into the recent findings and assertions made by AFJEL, shedding light on the current state of the French online gambling industry and the imperative for regulatory intervention.

The Call for Regulation: AFJEL’s Stance

In a recent statement, AFJEL reiterated its call for enhanced regulation of online casinos to curb the proliferation of the illegal gambling market. Drawing on insights from L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux’s (ANJ) latest report and a PwC study, AFJEL highlights alarming statistics that underscore the gravity of the situation. According to AFJEL, over four million players are participating in the online illegal gaming sector, surpassing the 3.6 million players in the legal market. This stark contrast in numbers underscores the urgent need for regulatory measures to address the burgeoning illegal gambling activities plaguing the French online gaming landscape.

Concerns Over Declining Participation and Market Growth

AFJEL’s concerns are further compounded by the declining participation rates in the legal online gambling market. A notable decrease of 2.2% in active accounts and 5.3% in unique players on the illegal market raises red flags regarding the efficacy of existing regulatory frameworks. Moreover, while the French online gaming market exhibits growth, it lags behind the European average, signaling potential challenges in maintaining market competitiveness and sustainability. Nicolas Beruad, President of AFJEL, warns against the escalating threat posed by the illicit market, particularly in the realm of online sports betting. With a 6.4% growth in online sports betting compared to 10.4% for physical betting outlets, Beruad underscores the urgent need for regulatory interventions to safeguard players’ interests and stem the tide of illegal gambling activities.

AFJEL’s Plea for Regulatory Intervention

Beruad emphasizes that the illegal market has evolved into a “trojan horse,” posing significant risks to players without adequate oversight. Despite concerted efforts by regulatory authorities to combat illegal gambling, the unprecedented surge in illicit activities underscores the imperative for regulatory reforms. AFJEL contends that regulatory oversight is essential to redirect players to legal, secure, and responsible gaming environments. As France braces for major sporting events such as the Euro football tournament and the Paris Olympic Games, the need for stringent regulations to combat illegal gambling activities becomes increasingly paramount.

ANJ’s Insights and Record Revenue

Echoing AFJEL’s concerns, L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) highlights the challenges posed by the burgeoning illegal gambling market. Despite record gross gaming revenue in 2023 in the legal market, ANJ underscores the persistent threat posed by illegal gambling activities. The findings underscore the urgency for collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and law enforcement agencies to address the complex challenges facing the French online gambling landscape.

PwC Study: Unveiling the Extent of Illegal Gambling

A PwC study published in December unveils the scale of the illegal gambling market in France, estimating its worth to be as high as €1.5 billion. This revelation underscores the magnitude of the challenge posed by illicit gambling activities and underscores the imperative for comprehensive regulatory reforms. The study serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and regulatory authorities to redouble their efforts in combatting illegal gambling and safeguarding the integrity of the French online gambling industry.

Conclusion: Necessity for Regulatory Vigilance

In conclusion, the advocacy efforts of AFJEL underscore the pressing need for tightened regulations to address the escalating threat posed by the illegal online gambling market in France. With millions of players at risk of exploitation and inadequate protection, regulatory intervention is imperative to foster a secure, responsible, and sustainable online gambling ecosystem. As stakeholders collaborate to confront the challenges head-on, regulatory vigilance remains paramount in safeguarding the integrity of the French online gambling industry and protecting the interests of players.

FAQs:

What is AFJEL?
AFJEL, or L’Association Française du Jeu En Ligne, is the French gambling trade association advocating for regulatory reforms in the online gambling sector.

Why is AFJEL calling for stricter regulations?
AFJEL highlights the surge in illegal online gambling activities in France, emphasizing the need for regulatory measures to safeguard players and combat illicit practices.

What are the concerns raised by AFJEL regarding the online gambling market?
AFJEL expresses concerns over declining participation rates in the legal market, the proliferation of illegal gambling activities, and the risks posed to players’ safety and security.

How does the growth of the illegal market compare to the legal market?
AFJEL reports that over four million players are engaged in the illegal online gambling market, surpassing the number of players in the legal market, which stands at 3.6 million.

What challenges does the French online gambling market face?
The French online gambling market faces challenges such as declining participation rates, regulatory loopholes, and the proliferation of illegal gambling activities, which undermine market integrity and player protection.

What role does regulatory intervention play in combating illegal gambling?
Regulatory intervention is essential to mitigate the risks associated with illegal gambling, redirect players to legal platforms, and foster a secure and responsible gambling environment.

How does AFJEL propose to address the surge in illegal gambling activities?
AFJEL advocates for tightened regulations, collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies, and public awareness campaigns to combat illegal gambling and protect players’ interests.

What insights did the ANJ report provide?
The ANJ report highlights the challenges posed by the illegal gambling market despite record gross gaming revenue in the legal sector, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address regulatory gaps and enforcement challenges.

What is the significance of the PwC study?
The PwC study sheds light on the scale of the illegal gambling market in France, estimating its worth to be as high as €1.5 billion, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive regulatory reforms.

How important is regulatory vigilance in safeguarding the integrity of the online gambling industry?
Regulatory vigilance is paramount in safeguarding the integrity of the online gambling industry, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and protecting players from exploitation and harm.

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