ANJ pushes operators to improve action plans on risky gambling

France’s national gambling regulator, Autorité nationale des jeux, has completed a comprehensive review of industry action plans aimed at tackling excessive gambling and preventing underage participation. While the authority approved the majority of submissions, it issued clear instructions for operators to strengthen safeguards and deliver measurable outcomes.

The review forms part of ANJ’s broader regulatory framework for the 2024 to 2026 period, which places a strong emphasis on reducing gambling-related harm. A central objective within this strategy is to lower the number of excessive gamblers by 2027, a target that reflects growing concern over public health risks associated with gambling in France.

Strengthening expectations across the regulated market

ANJ’s assessment covered a wide segment of the French gambling ecosystem. This included exclusive-rights operators, licensed online platforms, casinos, gaming clubs and racecourses. In total, dozens of operators and hundreds of venues were evaluated as part of the annual compliance exercise.

Although the regulator acknowledged progress across several areas, it emphasized that further improvements are necessary. In particular, operators are expected to enhance monitoring systems, refine intervention strategies and provide evidence that their measures are producing tangible results.

The authority’s position reflects a shift toward outcome-based regulation. Rather than focusing solely on procedural compliance, ANJ is increasingly requiring operators to demonstrate effectiveness through verifiable data and performance indicators.

Persistent risks in excessive and underage gambling

Despite regulatory efforts, gambling-related risks remain significant in France. According to estimates from French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, approximately 1.17 million individuals were classified as problematic gamblers in 2024. Of these, around 360,000 were identified as excessive gamblers.

These figures highlight the scale of the issue and reinforce the need for sustained intervention. Excessive gambling is widely recognized as a behavioral disorder that can have serious financial, psychological and social consequences.

Concerns are equally pronounced with respect to underage gambling. Research conducted under the ENJEU-Mineurs study, supported by Autorité nationale des jeux and carried out by ARPEJ, revealed that 42.6 percent of respondents aged between 15 and 17 reported gambling at least once during 2025. This represents a notable increase compared with earlier findings.

The persistence of underage gambling, despite legal prohibitions, has prompted the regulator to call for stricter enforcement measures and more effective prevention strategies.

Revenue concentration among at-risk players

ANJ also referenced earlier data that underscores the economic dimension of gambling-related harm. In 2019, individuals classified as problematic gamblers were responsible for 38.3 percent of gross gaming revenue in France. Within this group, excessive gamblers alone contributed 20.7 percent.

Such figures illustrate the extent to which industry revenues can depend on high-risk behaviors. This reality has informed ANJ’s regulatory approach, which seeks to balance market sustainability with consumer protection.

The authority has made it clear that reliance on vulnerable players is incompatible with responsible gambling principles. Operators are therefore expected to implement safeguards that limit harmful patterns while maintaining lawful commercial activity.

Requirements for FDJ and PMU

The two exclusive-rights operators, La Française des Jeux and Pari Mutuel Urbain, account for a substantial share of the French gambling market. ANJ approved their action plans for 2026 but required further improvements in key areas.

Enhanced protection for minors

One of the regulator’s primary concerns is the enforcement of the legal prohibition on gambling by minors. ANJ has instructed both operators to intensify controls at retail outlets. This includes increasing the frequency of compliance checks, introducing a structured sanctions framework and adopting a risk-based approach to inspections.

The objective is to ensure that points of sale with higher exposure to risk are subject to more rigorous oversight.

Improved identification of excessive gamblers

ANJ has also called on both operators to strengthen their ability to identify and support excessive gamblers in land-based environments. Unlike online platforms, physical points of sale present unique challenges in monitoring customer behavior.

As a result, operators are expected to develop tailored approaches that reflect these operational realities. This may include staff training, behavioral observation techniques and improved referral systems for individuals in need of assistance.

Online operators demonstrate measurable progress

Among licensed online operators, ANJ reported generally positive developments. Many platforms have introduced enhanced registration controls designed to prevent minors from accessing gambling services. These measures include identity verification processes and the integration of parental control tools.

In addition, awareness campaigns targeting adult users have become more prominent, with operators providing clearer information about responsible gambling practices.

Increased detection of excessive gambling

A notable improvement has been observed in the identification of excessive gambling behavior. In 2025, online operators identified approximately 89,000 excessive gamblers, compared with 31,000 in the previous year.

This increase reflects the adoption of more sophisticated detection systems, including the use of data analytics and behavioral indicators.

However, ANJ has cautioned that detection levels must be proportionate to the size of each operator’s customer base. Companies are therefore required to ensure that their monitoring systems align with established prevalence rates.

Focus on measurable outcomes

The regulator has emphasized the importance of demonstrating effectiveness. Operators must not only implement detection tools but also evaluate their impact and provide measurable evidence of success.

This includes assessing the performance of intervention strategies and verifying that preventive measures are achieving their intended objectives. ANJ has indicated that compliance checks may be conducted to confirm the reliability of these systems.

Mixed performance in casinos and racecourses

The evaluation of land-based gambling venues revealed a more varied picture. While some casino groups and independent operators achieved positive results, others were found to be underperforming in key areas.

Casinos show uneven results

ANJ noted that many casinos continue to identify and support too few excessive gamblers relative to their visitor numbers. This suggests that existing measures may not be sufficiently effective or consistently applied.

At the same time, the regulator highlighted encouraging developments in cooperation between casinos and healthcare providers. Partnerships with addiction treatment centers have facilitated referrals, awareness campaigns and staff training initiatives.

The introduction of ANJ’s e-learning module in November 2024 has also contributed to improved professional training, with more than 2,200 individuals completing the program.

Despite these advances, ANJ rejected one casino action plan, signaling that non-compliance will not be tolerated.

Racecourses face additional scrutiny

In the horse racing sector, coordinated by Fédération Nationale des Courses Hippiques, the regulator acknowledged progress in several areas, including player education and volunteer training.

However, ANJ identified specific concerns related to the protection of minors. Racecourses have been instructed to ensure a clear separation between family-oriented spaces and betting areas. The authority also warned against activities that could indirectly introduce children to gambling practices.

Need for stronger safeguards

ANJ has further called for improvements in the identification and support of excessive gamblers at racecourses. Current measures were deemed insufficient and operators are expected to implement more robust systems.

These requirements reflect the regulator’s broader objective of ensuring consistent standards across all segments of the gambling industry.

A regulatory approach focused on accountability

ANJ’s latest review underscores a broader shift in regulatory philosophy. The authority is moving toward a model that prioritizes accountability, transparency and measurable outcomes.

Operators are no longer assessed solely on the presence of policies but on their effectiveness in reducing harm. This approach aligns with international best practices in gambling regulation and reflects growing public expectations.

At the same time, ANJ has maintained a balanced tone, acknowledging progress while clearly outlining areas for improvement. This dual approach is intended to encourage compliance while ensuring that consumer protection remains the central priority.

Conclusion

The latest review by the Autorité nationale des jeux marks a significant step in France’s ongoing effort to address gambling-related risks. By approving most industry plans while imposing stricter requirements, the regulator has signaled both recognition of progress and determination to achieve meaningful change.

The data presented highlights the continued prevalence of excessive and underage gambling, reinforcing the need for sustained and coordinated action. Operators across all segments of the market are now expected to enhance their safeguards, adopt data-driven approaches and demonstrate measurable results.

Looking ahead, the success of ANJ’s 2024 to 2026 strategy will depend on the industry’s ability to translate regulatory expectations into practical outcomes. If effectively implemented, these measures have the potential to significantly reduce harm and establish a more responsible gambling environment in France.

FAQs

What is ANJ and what role does it play in France?
ANJ is the national gambling regulator responsible for overseeing licensed operators and ensuring compliance with responsible gambling standards.

Why did ANJ review industry action plans?
The review is part of its regulatory framework to assess efforts aimed at preventing excessive and underage gambling.

How many problematic gamblers are there in France?
Estimates suggest around 1.17 million individuals are considered problematic gamblers including 360,000 excessive gamblers.

What is meant by excessive gambling?
Excessive gambling refers to behavior that leads to significant negative consequences such as financial loss or social harm.

Why is underage gambling a concern?
Underage gambling can lead to early addiction risks and is prohibited under French law.

What changes are required for FDJ and PMU?
They must strengthen controls at retail outlets and improve identification of excessive gamblers in physical locations.

How have online operators improved?
They have enhanced detection systems and introduced stricter registration controls to prevent underage access.

Why are casinos under scrutiny?
Some casinos have been found to identify too few excessive gamblers relative to their visitor numbers.

What issues exist at racecourses?
Concerns include insufficient protection for minors and limited identification of excessive gamblers.

What is ANJ’s long-term goal?
The regulator aims to reduce the number of excessive gamblers in France by 2027.