ANJ warns of €1.2 Billion World Cup betting boom and rising youth risks

France's gambling regulator, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has launched a major public awareness campaign ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup as concerns grow over the expected surge in sports betting activity across the country. The regulator forecasts that total wagers placed during the tournament could reach a record €1.2 billion, significantly surpassing the amount recorded during the 2022 World Cup.

The anticipated increase in betting activity reflects the growing popularity of sports wagering in France, particularly among younger adults. While the expected revenue and engagement levels demonstrate the sector's continued expansion, regulators have simultaneously highlighted the increasing social and public health challenges associated with gambling participation.

The ANJ has therefore chosen to combine regulatory oversight with a broad public information campaign designed to educate consumers about gambling-related risks and encourage responsible behavior throughout the tournament.

Record betting expectations for the World Cup

According to projections released by the ANJ, French bettors are expected to wager approximately €1.2 billion during the World Cup. This figure would represent a substantial increase compared to the nearly €900 million wagered during the previous tournament in 2022.

The forecast reflects a broader trend that has seen sports betting become increasingly integrated into major sporting events. Football remains the most popular betting sport in France and international competitions such as the World Cup typically generate exceptionally high levels of consumer interest.

The regulator has acknowledged that the tournament's extensive schedule, combined with widespread media coverage and digital accessibility, creates an environment in which betting activity is likely to reach unprecedented levels.

However, alongside these expectations, the ANJ has stressed the importance of ensuring that growth in the sector does not come at the expense of consumer protection.

Young adults remain a key area of concern

One of the primary concerns identified by the regulator relates to the participation of younger adults in sports betting.

Research conducted by Toluna-Harris Interactive in late May suggests that more than half of French adults intend to follow the World Cup. Among those planning to watch the tournament, betting intentions are particularly high among younger demographics.

The survey indicates that 52 percent of viewers aged between 18 and 24 intend to place bets during the competition. Among those aged 25 to 34, the figure rises slightly to 54 percent.

These statistics have attracted the attention of regulators because younger consumers are often considered more vulnerable to developing problematic gambling habits. The accessibility of mobile betting applications and online platforms has made participation easier than ever before, allowing wagers to be placed within seconds from virtually any location.

The ANJ believes that increased awareness and preventive measures are necessary to ensure that younger audiences understand the risks associated with excessive gambling activity.

Evidence of increased spending intentions

Beyond participation rates, the survey data also points to another important trend. Many individuals who already engage in sports betting report plans to increase their gambling expenditure during the World Cup.

This finding suggests that the tournament may not simply attract new participants but could also encourage existing bettors to become more active and spend larger amounts than usual.

Major international sporting events often create highly emotional environments in which supporters become deeply invested in match outcomes. Industry observers note that such conditions can encourage more frequent betting behavior, especially when promotions, bonuses and extensive marketing campaigns are simultaneously targeting consumers.

The ANJ has emphasized that responsible gambling measures become especially important during these periods of heightened activity.

Concerns over loss of control and gambling addiction

While sports betting remains a form of entertainment for many consumers, the regulator has expressed concern regarding indicators of problematic gambling behavior among some participants.

Survey findings reveal that a significant proportion of active sports bettors believe they have experienced periods in which they lost control over their gambling activities during the past year.

Among younger adults aged 18 to 24, concerns appear particularly pronounced. Data suggests that a substantial percentage of individuals within this age group have encountered difficulties managing their betting behavior.

For regulators, these findings reinforce the need for ongoing education regarding gambling risks, financial management and responsible play.

The ANJ has consistently argued that betting products should be marketed and offered in a manner that prioritizes consumer protection. The regulator maintains that gambling should remain a recreational activity rather than a source of financial stress or emotional distress.

Wider social consequences extend beyond individual bettors

The impact of problematic gambling extends beyond the individuals directly involved.

Survey participants reported that gambling-related difficulties are often visible within families, friendship groups and local communities. Approximately one in five respondents indicated that they personally know someone who has experienced a serious loss of control over their gambling habits.

These findings illustrate the broader social implications of excessive gambling behavior. Financial difficulties, relationship strain and emotional stress can affect not only bettors but also those around them.

French public health organizations and support services have long highlighted the importance of early intervention. By identifying warning signs and providing access to assistance, authorities hope to reduce the long-term consequences associated with gambling-related harm.

Growing criticism of gambling advertising

Another issue highlighted by the survey involves the visibility of gambling advertising.

A significant proportion of respondents reported recently encountering sports betting promotions through television broadcasts, social media platforms and internet advertising.

Television remains one of the most influential channels during major sporting events. However, digital platforms have increasingly become important marketing tools due to their ability to reach consumers in real time.

Public opinion appears to favor stricter restrictions on such advertising practices. Survey results suggest strong support for limiting betting advertisements during live sporting broadcasts.

Many respondents favor preventing gambling commercials from appearing during match intervals, while others support broader restrictions around kickoff and final whistle periods.

The ANJ has repeatedly stated that advertising should be conducted responsibly and should not encourage excessive gambling or create unrealistic expectations regarding potential winnings.

ANJ adopts an unconventional public awareness strategy

Rather than relying solely on traditional public service announcements, the ANJ has chosen a more visible and interactive approach for its latest awareness campaign.

Working alongside creative agency LIBRE, the regulator plans to install specially designed living room displays in public spaces shortly before the World Cup begins.

These installations are intended to demonstrate some of the potential consequences associated with gambling addiction. Through staged scenarios involving actors, the campaign will highlight issues such as financial hardship, anxiety, compulsive behavior and social isolation.

The displays will incorporate warning-style visual elements commonly associated with health and safety campaigns. The objective is to encourage members of the public to reflect on gambling-related risks in a direct and accessible manner.

Visitors will also be directed to Evalujeu, a digital platform that offers self-assessment tools and information about available support resources.

Increased monitoring throughout the tournament

The regulator has identified the World Cup as a period during which multiple risk factors may converge simultaneously.

A larger number of matches, extensive media exposure and continuous betting opportunities can contribute to higher participation rates and increased consumer vulnerability.

In response, the ANJ has indicated that it intends to strengthen oversight of betting operators and media organizations throughout the competition. The regulator will monitor compliance with existing advertising regulations and responsible gambling obligations.

At the same time, cooperation with healthcare providers and support networks will be reinforced to ensure that assistance remains available for individuals who may experience gambling-related difficulties during the tournament.

Conclusion

As France prepares for what could become the largest World Cup betting event in its history, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux faces the challenge of balancing industry growth with consumer protection. The projected €1.2 billion in wagers reflects the immense popularity of football and sports betting among French consumers. However, it also highlights the importance of addressing the risks associated with excessive gambling participation.

By combining public awareness initiatives, regulatory oversight and cooperation with support organizations, the ANJ aims to reduce potential harm while promoting responsible betting practices. The regulator's actions demonstrate a growing recognition that major sporting events can create both economic opportunities and social challenges. As the tournament approaches, protecting vulnerable consumers, particularly younger adults, is expected to remain a central priority for French authorities.

FAQs

What is the ANJ?
The Autorité Nationale des Jeux is France's national gambling regulator responsible for overseeing licensed gambling activities and protecting consumers.

How much betting does the ANJ expect during the World Cup?
The regulator forecasts that approximately €1.2 billion could be wagered in France during the tournament.

How does this compare to the previous World Cup?
The projected amount is significantly higher than the nearly €900 million wagered during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Why is the ANJ concerned about young adults?
Research suggests that younger adults show high levels of betting participation and may face greater risks related to problematic gambling behavior.

What percentage of young viewers plan to place bets?
Survey data indicates that 52 percent of viewers aged 18 to 24 and 54 percent of viewers aged 25 to 34 intend to bet on World Cup matches.

What is Evalujeu?
Evalujeu is a digital platform that provides self-assessment tools and guidance for individuals concerned about their gambling behavior.

Why is gambling advertising receiving criticism?
Many members of the public believe betting advertisements are too visible during sporting events and support stronger restrictions.

What type of awareness campaign is the ANJ launching?
The regulator is creating public installations that demonstrate potential consequences of gambling addiction and encourage responsible behavior.

Will betting operators face increased oversight during the World Cup?
Yes. The ANJ has indicated that it will closely monitor operators and broadcasters for compliance with gambling regulations.

What is the main objective of the ANJ's campaign?
The primary goal is to raise awareness of gambling risks while promoting safer and more responsible betting practices.