FDJ’s 2026 gaming plan approved by ANJ with conditions

The French national gambling regulator, L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has formally approved the 2026 gaming and betting program submitted by La Française des Jeux (FDJ), the operator with exclusive rights to offer lottery and betting products in France. However, the approval has been granted with significant caveats. The ANJ has urged FDJ to revise or remove certain games and to refrain from marketing strategies that could contribute to problem gambling, particularly among vulnerable users.

The regulator’s decision reflects a wider concern about the rise in problem gambling behaviors across France. According to ANJ’s latest annual report, the number of individuals who have self-excluded from gambling activities has increased dramatically, more than doubling from 40,000 in 2021 to 85,000 in 2024. This upward trend in self-exclusion has been interpreted as a warning signal of broader social harm connected to gambling products and marketing practices.

Marketing restrictions imposed to mitigate gambling risks

In its review of FDJ’s proposals, the ANJ expressed concern over the use of promotional messaging that implies a high likelihood of winning. Phrases such as “more than x chance(s) in x of winning” or “best chance of winning €X” were specifically flagged as problematic. The ANJ stated that such messages can give players an inflated sense of optimism, potentially encouraging excessive gambling behavior.

While FDJ defended its position by emphasizing a desire to “ensure the attractiveness of the lottery and sports betting offer at points of sale by promoting the ranges, innovation and digitalisation,” the regulator countered that these aims must be balanced with its legal responsibility to prevent gambling-related harm.

Online games under scrutiny for addictiveness and accessibility

A particular focus of the ANJ’s intervention involves FDJ’s online product offerings. The regulator has warned that revenue should not disproportionately rely on problem gamblers, especially when it comes to online formats, which are more accessible and often linked with higher-risk behaviors.

Several specific types of online gaming have been identified as requiring modification or removal. These include:

• Successive online draws,
• Online scratch cards priced at €3 and €5,
• “Web Exclusive” games offered only through digital platforms.

The ANJ has prohibited the online offering of FDJ’s Amigo draw game and has extended its freeze on successive draw games into 2025. Furthermore, it has continued the restriction on €3 scratch tickets, both online and in physical form, and has capped the availability of €5 games to just two offerings.

FDJ’s financial outlook potentially affected

The announcement of the program’s approval—paired with the outlined restrictions—coincided with a notable downturn in FDJ’s stock market performance. The company’s share price fell by 11.1%, closing at €30.30 during the week of the regulator’s decision. Although market dynamics are multifaceted, the timing suggests that investors may be responding to concerns about the viability and profitability of FDJ’s product range under tighter regulatory control.

While FDJ retains its privileged market position as the exclusive operator for state lotteries and certain betting categories, the company will now face more stringent regulatory expectations concerning the balance between profit generation and player protection.

The regulator’s focus on scratch card games and vulnerable groups

The ANJ has also released new findings from a study assessing the risks associated with scratch card games. These games are among the most widely consumed gambling products in France—second only to the national lottery. In 2024 alone, over €10.7 billion was wagered through scratch games, attracting an estimated 20 million players nationwide.

While the study acknowledged that scratch cards can be seen as entertaining by casual players, it raised significant concerns about their impact on high-risk gamblers. These concerns become especially acute when players engage with both retail and online scratch formats and when ticket prices exceed €3.

One of the key findings was that high-risk individuals are more susceptible to advertising, particularly when games involve mechanisms designed to increase excitement—such as instant gratification, bonus rounds, or visual effects that mimic casino-style play.

ANJ encourages responsible innovation and balanced offerings

While the ANJ is taking a firm stance on player protection, it has not altogether discouraged innovation within the French gaming market. In fact, the regulator explicitly acknowledged FDJ’s intent to modernize and digitize its offerings.

Nonetheless, the agency emphasized that such innovation must be accompanied by responsible design. The creation of new gaming formats must not come at the expense of ethical considerations, especially when vulnerable demographics—such as younger adults or individuals with a gambling history—may be at risk.

The ANJ also reiterated that exclusivity arrangements such as those enjoyed by FDJ come with heightened responsibility. As the primary operator licensed to offer lottery and sports betting services in France, FDJ is expected to set industry standards for compliance, ethical conduct, and harm reduction.

Internal changes at ANJ signal strategic direction

The timing of the decision also coincided with internal developments at the ANJ. Earlier this week, the regulator appointed Pauline Hot as its new Director General. Hot’s promotion may signal a continued or even enhanced emphasis on oversight, consumer protection, and stricter enforcement.

Under her leadership, the ANJ is expected to push forward with its agenda of tightening control over gambling operators, refining compliance frameworks, and mandating more rigorous risk assessments before product launches.

Moving forward: A delicate balance between business and regulation

The 2026 program approval represents a nuanced outcome for FDJ. While the company maintains its exclusive operating rights and continues to dominate the national gaming landscape, it must now carefully navigate a regulatory environment that is both demanding and dynamic.

Failure to comply with the ANJ’s directives could expose FDJ to reputational risk, legal challenges, or even further restrictions on its product lines. On the other hand, full compliance may involve the reduction or elimination of some revenue-generating products, at least in the short term.

This case exemplifies the broader European trend of tightening gambling regulations to protect consumers. Across the continent, national regulators are increasingly aligning on the need to limit harm, reduce problem gambling rates, and hold dominant operators to account.

In France, where FDJ operates under a partial state ownership model, the tension between public welfare and commercial interest is particularly pronounced. The latest developments confirm that the French regulatory landscape is moving toward more restrictive practices in line with evidence-based risk assessments.

Conclusion

The approval of FDJ’s 2026 gaming program by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) marks a critical juncture in the evolution of France’s gambling regulatory framework. While FDJ retains its exclusive rights as the nation’s principal lottery and sports betting operator, the regulator has imposed firm boundaries to ensure that consumer protection remains a central pillar of the industry. These conditions—ranging from prohibitions on specific games and marketing language to broader oversight of online offerings—demonstrate a proactive regulatory approach aimed at minimizing gambling-related harm.

In light of rising self-exclusion figures and growing public concern over problem gambling, the ANJ’s actions are both timely and necessary. They reflect an increasing expectation that gambling operators must not only deliver commercial success but do so within a framework of ethical responsibility and social accountability.

As FDJ adapts its offerings to comply with these new requirements, the coming years will be a test of how effectively the operator can innovate within a tightly regulated environment. Meanwhile, the ANJ’s firm stance sends a broader message to the gaming sector: the priority is not just profit, but player safety, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

FAQs

What is FDJ’s 2026 gaming program?
It is the next iteration of FDJ’s national lottery and betting offerings, approved by France’s gambling regulator ANJ, subject to conditions.

What conditions did the ANJ impose on FDJ’s gaming program?
The ANJ required FDJ to eliminate certain promotional messages, limit high-risk games, and reduce reliance on revenue from problem gamblers.

Why did the ANJ restrict FDJ’s promotional language?
The regulator believes that some marketing phrases may mislead players by implying inflated chances of winning, potentially encouraging harmful play.

What games were particularly affected by the ANJ’s decision?
Successive online draws, €3 and €5 scratch games, “Web Exclusive” digital games, and the Amigo draw game were all impacted by regulatory restrictions.

Why has the number of self-excluded gamblers increased in France?
A growing awareness of gambling harms and easier access to online gaming platforms may have contributed to the rise from 40,000 in 2021 to 85,000 in 2024.

Is FDJ still allowed to offer scratch cards?
Yes, but only under tighter restrictions. €3 games remain frozen and €5 games are capped at two. Online versions are especially restricted.

What did the ANJ’s study say about scratch games?
It found that while fun for many, scratch cards can contribute to problem gambling, especially when priced over €3 or played across both online and retail formats.

Has the ANJ appointed a new Director General?
Yes, Pauline Hot was promoted earlier this week and is expected to continue ANJ’s strategy of enforcing tighter consumer protection standards.

How has FDJ’s share price responded to the regulatory decision?
FDJ’s stock dropped by 11.1% following the announcement, likely due to investor concerns about future revenue under stricter regulations.

What is the broader implication of this decision for the French gambling industry?
It indicates a continued trend toward stricter regulation, consumer protection, and limits on marketing and product design to reduce harm.