French Council of State Upholds ANJ’s Regulatory Authority

How far should gambling regulators go in controlling gaming products and advertising? The French Council of State has settled this debate, ruling in favor of the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) in a case brought by La Française des Jeux (FDJ). This landmark decision affirms ANJ’s power to limit gaming products, curb promotional strategies, and protect consumers from excessive gambling. With the ruling in place, France’s gambling industry faces stricter oversight than ever before.

French Council of State Confirms ANJ’s Authority to Regulate Gambling and Advertising

Key Points:

1. Council of State Confirms ANJ’s Authority Over Gambling Offerings

   • ANJ can restrict gaming options, regulate scratch card distribution, and remove high-risk games.
   • The decision aims to reduce excessive gambling and limit addiction risks.

2. Tighter Advertising Regulations Reinforced

   • ANJ has the power to prohibit ads that link gambling revenue to social causes.
   • The court ruled that such marketing tactics could mislead consumers about gambling risks.

3. France’s Regulatory Landscape Continues to Tighten

   • ANJ recently ordered operators to cut excessive promotional spending, following an 11% increase to €695M.
   • Stricter gambling controls are expected as France strengthens its player protection measures.

Council of State Rules in Favor of ANJ’s Gambling Oversight

On February 11, 2025, the French Council of State, the country’s highest administrative court, ruled in favor of the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) in a high-profile legal dispute with La Française des Jeux (FDJ). This ruling reinforces ANJ’s authority to regulate gambling products and marketing practices, further solidifying its position as France’s top gambling watchdog.

The legal battle began after FDJ challenged ANJ’s restrictions on its 2024 gaming and betting offerings, as well as new rules on gambling advertising. However, the court upheld ANJ’s decisions, emphasizing the regulator’s responsibility to prevent problem gambling and misleading advertising.

ANJ’s Power to Limit Gambling Products

One of the most significant aspects of the ruling confirms ANJ’s right to restrict the availability of high-risk gambling products. The regulator had intervened in FDJ’s gaming portfolio, limiting the distribution of certain scratch cards and digital games linked to excessive gambling behaviors.

The Council of State supported these restrictions, agreeing that:

• Stabilizing scratch card distribution prevents excessive gambling.
• Modifying or removing high-risk games helps curb problem gambling.
• Regulatory intervention is justified when a product contributes to addiction.

The court also recognized that illegal gambling markets influence regulatory decisions, further strengthening ANJ’s role in shaping a safer gambling environment.

Stricter Advertising Controls for Gambling Operators

The second ruling addressed ANJ’s authority over gambling advertisements, particularly marketing campaigns linking gambling revenue to social causes.

ANJ had previously barred FDJ from running ads that implied lottery proceeds directly funded charitable or social initiatives, arguing that:

• Such messaging could mislead consumers, making gambling seem like a social good.
• Gambling should not be marketed as a way to support public services.

The Council of State upheld ANJ’s restrictions, ensuring that gambling promotions do not blur the lines between responsible gaming and public benefit narratives.

France’s Regulatory Environment Becomes More Stringent

This ruling comes at a time when ANJ is tightening its grip on gambling promotions and industry spending. The regulator recently reviewed operators’ 2025 promotional budgets, finding an 11% increase to €695M. In response, ANJ ordered the four largest operators to reduce their advertising spend, reinforcing its commitment to limiting gambling exposure.

Additionally, France’s gambling authority has been:

• Imposing tougher responsible gaming measures on operators.
• Enhancing consumer protection against misleading gambling promotions.
• Increasing scrutiny over gambling-related marketing budgets.

With the Council of State validating ANJ’s authority, these regulatory crackdowns are expected to continue in the coming years.

What This Means for France’s Gambling Industry

With the Council of State backing ANJ’s oversight, France’s gambling industry faces:

1. More restrictions on game availability, especially for products linked to excessive gambling.
2. Stricter marketing regulations, making it harder for operators to justify gambling ads.
3. Increased scrutiny over advertising budgets, requiring operators to adjust their promotional strategies.

These changes align with global trends, as many European regulators are tightening controls to minimize gambling harm. Countries like the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands have already introduced stricter advertising laws, signaling a broader movement toward more responsible gaming policies.

For French operators, compliance with ANJ’s evolving standards will be critical to maintaining licenses and avoiding penalties.

A Defining Moment for French Gambling Regulation

The French Council of State’s ruling in favor of ANJ marks a significant turning point for the country’s gambling industry. By confirming the regulator’s authority to control gaming offerings and advertising, the decision reinforces France’s commitment to player protection and responsible gambling.

As ANJ continues to strengthen its regulatory framework, gambling operators must adapt to stricter oversight and changing marketing strategies. With these rulings in place, France is setting a new standard for gambling regulation, leaving operators, advertisers, and players facing a transformed industry landscape.

The question now is: Will other European regulators follow France’s lead in tightening gambling oversight?