ANJ’s Bold 2024‑26 Action Plan: Cutting Gambling Addiction

Did you know over 1.4 million French gamblers are at risk this year?

The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) just released its bold 2024‑2026 action plan.

Soon, gambling ads may change, illegal sites will be blocked faster, and vulnerable players protected.

Discover ANJ’s roadmap to a safer, cleaner, and more responsible gaming market.

ANJ’s 2024‑2026 Roadmap: Serious Action On Gambling Addiction

3 Key Points

• Aggressive reduction target – Aiming to lower both problem gamblers and their revenue share.
• Harm reduction enforcement – Mandatory operator prevention plans and stricter casino compliance.
• Stronger regulation & tech – More ad restrictions, heavy fines, URL blocks, and self-exclusion growth.

France’s gambling regulator, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has upped its game. The newly published 2024–2026 roadmap outlines sweeping measures to cut gambling addiction and protect vulnerable players. With gambling revenue soaring to over €13 billion by 2023, France has faced a mounting problem: an estimated 1.4 million at-risk gamblers and 400,000 pathological cases.

1. Transforming Intent into Action

ANJ’s previous focus was on guidelines. Now, it demands results. The roadmap sets measurable goals: cut the number of excessive gamblers and reduce their revenue share . Support efforts have surged. France’s voluntary self-exclusion register—Gokstop—has grown by 20% annually, reaching 85,000 people. But ANJ insists it’s not enough. Operators must now demonstrate early detection, intervention protocols, and safer play tools by 2026.

2. Enhanced Harm‑Reduction Measures

Between January and March 2025, ANJ reviewed prevention plans from all major operators: online platforms, land casinos, FDJ, and PMU. While improvements were noted—such as in personalized dashboards for online gamblers—gaps remained, especially in land‑based venues. ANJ mandated stricter monitoring for points of sale and training for staff in detecting excessive gambling. Mandatory pre-commitment tools and warning systems are also being expanded to slow engaged high-risk players.

3. Tightening Regulation & Enforcement

ANJ is escalating restrictions on gambling advertising, especially for high-risk formats like live poker or in-play betting. The regulator has also doubled efforts to shut illegal websites—blocking 1,335 URLs in 2024 and launching 231 enforcement actions.

Legal muscle is flexed with heavier penalties. In January 2025, Unibet received an €800,000 fine for technical failures in its self-exclusion system—ANJ’s largest penalty to date. Other sanctions in 2024 reached up to €150,000 per case .

4. A Collaborative, Data‑Driven Approach

The roadmap emphasizes evidence-based regulation. ANJ commits to ongoing research, open data sharing with stakeholders, and partnerships across Europe . It imagines itself as a public-policy lab—positioned to pilot bold, yet responsible innovations. National dialogues and European collaboration are core pillars.

5. Safeguarding Minors

Underage gambling remains a priority. France’s 2021 study revealed that 75% of ninth-graders gambled at least once in the previous year. ANJ demands stronger age verification, more awareness campaigns, and tighter restrictions on platforms accessible to minors.

6. The Road Ahead: Senate Symposium & Regular Reviews

On 27 June, a high-level symposium will convene at the French Senate. Regulators, lawmakers, and experts will discuss progress and adapt strategies. Meanwhile, ANJ plans regular progress reviews, legislative updates, and targeted technical upgrades.

France’s ANJ has shifted gears from reactive oversight to proactive transformation. With revenue surging, responsible gaming is no longer optional. Thanks to bold targets, tougher enforcement, smarter research, and broad coalition building, France is setting a new standard for whole-market regulation. The regulator’s challenge: keep operators accountable, protect vulnerable individuals, and maintain a thriving yet ethical gaming ecosystem. The world is watching—and other countries should too.