French Gambling Regulator Partners with Addiction Federation

French Gambling Regulator Partners with Addiction Federation to Combat Problem Gambling

The French gambling landscape is set for a transformative change!

The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has teamed up with the Addiction Federation to tackle excessive gambling and protect minors.

Discover how this powerful partnership will enhance player safety and promote responsible gambling.

Stay informed on the latest developments and join the movement towards safer gambling practices in France.

France’s national gambling regulator, Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has announced a significant partnership with the Addiction Federation. This collaboration aims to bolster the prevention of excessive gambling and enhance the protection of minors through a series of joint actions and initiatives.

Focus Areas of the Partnership

The partnership will concentrate on four primary areas:

1. Research and Prevention Studies: Conducting comprehensive studies into prevention methods and support mechanisms for those affected by gambling addiction.
2. Development of Support Tools: Creating tools to assist both players and addiction professionals in managing and mitigating gambling-related issues.
3. Training Programmes: Designing and implementing training programmes for addiction professionals to better understand and tackle gambling addiction.
4. Joint Events and Publications: Organizing events and publishing documents to raise awareness and educate the public on responsible gambling practices.

Joint Training and Research Activities

One of the key components of this partnership involves joint training activities. These sessions aim to equip addiction professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to address gambling-related issues effectively. Additionally, the ANJ and the Addiction Federation will collaborate on publishing a detailed document that outlines the regulation of gambling, specifically tailored for addiction professionals.

Addressing Problem Gambling in France

In 2019, the Gaming Observatory in France estimated that there were approximately 1.4 million at-risk gamblers, with nearly 400,000 of them at a pathological level. Alarmingly, problem gambling accounted for over 38% of the sector’s turnover. Recognizing the gravity of this issue, the ANJ has made reducing problem gambling a priority in its 2024/2026 strategic plan.

Rise in Betting in France

This week, the ANJ reported a substantial increase in licensed bets in France, hitting €5.2bn in H1 2024, a 24% rise year-on-year. Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) also saw a significant boost, up 16% to €871m. Online betting contributed heavily to this growth, with a 10% increase to €1.3bn, and the number of active online player accounts rose by 13% year-on-year to 2 million in June.

The strong growth in June can be attributed to the Euro 2024 tournament. However, the total amount wagered on the Euros was €650m, falling short of the ANJ’s forecast of €1bn. This was notably lower than the €900m staked during the previous tournament in 2021. The ANJ cited the poor performance of the French team and the distraction of the French general election as contributing factors to this decline.

Concerns About Unlicensed Betting

The French online gaming association, AFJEL, suggested that unlicensed betting on Euro 2024 significantly impacted the licensed market. They estimate that unlicensed operators took nearly half of the expected handle, pointing to a substantial black market presence.

Conclusion

The partnership between the ANJ and the Addiction Federation marks a pivotal step in combating problem gambling in France. By focusing on research, support tools, training, and public awareness, this collaboration aims to create a safer and more responsible gambling environment. As the ANJ continues to monitor and regulate the industry, these initiatives will be crucial in protecting vulnerable players and promoting sustainable gambling practices. Stay tuned for further updates on this transformative effort in the French gambling landscape.