The French regulator, ANJ, released a statement today (July 25) forecasting up to €240 million in bets for the Paris Olympic Games. The statement discusses potential developments for the Paris Olympics and assesses the outcomes of its actions during Euro 2024.
Olympic Games projections
The ANJ projects that betting during the Paris Olympic Games could reach €240 million, double the amount wagered during the Tokyo Games in 2021. A study by Toluna-Harris Interactive cited by the ANJ found that 25% of French people interested in the Olympics are considering betting. Of these potential bettors, 74% say that the Games being held in Paris increases their interest in betting, even though 64% did not bet during the Tokyo Games four years ago.
Among the 32 sports represented at the Olympic Games, the ANJ received licensing requests for all sports except breaking, skateboarding, surfing, swimming (artistic and diving), gymnastics (rhythmic and trampoline), and equestrian (dressage and eventing).
Growth of the online sports betting market in the first half of 2024
Compared to 2023, the amount wagered has increased by 24% (€5.2 billion) in the first half of 2024, with gross gaming revenue rising by 16% (€871 million). The number of active player accounts has also grown by 16%, exceeding 2 million accounts.
Euro 2024: betting revenue below expectations
During Euro 2024, however, only half of the anticipated betting revenue was collected. French operators registered €650 million in bets, roughly the same amount as during Euro 2021.
Factors cited by the ANJ for this shortfall include the political context in France during the tournament and limited media coverage due to the upcoming Olympics.
Additionally, France’s fewer goals and absence from the final contributed to the lower revenue.
One reason many stakeholders have cited for the anticipated amounts being nearly halved is the weak channelisation. However, the ANJ clarifies that although the number of illegal operators and websites has increased, the actual volume of bets placed on these platforms remains relatively low.
Increased regulatory monitoring during the Olympic Games
A new risk monitoring system will be in place during the competition to prevent sports manipulation, involving cooperation among the ANJ, COJOP (Comité d’Organisation des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques), IOC (International Olympic Committee), and various national and international partners. This is the first time the Olympics are hosted in a country with a dedicated national platform for combating sports manipulation, explains the ANJ.
This platform, led by the Minister of Sports, includes various government ministries, sports organisations, and gaming operators. The ANJ will oversee betting activities, manage alerts, and coordinate actions.
Internationally, a network of national platforms, supported by the Council of Europe and comprising nearly forty countries, will facilitate information exchange to fight international organised crime.
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