France’s regulator approves harm reduction plans, tightens rules
The French gambling regulator, L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has approved harm reduction action plans for the industry but has ordered the country’s two major gambling monopolies, PMU and FDJ United, to strengthen their efforts.
Since 2019, all French gambling operators have been required to submit plans aimed at preventing excessive gambling and underage play. In 2025, the ANJ reviewed submissions from 16 licensed online operators, 203 land-based casinos, and the two state-backed monopolies.
While the ANJ has approved these plans, it has called for tougher compliance, particularly in ensuring a ban on sales to minors. The regulator suggested that stricter monitoring of physical sales points could help enforce this rule.
The ANJ also called for better systems to identify and support problem gamblers, including improved training and oversight for retailers.
Online gambling and high-risk games
As for online gambling, the ANJ said its approach has helped operators detect and support problem gamblers more effectively. Many now offer personalised support, making it easier to identify and assist at-risk players.
The French regulator asserted that much more has to be done in spite of these developments. It wants operators to take further steps to identify problem gamblers to ensure that the statistics accurately reflect the situation. In a bid to lessen possible harm, it is also pushing for stricter limits on high-risk activities like live betting and fast-paced poker tournaments to reduce potential harm.
Land-based casinos and compliance
In the land-based casino sector, only one casino failed to gain approval, while the rest met the regulator’s requirements. However, the ANJ said that overall compliance has improved, though some casinos have not updated their approach since 2021.
Earlier last year, to help the sector improve further, the regulator launched an e-learning programme that offers practical solutions for identifying and addressing gambling-related harm.
Growth in France’s gambling sector
As France’s gambling industry continues to grow, the ANJ reported a 3.8% rise in total revenue for the first half of 2024, reaching €5.5 billion (£4.13 billion). Meanwhile, the EGBA stated that gambling revenue across Europe grew by 5% in 2024, reaching €123.4 billion.
As the industry grows, the ANJ is pushing for operators to take more responsibility in tackling gambling harm, ensuring that harm reduction measures keep pace with market expansion.
