France’s Gaming Authority Puts a Spotlight on Harm Reduction Strategies Amid Industry Compliance Push
In an evolving landscape of gaming regulation, France’s l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has recently signaled a decisive call for enhanced harm reduction measures from the country’s gambling operators. This initiative focuses on bolstering existing action plans aimed at curtailing excessive gambling and protecting minors.
Since the enforcement of new regulations in October 2019, French gambling entities have been mandated to develop detailed action plans for the ANJ’s review, aimed at tackling issues related to underage gambling and excessive play. This examination of compliance took center stage from January through March of this year, encompassing both the French monopolies, PMU and FDJ United, along with a comprehensive evaluation of online and terrestrial gaming venues. Currently, France boasts 16 licensed online gaming operators and 203 casinos.
Although the ANJ has sanctioned the action plans submitted by these operators, it has expressed a strong desire for stricter adherence, particularly regarding the prohibition of sales to minors. Recommendations from the ANJ include instituting more rigorous monitoring at points of sale, ensuring that gambling products are not inadvertently accessible to children.
Moreover, the authority has underscored the need to fortify systems designed to identify and assist those engaged in problematic gambling behavior. A proactive approach is proposed, whereby operators will be urged to screen for excessive gambling indicators right at the point of sale, supplemented by training modules aimed at retail staff to better equip them to recognize warning signs.
As part of its long-term vision, the ANJ has made addressing excessive play a cornerstone of its strategic framework for 2024 to 2026.
ANJ Celebrates Gains in Online Gaming Regulation While Advocating for Further Progress
The ANJ has acknowledged that its objective-based regulatory framework for the online gaming sector has yielded positive results, particularly in enhancing the protective measures for identifying and aiding players exhibiting signs of excessive gambling. This has led to a noticeable uptick in identification rates by operators, with many now implementing tailored support mechanisms that reflect varying levels of risk.
Despite these advancements, the ANJ maintains that issues of problem gambling remain too prevalent within the online arena. Operators are now being urged to elevate their detection capabilities for excessive gambling behaviors in line with empirical studies and player demographic data.
The ANJ has emphasized the critical importance of early intervention in cases of severe gambling problems. Enhanced measures are to be introduced, such as additional limits on high-risk activities, including live betting and fast-paced poker formats, to safeguard players more effectively.
Enhancements in Land-Based Casino Compliance Efforts
In reviewing the harm reduction plans from land-based casinos, the ANJ reported approving all but one submission among the 203 licensed establishments in France. This reflects a broader trend of improvement within the sector regarding adherence to regulatory standards. Observations indicate that while some casinos are actively embracing industry best practices, others appear stagnant, resisting change since 2021.
To bolster efforts in mitigating harm, the ANJ has introduced an e-learning platform aimed at equipping casinos with practical solutions to address prevalent industry challenges in harm reduction.
The latest financial reports for the French gambling sector reveal promising growth, with a 3.8% year-on-year increase in overall turnover, reaching €5.5 billion (approximately $5.25 billion). As the landscape of gambling regulation continues to evolve, the focus remains staunchly on enhancing player protection and promoting responsible gaming practices across all platforms.