Enhanced Regulations and Protective Measures for Young Gamblers in France
A recent proposal from France’s gambling regulatory body, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), reflects a growing concern regarding the impact of gambling advertising and its regulation, particularly for young players. Among the suggested measures is a comprehensive ban on gambling adverts during live sports broadcasts, commonly referred to as a "whistle-to-whistle" ban.
During a recent conference hosted by the ANJ, officials shared plans to tighten oversight on gambling sponsorships and introduce tools aimed at curbing potential financial losses for players aged 18 to 25. While these proposals are still in the initial stages and lack a definitive implementation timeline, the ANJ has signaled its intent to use the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup as a platform to promote responsible gambling practices.
The proposed whistle-to-whistle ban mirrors a self-regulatory effort introduced in the UK back in 2019, which aimed to reduce children’s exposure to gambling promotions. The ANJ’s call for stricter sponsorship oversight comes on the heels of a directive issued in January, requiring France’s top four gambling operators to reduce their marketing expenditures substantially.
In the aftermath of the conference, the ANJ emphasized the necessity for enhanced regulation to combat the trivialization of gambling. Unlike other European leagues, France’s Ligue 1 football is less saturated with gambling sponsorships; currently, only one team, Le Havre, has a gambling-related sponsorship through a deal with Winamax. Conversely, Betclic holds the title of official sportsbook sponsor for the Fédération Française de Rugby.
In a move to safeguard younger audiences, the ANJ also set forth new guidelines regarding the portrayal of athletes in gambling advertisements. If athletes are identified as popular among minors, their images will be restricted from promotional use. Simone Alexe, head of the addiction prevention office at the Directorate General of Health, pointed out the urgent need for new messaging to communicate the risks associated with gambling, especially during high-profile events such as the World Cup.
Recent statistics reveal that the players-info-service website received over eight million visits in 2024, marking a staggering 44% increase from the previous year. Notably, a significant portion of these visits was initiated by family and friends concerned about gamblers.
A Proactive Approach to Player Safety
The ANJ’s recent report underscores a commitment to establishing additional protective measures for players. Plans for an annual monitoring initiative to spot excessive gambling behaviors are underway, with expectations of multiple referrals to a sanctions committee as part of this effort.
The report articulates a vision for a cultural shift regarding gambling perception. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the ANJ sees this as a critical moment to initiate a widespread campaign that reframes gambling as an entertainment avenue rather than a straightforward path to ‘easy money.’
Past strategies aimed at curtailing excessive gambling have included refining identification systems to support at-risk gamblers. Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the ANJ, has reiterated the agency’s goal to cultivate a gambling environment in France that diminishes reliance on high-risk players while fostering a more sustainable model.
Looking ahead, the ANJ is exploring the creation of systematic tools to pinpoint problem gamblers effectively, planning to deploy a detection algorithm by 2026. In its 2024 annual report, the agency also mentioned ongoing discussions with the French government regarding potential legalization efforts in the iGaming sector.
This multi-faceted approach reflects a comprehensive strategy to ensure the safety of all players, particularly the vulnerable, while promoting a more responsible gambling landscape in France.