French gambling authority ANJ has issued a call to action for operators across all sectors to step up their efforts in reducing gambling-related harms.
Key Takeaways:
- ANJ acknowledges progress but demands expanded efforts to curb gambling harm
- Online operators praised for player awareness tools, urged to identify more at-risk players
- Land-based sectors face specific challenges, including retail checks and racetrack zoning
Regulator Pushes for Enhanced Player Protection
The French gambling landscape is under scrutiny as L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) calls for intensified measures to combat excessive and underage gambling. While acknowledging advancements in operators’ action plans, the regulator insists that more comprehensive strategies are necessary to effectively reduce gambling-related harm.
Online Sector Shows Promise, Room for Improvement
ANJ has recognized ‘notable progress’ in the online gaming sphere, particularly in the implementation of player awareness tools. Operators like Unibet and Betclic have successfully employed personalized feedback systems to inform players about their gaming activities. However, the regulator emphasizes the need for these companies to identify a larger number of at-risk players, proportionate to their user base and prevalence studies.
Online operators are now tasked with delivering ‘verifiable, measurable results’ subject to audits. Additionally, they may need to implement stricter gambling limits on high-risk products such as live betting.
Land-Based Challenges: Retail and Racetracks
For retail giants FDJ United and Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), ANJ is pushing for more rigorous point-of-sale checks and a clear penalty framework. The regulator also advocates for improved identification and support of individuals experiencing gambling harms, suggesting the trial of a new player identification model in retail settings.
The land-based casino sector has shown improvements in staff training for identifying and supporting problem gamblers. However, progress remains uneven across operators, with some showing little advancement since 2021. To address this, ANJ has launched an e-learning program, which has already trained over 760 individuals in practical tools for addressing gambling issues.
Racetracks face unique challenges, with ANJ calling for a clear separation between family-friendly areas and betting zones. The regulator stresses the importance of ensuring that children’s entertainment does not inadvertently promote gambling.
Ongoing Efforts and Industry-Wide Implications
The ANJ’s comprehensive review of the gambling industry underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect vulnerable players. As operators across all sectors work to align with the regulator’s goals, the French gambling market is likely to see continued evolution in responsible gaming practices.
This push for enhanced player protection measures could potentially influence regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions, as gambling authorities worldwide grapple with the challenge of balancing industry growth with social responsibility.
The coming months will be crucial as operators implement these recommendations and prepare for potential audits. The industry’s response to these regulatory demands will likely shape the future landscape of responsible gambling in France and potentially beyond.
