French Gambling Regulator Instructs PMU and FDJ United to Strengthen Harm Reduction Measures

The French gambling regulator, L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has approved the harm reduction action plans for 2025 submitted by gambling operators.

However, it has called on France’s two major monopoly operators, PMU and FDJ United, to enhance their compliance efforts.

Under French gambling regulations, all operators must submit annual plans outlining their strategies for reducing gambling-related harm. While most plans for 2025 received approval, the ANJ has expressed particular concern regarding compliance in preventing minors from accessing gambling services. As a result, the regulator is demanding stricter monitoring of PMU and FDJ’s physical retail locations to ensure that they are enforcing these prohibitions effectively.

Beyond restricting underage access, the ANJ has urged PMU and FDJ to refine their processes for identifying and assisting problem gamblers. The regulator has suggested that this could be achieved through improved training and monitoring programs for retail staff.

Online Gambling: Progress and Persistent Challenges

The ANJ has praised its goal-oriented regulatory strategy for online gambling, noting advancements in detecting and assisting players exhibiting excessive gambling behavior.

Despite these improvements, the regulator maintains that problem gambling remains too widespread and believes that operators need to identify a higher number of excessive gamblers so that their reported figures align more closely with independent studies on gambling addiction.

To further mitigate risks, the ANJ has recommended that operators introduce additional gaming limits, particularly for high-risk activities such as live betting and rapid poker tournaments. These measures aim to reduce the financial and psychological risks associated with fast-paced and highly immersive gambling formats.

Land-Based Casinos: Stagnation in Harm Reduction Approaches

In the land-based casino sector, the ANJ approved the harm reduction plans for nearly all establishments, with only one casino failing to gain approval. However, the regulator expressed concern that some casinos have not updated their harm reduction strategies since 2021.

To support operators in improving their responsible gambling initiatives, the ANJ launched an e-learning program last year. This initiative is designed to provide casinos with practical tools and training to enhance their harm reduction efforts.

French Gambling Market Growth and European Trends

France currently has 16 licensed online gaming operators and 203 physical casinos. The ANJ reported that total French gambling revenue for the first half of 2024 reached €5.5 billion, reflecting a 3.8 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

Meanwhile, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has revealed that gross gambling revenue across Europe as a whole reached €123.4 billion in 2024, marking a year-on-year growth of 5 percent.

As the French gambling market continues to expand, the ANJ remains focused on ensuring that harm reduction measures evolve in tandem with industry growth. By pressing operators to enhance compliance, improve player protections, and refine intervention strategies, the regulator aims to create a safer and more responsible gambling environment across France. 

By fLEXI tEAM