France’s gambling regulator, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has announced a strategic pivot aimed at countering the rise of excessive gambling. In its 2024 annual report, the ANJ declared that it will no longer remain a passive observer of market trends—it will actively intervene to uphold public interest and player protection.
The French regulator emphasized that gambling “is not a trivial activity” and revealed that new enforcement tools will be introduced to tackle harmful practices. Among its top priorities: stricter oversight of VIP loyalty programs, aggressive bonuses, and prolonged gaming sessions encouraged by some operators.
The shift marks a departure from hands-off regulation. Instead, the ANJ is embracing a more hands-on philosophy, aligned with a broader European vision that places player well-being over profits.
France Takes Action to Protect Gamblers: New Harm Reduction Plans Approved
Notably, the regulator plans to toughen rules around advertising, especially marketing that glamorizes gambling or presents it as a financial solution. It also promises improved transparency on self-exclusion mechanisms and better access to behavioral data for early detection of addiction risks.
France, with this move, is cementing its role as a leader in responsible gambling policy. The ANJ’s bold tone suggests that operators will be under closer scrutiny than ever before—and that non-compliance could face real consequences. This pivot not only signals France’s maturing gambling market, but could influence similar shifts across Europe, especially in jurisdictions watching the balance between consumer freedom and state regulation.
