Operators encouraged to strengthen measures combating gambling-related harm, says ANJ
Bustin' the Betting Scene: France's Gambling Regulator Takes Action Against Underage Gambling and Excessive Play
France's gambling regulator, l'Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has stepped up its game to tackle underage gambling and excessive play. Here's the latest scoop:
Time to Show Some Serious Strategy
Over the past year, the ANJ has scrutinized the action plans of major players like PMU, FDJ United, and licensed online operators, plus land-based casinos. With 16 online operators and 203 casinos under its watch, the regulator has been making waves in the industry.
New Rules, Big Enforcement
Though the ANJ has given the green light to the latest action plans, it's clear that it's not about to roll over. It's demanding stricter enforcement, especially when it comes to keeping minors from accessing gambling platforms. The ANJ suggests beefing up policies to better safeguard retail points of sale and enforcing tougher restrictions on minors.
Eyes on Problem Gamblers
The ANJ also wants stronger systems to detect and support individuals exhibiting signs of excessive gambling. Proposals include spotting high-risk behavior at the point of sale and providing targeted training for staff to help tackle problem gambling effectively.
Reining in the Risk
With problem gambling being a high priority in the ANJ's 2024-2026 strategic plan, operators are feeling the heat. The ANJ wants operators to identify more at-risk players, aiming to match detection rates with available data and player population sizes.
Setting Boundaries
The ANJ believes early intervention in severe cases is crucial. It suggests applying strict limits to high-risk games such as live betting or fast-paced poker events to keep players on track. One operator's plan was given a thumbs-down, but the ANJ reported improved compliance in the casino sector overall, with some venues stepping up their game with updated harm reduction practices.
In a nutshell, the ANJ is laying down the law to ensure a safer and more responsible gambling environment in France. It launched an e-learning program last year to help casinos improve their harm reduction measures, and it's also raising awareness with campaigns like "T'as vu, t'as perdu" and "Derrière les mentions." The regulator is also strengthening its collaboration with public bodies to beef up anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts in the iGaming sector. So keep your eyes peeled and your game clean, France—the ANJ's on the case!
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- Overall: France's gambling regulator, l'Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has been putting in the work to combat underage gambling and excessive play. Some of the recent actions include:
- Imposing stricter regulations on the industry, focusing on preventing underage gambling and protecting retail points of sale.
- Enhancing the detection and support of problem gamblers, with initiatives like identifying high-risk behavior at the point of sale and providing targeted training for staff.
- Launching an e-learning program for land-based casinos to help them improve their harm reduction practices.
- Running awareness campaigns to educate young gamblers about the risks of sports betting and the consequences of excessive gambling.
- Raising the stakes on high-risk games like live betting and fast-paced poker tournaments, with stricter limits and early intervention measures.
- Strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts in the iGaming sector through improved collaboration with public bodies.
- The French gambling regulator, l'Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has been assessing the action plans of major casino and gambling operators, including land-based casinos, PMU, FDJ United, and online operators.
- The ANJ is emphasizing the importance of prevention, especially in keeping minors away from gambling platforms, stipulating stricter policies for retail points of sale and enforcing stricter restrictions on minors.
- In line with its strategic plan, the ANJ is advocating for stronger systems to detect and support problem gamblers, proposing the identification of high-risk individuals at the point of sale, providing targeted training for staff, and applying strict limits to high-risk games like live betting and fast-paced poker events.
- Operators must comply with these measures set forth by the ANJ as they aim to create a safer and more responsible gambling environment in France, evident in the increased emphasis on harm reduction practices in some casinos.
