French Authorities Push for Enhanced Online Gaming Security Measures
French Gambling Regulator ANJ Demands Intensified Steps to Combat Problem Gambling
It's clear the French gambling industry is under the magnifying glass as the National Gambling Authority (ANJ) calls for intensified efforts to combat excessive and underage gambling. Although progress has been made, ANJ continues to stress the need for more comprehensive strategies to adequately reduce gambling-related harm.
Key Insights:
- ANJ recognizes operators' progress, yet insists on implementing more robust harm reduction strategies.
- Online gambling operators have shown promise with player awareness tools, but must focus on identifying a larger number of at-risk players.
- Land-based sectors face specific hurdles, such as retail checks and racetrack zoning.
- The regulator emphasizes the importance of rigorous point-of-sale checks, a clear penalty framework, and improved identification and support for problem gamblers.
Raising the Stakes for Player Protection
The French gambling landscape is under thorough evaluation, as L'AutoriteΜ Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) demands intensified measures to combat problem gambling. Although acknowledging improvements in operators' action plans, the regulator underscores the necessity of implementing more comprehensive strategies to successfully minimize gambling-related harm.
Online Casinos Showing Promise, With Room to Improve
ANJ acknowledges 'significant progress' in the online gambling domain, particularly in player prevention tools implementation. Operators like Unibet and Betclic have deployed personalized feedback systems to educate players about their gaming activities. However, the regulator accentuates the need for these providers to detect an increased number of at-risk players, commensurate with their user base and prevalence studies.
Online operators are now required to deliver 'tangible, measurable results' subject to audits. Moreover, they may need to implement stricter gambling limits on high-risk products, such as live betting.
Brick-and-Mortar Challenges: Retail and Racetracks
For brick-and-mortar giants FDJ United and Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), ANJ is demanding enhanced point-of-sale controls and a stringent penalty framework. The regulator also advocates for improved identification and support of individuals experiencing gambling troubles, suggesting the implementation of a new identification model in retail settings.
The land-based casino sector has reported improvements in staff training for identifying and supporting problem gamblers. However, progress remains inconsistent across operators, with some making minimal advancements since 2021. To address this, ANJ has launched an e-learning program, already training over 760 individuals in practical tools for tackling gambling issues.
Racetracks face unique challenges, with ANJ advocating for a clear separation between family-friendly areas and betting zones. The regulator stresses the importance of ensuring children's entertainment does not inadvertently promote gambling.
Persistent Efforts and Cross-Sector 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 expected to witness continued development in responsible gambling practices.
This push for increased player protection measures could potentially impact regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions, as gambling authorities worldwide struggle to balance industry expansion with social responsibility.
The upcoming months will be significant as operators implement these recommendations and prepare for potential audits. The industry's reaction to these regulatory demands will likely shape the future landscape of responsible gambling in France and potentially beyond.
- The French gambling regulator, ANJ, has highlighted the requirement for online gambling operators, such as Unibet and Betclic, to deliver tangible results in identifying and combating at-risk players, even as they demonstrate progress in implementing player prevention tools.
- In line with the ANJ's demands, land-based sectors, including FDJ United and Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), are called upon to strengthen point-of-sale checks and establish a stringent penalty framework, particularly for high-risk products like live betting.
- To contribute effectively to the comprehensive strategy for responsible gaming, the brick-and-mortar casino sector is being urged to enhance staff training for identifying and supporting problem gamblers, mirror a new identification model in retail settings, and ensure a clear separation between children's entertainment and betting zones at racetracks.
- As the French gambling market adapts to the ANJ's persisting efforts in promoting responsible gambling, it may serve as a model for other jurisdictions facing similar challenges, altering global regulatory approaches to maintain a balance between industry growth and social responsibility.
