France’s gambling regulator says ‘further efforts’ needed to reduce problem gambling by 2027
Summary
The French regulator l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) reviewed prevention action plans submitted by all licensed operators between November 2025 and March 2026. The review concluded there has been measurable progress — improved detection of excessive players, better age checks and staff training — but warned that further effort is required for France to meet ambitious targets to reduce problem gambling by 2027.
Key statistics highlighted: an estimated 1.17 million people in France showed problematic gambling behaviour in 2024 (around 360,000 classed as excessive players); 42.6% of 15–17 year‑olds reported gambling at least once in 2025; and pre‑pandemic data suggested roughly 38% of gross gaming revenue was linked to problem gamblers.
The ANJ also raised concerns about prediction market platforms operating without French authorisation, and noted regulatory moves including the experimental JONUM regime for monetisable digital objects and calls for a whistle‑to‑whistle advertising ban around the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Key Points
- ANJ review found industry progress on prevention but said more is needed to hit 2027 reduction targets.
- Estimated 1.17 million people in France showed problematic gambling behaviour in 2024; ~360,000 were excessive players.
- Underage gambling rose: 42.6% of 15–17 year‑olds gambled in 2025 (ENJEU‑Mineurs survey).
- Operators improved online detection of excessive play: 89,000 identified in 2025 versus 31,000 in 2024.
- Pre‑pandemic data indicated ~38% of GGR came from problem gamblers, underlining revenue dependency risks.
- ANJ flagged unauthorised prediction markets (eg Polymarket) and called them illegal in France.
- Sector actions: stronger age verification, staff e‑learning (2,200+ completions), casino/racecourse measures — but some plans were rejected for shortcomings.
- Regulatory developments: JONUM experimental framework for monetisable digital objects and a proposed whistle‑to‑whistle ad ban during the 2026 World Cup.
Why should I read this?
Short version: regulators are cracking the whip. If you work in compliance, operations or player protection, this is your wake‑up call — youth gambling is up, problem gamblers still bankroll a big slice of revenue, and ANJ wants proof your measures actually work before 2027. Worth five minutes to see what might land in your inbox or your next audit.