The French regulator, ANJ, has examined the "Prevention of Problem Gambling and Underage Gambling" measures of all gambling operators. Annual action plans on these measures must be submitted to the ANJ for approval.
While highlighting the progress, the ANJ called for further efforts to achieve the goal of reducing the prevalence of problem gamblers by 2027.
The ANJ issued several recommendations to gambling operators, urging them to strengthen their systems, from staff training to the information provided to players.
Where do PMU and FDJ still need to strengthen their controls?
The ANJ approved plans of FDJ and PMU, which together account for nearly two-thirds of the gambling market. However, it asked them to improve their efforts in two key areas.
First, they must better enforce the ban on underage gambling. This includes stronger monitoring of land-based points of sale, clearer sanctions and more risk-based controls.
Second, they need to improve how they identify and support problem gamblers, especially in land-based venues
Online operators report notable progress, but the ANJ calls for stronger safeguards
The ANJ notes that online operators have made progress in preventing underage gambling through registration controls and awareness campaigns.
Furthermore, improvements are being made in the identification of problem gamblers. The number of detected cases rose from 31,000 in 2024 to 89,000 in 2025, driven by refined detection systems.
Nevertheless, ANJ urges online operators to further enhance detection efforts and demonstrate measurable improvements in prevention systems.
Land-based casinos: Mixed results across the sector in identifying problem gamblers
While identification and support systems at land-based casinos are improving, overall progress outcomes are mixed. Some casinos perform well, while others identify too few problem gamblers given their activity levels.
The ANJ noted stronger collaboration with addiction services and ongoing training efforts. All action plans were approved except for one casino.
Are current measures in horseracing sufficient to protect minors?
Finally, in the horseracing sector, progress has been made in informing bettors, training volunteers, and maintaining oversight by the National Federation of HorseRacing (FNCH). However, the ANJ called for better identification and support of problem gamblers at racetracks, noting that current efforts remain insufficient. The ANJ further stressed the importance of clearly separating family areas from betting areas at racetracks.
ANJ notes: Excessive gambling and underage gambling remain among the most significant risks
The French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addictions (OFDT) estimated that in 2024, there were 1.17 million problem gamblers, including 360,000 exhibiting excessive gambling behaviour.
A recent study conducted by the Association for Research and Prevention of Excessive Gambling ARPEJ, in collaboration with the ANJ, reported on underage gambling.
It found that in 2025, approximately four out of ten young people have participated in gambling, which represents a 7.8% increase compared to the findings from the 2021 survey.
In its 2024–2026 strategic plan, the ANJ has made reducing the number of problem gamblers a central regulatory priority
