The French gaming ombudsman has published its 2025 activity report, revealing a significant rise in disputes linked to online gambling.
In total, the ombudsman received 1,856 requests, a 20% increase compared with 2024. The vast majority involved sports betting, which accounted for 91.5% of admissible complaints.
Most cases concerned account management issues such as blocking, closure and difficulties withdrawing funds, as well as disputes over bet results or cancellations.
A total of 843 applications were declared inadmissible. Meanwhile, 1,007 cases were processed.
The report highlights concern over a sharp increase in withdrawals by Winamax, which withdrew from 126 cases, representing more than a third of its cases handled. The mediator warned that this undermines confidence in the process.
On a positive note, the acceptance rate of the ombudsman’s proposals increased, rising from 46% in 2024 to 64% in 2025. This 18 percentage point increase is seen as a strong indicator of improved effectiveness in dispute resolution.
Gambling mediation helps resolve disputes amicably between players and operators licensed by the regulator, the ANJ, or companies with exclusive rights such as FDJ United and PMU. However, it does not prevent either party from taking legal action.
The report also sets out four key recommendations for operators and players. These include stronger monitoring of problem gambling and wider use of tools such as self-exclusion. Furthermore, it calls for clearer communication of welcome bonus eligibility rules so players understand the conditions before depositing or betting.
In addition, it urges increased vigilance against fraud. Finally, it recommends improving the accuracy of live betting data, with players advised to verify results through official sources.
In its 2024–2026 strategic plan, the ANJ has made reducing the number of problem gamblers a central regulatory priority
