Jérôme Gallot named ombudsman for French gambling sector

Jérôme Gallot has been appointed Médiateur des Jeux , the consumer ombudsman for French gambling, tasked with resolving disputes between players and gaming operators. The appointment was announced by Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, President of l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), France's regulatory authority for gambling.  

Gallot, a seasoned legal expert and member of the Court of Auditors since 1985, brings extensive experience in consumer and competition law to the position. His previous roles include serving as Director-General of the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) from 1997 to 2003.  

The Médiateur des Jeux serves as a vital mechanism for addressing disputes between players and operators, including state-run monopolies such as Française des Jeux and PMU. Under the ANJ’s dispute resolution framework, consumers must first submit complaints directly to operators. If unresolved within 20 days or deemed unsatisfactory, they can escalate the issue to the mediator.  

In 2023, the Médiateur handled 1,523 requests, with 91% related to sports betting. However, 752 complaints were deemed inadmissible, mainly due to consumers failing to file a preliminary written claim with operators. Approximately one-third of admissible cases resulted in partial or full resolutions.
  
Gallot is expected to leverage his expertise to enhance the efficiency of the ANJ’s mediation process and strengthen consumer protections. His appointment aligns with ANJ’s broader goals of "protecting player rights and fostering fair practices in the gaming sector."