French regulator greenlights gambling industry's harm reduction plans

France's gambling regulator, l'Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has approved harm reduction plans submitted by gambling operators while ordering stricter compliance, particularly in preventing underage gambling and addressing problem gambling.

Since October 2019, all French gambling operators have been required to submit action plans to prevent excessive play and underage gambling. Between January and March 2025, ANJ reviewed submissions from the country’s two monopolies, PMU and FDJ, as well as online operators and 203 land-based casinos.

While the plans were approved, ANJ emphasized the need for stronger measures. It called for improved monitoring at points of sale to prevent underage gambling and better systems for identifying compulsive gamblers. It also proposed additional training for retailers to spot and address problem gambling early.

ANJ acknowledged progress in the online gambling sector, where operators have made strides in identifying and supporting problem gamblers. However, the regulator stated that harmful gambling still represents a significant portion of the online market and urged operators to improve detection and intervention. Specific measures include early intervention protocols and additional limits for high-risk gambling formats such as live betting and fast-paced poker tournaments.

Of the 203 casinos in France, only one did not meet the ANJ’s standards for harm reduction in its submitted plan. While many casinos are improving, others have made little progress since 2021. To assist, ANJ launched an e-learning program last year to provide concrete solutions for harm reduction challenges.