French Regulator ANJ Demands Aggressive Action as Problem Gambling Rates Targeted for 2027 Reduction

France's gambling regulator warns that more work is needed to hit 2027 safety goals. Read about rising underage gambling and the push for stricter ad bans.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 11:10 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from the IGB

Ambitious 2027 Targets Require Industry Shift

The French national regulator (ANJ) has concluded a five month review of prevention action plans from all licensed operators, concluding that "further efforts" are essential to protect the public. The review, which spanned from November 2025 to March 2026, serves as a status report on France’s goal to drastically reduce problem gambling by 2027. While the industry has shown progress in identifying at risk individuals, the ANJ maintains that the current pace of reform will not be enough to meet the government’s ambitious public health benchmarks.

Rising Underage Gambling Despite Strict Bans

One of the most alarming findings in the regulator's report is the sharp increase in gambling among minors. The 2025 ENJEU-Mineurs survey revealed that 42.6% of 15 to 17 year olds had gambled at least once in the previous year—a nearly 8% increase since 2021. This rise occurred despite a strict legal ban on sales to minors. In response, the ANJ has called for racecourse operators to physically separate family entertainment areas from betting zones to ensure that children’s activities do not inadvertently serve as an initiation into gambling culture.

Economic Reliance on Problem Players

The ANJ highlighted a troubling economic trend where a substantial portion of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) is derived from those with gambling disorders. Historical data indicates that roughly 38% of GGR comes from problem gamblers, with excessive players contributing over 20%. The regulator is now pushing online operators to ensure their identification efforts are proportional to their total user base. Although the detection of excessive players rose from 31,000 in 2024 to 89,000 in 2025, the ANJ insists that identification is only the first step and must be followed by measurable support outcomes.