ANJ urges operators to boost gambling harm controls

France’s gambling regulatory body, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has recently sanctioned the harm reduction strategies put forth by the industry. However, it has urged both state-owned monopolies and licensed operators to amplify their efforts in safeguarding players.

Regulatory Context: A Shift Towards Prevention

Since October 2019, French gambling operators have been mandated to submit comprehensive action plans to the ANJ, focusing on preventing underage gambling and curbing excessive play. This strategic move underscores the regulator’s commitment to responsible gambling practices aimed at maintaining industry integrity while protecting vulnerable players.

Comprehensive Review of Gambling Operators

In the first quarter of 2023, the ANJ meticulously examined the action plans submitted by prominent monopolies like PMU (Pari Mutuel Urbain) and FDJ (Française des Jeux), alongside licensed online platforms and terrestrial venues. France has a robust regulatory framework, currently licensing 16 online operators and overseeing 203 casinos, thereby ensuring a diverse betting landscape that prioritizes player safety.

Emphasis on Stricter Enforcement

While the ANJ approved the latest harm reduction strategies, it stressed the necessity for enhanced enforcement mechanisms—especially concerning the prohibition of underage gambling. The regulator advocated for the implementation of more rigorous policies aimed at monitoring retail points of sale closely.

Key Recommendations for Operators:

• Strengthened Monitoring Systems: Developing robust systems to detect and assist individuals exhibiting signs of excessive gambling.
• Training for Staff: Offering specialized training and oversight for personnel and retailers to effectively identify at-risk behavior at points of sale.

Strategic Focus on Problem Gambling

Addressing problem gambling remains one of the ANJ’s paramount objectives in its 2024–2026 strategic plan. The agency has attested that its results-driven regulatory approach has yielded favorable outcomes within the online sector.

Achievements in Online Gambling Support:

• Enhanced Standards: The ANJ reports significant improvements in the identification and assistance practices for online problem gamblers, leading to a marked increase in the number of players flagged and supported via operator systems.
• Personalized Player Support: Operators have made commendable strides in providing tailored support that caters to individual risk levels, promoting a more responsible gambling environment.

Challenges Ahead: Aligning Detection Rates with Data

Despite these advancements, the ANJ noted that problem gambling continues to represent a substantial portion of the online market. Consequently, it has urged operators to enhance their efforts in identifying at-risk players, aiming to better align detection rates with existing data and the overall player population.

The Importance of Early Intervention

The ANJ highlighted the critical nature of early intervention in severe gambling cases, recommending the implementation of stricter limits on high-risk games, including live betting and rapid poker events. The review indicated that, among the 203 land-based casinos, only one operator’s harm reduction plan did not secure approval, a testament to the overall commitment to regulatory compliance.

Conclusion: Leading by Example in Regulatory Compliance

Overall, the ANJ recognized a notable improvement in regulatory compliance across the casino sector, with certain venues setting exemplary standards through updated harm-reduction practices. Conversely, some establishments have not evolved their approaches since 2021, indicating a need for ongoing education and reform within the industry to meet the evolving landscape of player protection.

By continuously adapting to these regulatory frameworks and focusing on responsible gambling, operators can enhance their credibility and ensure a safer gambling environment for all players. This not only aligns with best practices but also fosters trust and loyalty among players in an increasingly competitive market.