France tightens gambling rules to shield minors and problem bettors
France’s gambling regulator, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), is stepping up efforts to protect players from excessive betting. New measures will focus on both problem gamblers and underage participation. The move follows years of regulatory action to strengthen responsible gaming practices across the country. The push for stricter controls began in 2019, when a decree was introduced to tighten gambling regulations and improve player safeguards. By 2022, operators were legally required to implement stronger protections for minors and support systems for those at risk of gambling addiction.
Before the 2022 Football World Cup, the ANJ ran awareness campaigns to discourage underage betting. Now, the regulator plans to go further by installing visible age restriction signs in gaming venues. It will also develop tracking systems to detect and block sales to minors. For problem gamblers, the ANJ will publish a practical guide and launch targeted control actions. Operators must now demonstrate measurable progress in reducing harmful gambling behaviour and related spending. Advanced systems will monitor unusual betting patterns, allowing for early intervention when risky activity is detected.
The ANJ’s latest initiatives aim to create a safer gambling environment. Operators face stricter oversight, with mandatory reporting on efforts to curb underage access and excessive betting. The regulator’s focus remains on prevention, detection, and direct support for vulnerable players.
