France's new AI tool exposes 600,000 hidden problem gamblers in betting crackdown
France has introduced a new algorithm to detect problem gambling behaviour. The tool analyses online and in-play betting patterns to flag risky players. Early results suggest many high-risk gamblers are going unnoticed by operators. The algorithm, developed by France’s gambling regulator ANJ, sorts players into four categories: recreational, moderate risk, excessive, and manifestly excessive. It estimates that around 600,000 people—8.7% of online and in-play bettors—show signs of excessive gambling. Of these, half (about 300,000) fall into the most severe group.
These flagged players accounted for roughly €1.2 billion in gross gaming revenue last year. That figure represents nearly 60% of all online gambling profits. Yet, operators currently report far fewer excessive gamblers than the algorithm’s projections. ANJ will offer the tool to betting companies as an optional benchmark for compliance. The regulator expects firms to prioritise the 300,000 manifestly excessive players first. Later, they should expand efforts to cover the broader at-risk group. Nationwide, France recorded 1.17 million people with problematic gambling habits in 2024. Around 360,000 of these were classed as excessive gamblers.
The algorithm highlights a significant gap between detected and reported problem gamblers. Operators will now have access to a clearer benchmark for identifying at-risk players. If adopted, the tool could reshape how France’s gambling industry monitors and addresses excessive betting behaviour.
