France Introduces New Rules to Protect Players
Published January 18, 2021 by Mike P
In France, all gambling operators must devise plans with tools and objectives to improve player safety and protect minors from harm.
In January 2021, it has emerged that the French government has informed the European Commission that new rules are being introduced to protect players. L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) – France’s national gambling authority – has informed all of the country’s licensed operators that they must present an action plan to facilitate safer gambling for players.
Once the plans have been presented, the ANJ will embark upon a review process. After concluding the process, the ANJ shall inform the respective operators if they have provided an acceptable plan. If a plan is not deemed satisfactory, an operator will be expected to respond to the recommendation given by the ANJ.
Deadlines for Plans
In the French gambling industry, there are two companies that operate as monopolies. These are Pari-Mutuel Urbain (PMU), a horse racing operator, and La Française des Jeux (FDJ), which is a lottery brand. According to the ANJ, each operator has given a deadline of 30 September 2021 to submit their respective plans.
Comparatively, online gambling operators have been given a more lenient deadline of 30 November 2021, while land-based casinos, gaming halls, and trackside racing outfits will not have to make their submissions until 31 December 2021. Notably, there will be a separate plan that is required on 31 November to explain marketing strategies.
Plan Requirements
When evaluating the plans, the ANJ is keen for operators to account for the prevention of underage gambling and excessive wagering. The plans are expected to be based on the most recent financial year and to focus efforts on implementing player protection measures next year.
Moving forward, French operators will be expected to provide tools for players to control their gaming. For starters, there will be deposit limits as well as time restrictions. Addictiveness must also be a concern and operators can score their objectives with the aid of the Assessment Tool to Measure and Evaluate the Risk Potential of Gambling Products (ASTERIG).
