ANJ and Addiction Federation fight against excessive gambling

The National Gaming Authority of France (ANJ) has announced a new partnership with the Addiction Federation.

In 2019, France’s Gaming Observatory estimated the number of at-risk players at 1.4 million, with nearly 400,000 being at a pathological level. This means that problem gambling generates over 38% of the sector’s turnover and 21% for excessive players alone.

It was Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, President of the ANJ, and Catherine Delorme, President of the Addiction Federation, who agreed to the deal last week.

The partnership now specifically looks to strengthen the prevention of excessive gambling and the protection of minors, through the implementation of joint actions.

Meanwhile, according to new data from the ANJ, sports betting in the country grew 24% as €5bn (£4.2bn) was placed on sports during Q1 2024.

In its 2024/2026 strategic plan, the organisation has prioritised reducing the share and number of excessive gamblers and to strengthen the ability of gamblers to better control their gaming practices.

This will be done through preventive actions against excessive gambling, in addition to those implemented by the public authorities.

The four main areas of the partnership with the Addiction Federation are: studies, specifically around prevention support; development of tools to support players or addiction professionals; and design and intervention in training programmes, and joint organisation of events.

Also, the pair have promised to carry out joint training activities and publish a document on the regulation of gambling for addiction professionals.