French gambling upholds compliance duties ahead of new tax orders

l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) – France’s Gambling Authority – has detailed progress in compliance directives related to combating fraud, money laundering, and improving player protections.

In its latest update, the Authority has reviewed the ‘action plans’ of French licensees, who have outlined specific areas and conditions to combat financial threats and liabilities.

2024 Compliance Duties

The majority of licensees have complied with the guidelines and recommendations provided in 2024, indicating a general improvement in compliance. The ANJ also noted an upward compliance trend, with new measures introduced this year to enhance the effectiveness of anti-fraud and anti-money laundering initiatives.
The most significant advancement has been in the detection of abnormal behaviours within customer accounts. The ANJ stated that operators have strengthened their capacity to detect anomalies, which is crucial in preventing fraud and money laundering. Furthermore, operators have allocated more personnel and financial resources to these compliance activities.

Another positive development relates to internal control and the quality of reports sent to TRACFIN, the French national financial intelligence unit. The ANJ views this as a critical improvement, as online operators have enhanced the quality of reports sent to TRACFIN, “demonstrating a more structured approach to monitoring and reporting suspicious transactions.”

Progress met 

To support individual improvement, the ANJ introduced a personalised follow-up process during 2024, including two compliance support meetings. The first meeting, held in spring 2024, aimed to explain the decisions made regarding the action plans. The second meeting, conducted in autumn 2024, was to assess the progress made by each operator.

As a result of this individual guidance, practices were improved in three main areas: detection of atypical behaviours, resource management, and internal control. Some operators acted proactively by increasing the number of compliance staff and enhancing training programmes. Furthermore, improvements were made to alert systems and their procedures, which are essential for identifying risks as they arise.

However, the ANJ noted that more work is needed, particularly in the area of “alert engineering and risk adaptation.” Consequently, operators have agreed to review their alert systems to ensure they accurately reflect the specific risks faced by each operator.

ANJ 2025 Agenda

For 2025, the ANJ has outlined specific expectations for operators to improve their compliance systems. In particular, the ANJ calls on operators to enhance the quality of information in their action plans and to strengthen controls where exclusive rights are concerned.

Maintaining a high level of business relationship vigilance remains essential, and the ANJ is urging operators to improve their alert systems based on their specific risk exposure. Improving both the quality and quantity of TRACFIN mandatory reports continues to be a priority.

Furthermore, the ANJ seeks to strengthen cooperation between key public stakeholders involved in combating money laundering and terrorism financing, including TRACFIN, the Budget Directorate, and the Treasury. This improved cooperation is expected to facilitate better information sharing and joint interventions.

As the gambling industry continues to grow, the ANJ remains committed to ensuring that operators not only meet but exceed regulatory requirements. “Sustained progress is essential to maintaining the sector’s integrity,” the ANJ stated.

July Taxes

Currently, French operators are preparing for the forthcoming application of a new tax framework on gambling. Tax reforms authorised by Prime Minister François Bayrou, as part of a new funding scheme for social security and welfare, will increase taxes on Loto and Euromillions games from 68% to 69% of gross gaming revenue (GGR), while online sports betting levies will rise from 54.9% to 59.3% of GGR.

Additionally, French operators will be subject to a 15% tax on marketing and promotional expenditure related to advertising campaigns, which must be reported to the ANJ for authorisation.

Assessing the impacts, FDJ United, France’s largest operator, has revised its accounts to account for a tax impact of €50 million. Meanwhile, Betclic, France’s biggest online sportsbook, estimates an additional tax burden of €20 million on EBITDA results.