French ANJ and Belgium GC begin regulatory cooperation

The gambling authorities of France and Belgium, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) and the Gambling Commission (BGC), have signed a cooperation agreement.

Specifics of the agreement focus around ‘cooperation on a strategic level’ on gambling regulation, particularly regarding player protection and fostering a safer betting environment.

To achieve this, the authorities will share and exchange information, conduct joint investigations and studies and publish joint reports.

The agreement was signed between ANJ Chairwoman Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin and BGC Chairwoman Magali Clavie whilst attending the European Gaming Regulators Forum (GREF) annual conference in Norway between 5-7 June.

In the protocol document for the agreement, the duo have outlined pledged to inform each other of any respective regulatory changes in each country. This occurs as reforms are ushered in both countries.

The strictest requirements are coming into force in Belgium, with a ban on advertising due to commence on 1 July, enforced by  Royal Decree and vocally supported by Justice Minister Vincent van Quickenborne.

From this date, advertising on TV, radio, cinema, magazines, newspapers, in public places and online via websites and social media platforms. Policymakers are mainly concerned about the societal impact of gambling and how limiting advertising can lessen this.

Meanwhile, France has also moved to update licensing requirements on sponsorships and marketing, particularly relating to sports. However, the new rules set by the ANJ are much more limited than its Belgian counterpart.

Operators have been prohibited from featuring athletes in their marketing campaigns, athletes will also be banned from promoting odds or predictions and sports clubs have been advised to remove gambling logos from under-18 kits.

The cooperation also followed the announcement at last week’s GREF conferences  that Falque-Pierrotin will assume responsibilities as Chairwoman of the pan-European body as well as her current duties at ANJ.

Falque-Pierrotin will lead a board consisting of Vice Chairman Andeers Dorph (President of Denmark’s Spillemyndighedens), Secretary Sarah Kelly (Alderney Gambling Control Commision), and Treasurer Tim Miller (Policy Director of the UK Gambling Commission.

BGC Chair Clavie is also an Ordinary Member of the Board, as are Atle Hamar from the Norwegian Lottstift, and Kinga Warda from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).