The Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ), the French gambling regulator, has levied a €500,000 ($572,797) fine against an unnamed online betting operator, designated as Company X. This action follows an investigation revealing that the company failed to properly identify and assist customers showing signs of problematic gambling behavior.
The decision was announced on Thursday, after the regulator’s inquiry found that Company X did not accurately identify 29 high-risk players. Specifically, they entirely overlooked six players and misclassified 23 at a lower risk tier than warranted.
From October 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, the ANJ conducted an inquiry into Company X's account data. The regulator utilized a scoring system that factored in indicators such as deposit frequency, betting intensity, loss patterns, and self-exclusion history to pinpoint the 30 players who exhibited the highest risk profiles. Out of these, the regulator formally lodged complaints regarding 29 players.
Additionally, Company X neglected to offer adequate, proportionate support or interventions to 25 of these players to help curb their gambling activities. The commission determined that these 29 players collectively incurred net losses amounting to €683,355, while Company X reported net gains of €190,501.86 during the specified timeframe.
The legal underpinning of the commission's ruling is grounded in multiple key regulations. First, the 2010 gambling law and the Code de la sécurité intérieure necessitate that licensed online operators identify excessive gambling behavior and assist affected players. Additionally, the non-binding ministerial cadre de référence established in April 2021 outlines expected indicators for risk detection, such as gambling frequency and adjustments to voluntary limits.
The commission asserted that the duties of identifying risky behavior and providing adequate support are independent and enforceable. A failure in one area can lead to penalties regardless of performance in the other. Furthermore, the ANJ justified its assessment of risk levels based on historical events prior to the inspection, including instances of voluntary self-exclusion.
While the 2021 framework allows for flexibility in detection methodologies, operators must demonstrate that they make “all necessary efforts” to comply, supplementing suggested indicators with other relevant data.
Recently, the ANJ has enhanced its regulatory strategies regarding problem gambling, introducing a new algorithm in May aimed at identifying a significantly greater number of potential problem gamblers compared to current reports from gambling operators.
In response, Company X challenged the regulator's methods and the clarity of its legal obligations, arguing that French law lacks a precise definition of “excessive” or “pathological” gambling, which it claimed renders such obligations ambiguous. The company contested the applicability of specific indicators and claimed that its interventions, including automated warning emails and temporary suspensions, were adequate.
Company X also pointed to remedial measures, such as improving its detection algorithm and expanding its player-protection team, asserting a 28% average reduction in net losses over a 90-day comparison as a defense against the fine.
The commission rejected these defenses, affirming that the cadre de référence is well-defined and enforceable as part of French law. It also upheld the suitability of the ANJ’s indicators and scoring techniques, dismissing technical criticisms raised by Company X.
The commission acknowledged that while automated emails may aid in harm reduction, they were insufficient in most instances. It criticized the company for continuing to provide bonuses to high-risk players, as this could encourage ongoing gambling.
This is not the first time Company X has faced penalties; it was fined in 2024 for exceeding the statutory payout rate in 2022. However, the commission treated the current violations as separate from past sanctions and did not impose a higher fine based on previous infractions.
The decision, finalized on July 10, 2026, will be formally communicated to Company X. The operator has a two-month period to file an administrative appeal with the relevant courts.
