France Launches the New Gambling Regulatory Body

France has recently established a new regulatory body to oversee all forms of gambling in the country

The recently-launched French regulator L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) officially took over its duties on June 22 by holding the first meeting of its Board Members.

ANJ will be tasked with overseeing gambling in this European country, from online gambling to lottery games and horse race betting. The regulatory body will oversee all 202 brick and mortar casinos operating across France as well.

Expanding the Current Powers

The newly-established gambling watchdog will replace L’Autorité Nationale de régulation des Jeux en ligne (ARJEL), which only regulated online gambling.

According to available information, ANJ will oversee around 78% of the regulated gambling market in France, which is quite an increase from 11% its predecessor covered.

The government agency will oversee the operation of 14 online operators licensed to offer their services to customers in France, all online and POS lottery and wagering games, as well as the sports betting network operated by Pari-Mutuel Urbain.

The Ministry of Home Affairs will cover all third party compliance, and make sure all anti-money laundering procedures have been met.

Creating a Much Safer Gambling Environment

The launch of ANJ was officially announced in March when the regulator’s president Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin explained its scope. She pointed out the new body wasn’t an enlarged ARJEL, but a completely new project aimed at improving regulation in the country.

Speaking about the main goals of the new regime, Falque-Pierrotin stated a successful integration of support and control mechanisms would provide optimal consumer protection.

ANJ has four main objectives:

• Preventing problem gambling
• Making sure gambling is reliable and transparent
• Preventing any illicit activities
• Balanced development in games

ANJ will also have the power to perform on-site checks and regulate advertising material. The regulator will be able to issue gaming licenses, carry out promotional strategies, review service offering on an annual basis, and plan actions to prevent money laundering.

New strategies for safe gambling are currently being completed and should be introduced in the coming period. Players in France can look forward to an improved regulator, and an increased level of protection, both online and offline.