French regulator calls for consumer caution around “misleading” tipster sites
ANJ, amid its collaboration with the Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Repression (DGCCRF), has warned players about paid subscriptions for betting advice
France’s regulator, the National Gambling Authority (ANJ), has warned bettors about the dangers of using tipster sites, particularly those that require a paid subscription.
Working in tandem with the Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Repression (DGCCRF), the ANJ wants consumers to be wary ahead of a summer of betting opportunities including Euro 2024 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
The ANJ has aired concerns that bettors will be sucked in by tipster personalities who portray an extravagant lifestyle which, they claim, is due to their earnings from placing bets.
The regulator also warned that any tipster sites that suggest their services guarantee wins are liable for criminal prosecution.
The ANJ cited surveys conducted in tandem with the DGCCRF in 2020 and 2021 regarding the fairness of practices in the online gambling industry.
Almost half (45%) of the websites checked overtly claimed that using tipster services increases a player’s chance of winning bets – leading to criminal investigations for four different tipsters.
An ANJ statement said: “On the occasion of Euro [2024] and in the run up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, the DGCCRF and the ANJ are paying particular attention to the fight against abusive practices in terms of games of money and chance.
“They therefore call on consumers to be extra vigilant, particularly in the face of promises of easy gains that may circulate on social networks.
“The DGCCRF and the ANJ remind consumers that any claim suggesting a service would increase the chances of winning in games of chance is misleading in nature and likely to constitute an offence punishable by criminal prosecution.”
Prior to the start of Euro 2024, the ANJ rolled out a new responsible gambling campaign designed to raise awareness of the risks of gambling-related harm.