French regulator rolls out campaign to combat illegal online casino sites
ANJ reports the black market represents 5% to 11% of France’s gambling market as its ‘100% Winning’ campaign reminds players of the risk of gambling with illegal sites
France’s National Gaming Authority (ANJ) has launched an informational campaign to discourage people from using illegal online casinos in the country as part of its 2024 to 2026 strategic plan.
Launched on 7 October, the digital-only ‘100% Winning’ campaign consists of videos on social media platforms Snapchat and TikTok and streaming site Twitch, as well as interactive ads on gaming apps and on web banners.
All of the campaign materials will direct viewers to a webpage that lays out the reasons why online casinos are illegal in France, how dangerous playing on them could be and how to recognise an illegal operator.
Outlining the risks of gambling with illegal sites, the ANJ is aiming to remind players these include significant losses of money, stolen personal data and no protection if disputes arise.
The campaign claims one in two French players are unaware that casino sites are illegal in France.
According to a PWC study for the ANJ in 2023, 79% of the turnover of the illegal black market would be generated by players with “problematic practices”.
Online casino remains illegal in France, with lottery, sports betting, horseracing and poker being regulated in the European market.
Since March 2022, the ANJ has administered 506 blocking acts which has led to 2,365 blocked websites.
That figure represents nearly twice the number of blocked sites in two-and-a-half years than the 12 years preceding it, according to the French regulator.
Alongside the informational videos, and to counter the reappearance of blocked sites, the ANJ says it will also work with bodies such as payment providers, technology suppliers and social media networks to improve its ability to stop illegal gambling sites.
The regulator will also seek to collaborate with judicial authorities and other European regulators in the fight against the black market.
Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, ANJ president, said: “The illegal supply of online gambling represents between 5% and 11% of the overall gambling market in France.
“It is particularly harmful for the players who consume it: addiction, over-indebtedness, family problems, etc. This parallel market constitutes a real financial support for multiple international criminal organisations.
“This is why the ANJ is determined to use all the levers at its disposal to stop this illegal supply.”
During Euro 2024, the Association Française du Jeu en Ligne reported the black market was on the rise and that illegal online casino sites were able to offer, “with complete impunity”, sports betting during the tournament without any player protection measures.