The French National Gaming Authority (ANJ) has introduced a new algorithm designed to enhance the identification of problem gamblers within the online gambling sector. Unveiled on May 14, 2026, this tool is a key component of the ANJ’s strategic plan from 2024 to 2026, aimed at tackling excessive gambling behavior in France. The initiative is part of a broader regulatory effort to curb problem gambling, which has seen some progress but requires further action to achieve set targets by 2027.
The implementation of this algorithm responds to troubling statistics from the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, which, as of 2024, identified approximately 1.17 million people in France as having problematic gambling behaviors, with about 360,000 classified as excessive gamblers. By analyzing detailed, account-level data from licensed operators, the ANJ aims to apply 23 scientifically validated indicators to better categorize gamblers into four groups: recreational, moderate risk, excessive, and manifestly excessive. The algorithm’s methodology has been validated against the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) and reviewed by an independent scientific committee, marking it as a pioneering model in Europe, with similar efforts noted in Spain and the Netherlands.
Preliminary findings indicate that during the latter half of 2025, the algorithm flagged roughly 600,000 players as having a high probability of excessive gambling, which represents about 8.7% of the online gambling population under ANJ’s supervision. This includes users from major operators such as La Française des Jeux (FDJ) and Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU). Notably, 300,000 of these players were categorized as manifestly excessive gamblers. These individuals contributed approximately €1.2 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), accounting for a significant 60% of the total online GGR, a proportion that has been on the rise since 2023.
Despite some advancements in the industry, where operators have increased their identification of excessive gamblers from 31,000 in 2024 to 89,000 in 2025, there remains a substantial discrepancy between these figures and the regulator’s estimates. The ANJ is offering the algorithm to operators on a voluntary basis, positioning it as a “compliance barometer” to enhance detection capabilities alongside existing measures. The authority plans to continuously monitor and compare operator reports against its algorithmic data.
Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the ANJ, emphasized the importance of the algorithm in aligning regulatory oversight with actual gambling behaviors. She called on operators to prioritize the identification of the 300,000 manifestly excessive gamblers and extend their efforts to address the broader group identified by the tool. Additionally, the ANJ pointed out the necessity of improving problem gambling detection in retail settings, particularly focusing on FDJ and PMU since 2024.
While the algorithm does not provide an exact prevalence measure comparable to comprehensive epidemiological studies, it serves as a crucial benchmark for regulatory oversight and trend analysis. Looking forward, the ANJ expects that the deployment of this tool will drive operators to bolster their identification and support strategies. The French regulated gambling market experienced a growth of 3% in 2025, reaching a total GGR of €14.1 billion ($16.6 billion).
As the ANJ continues to refine its regulatory frameworks, the next steps will involve observing the algorithm’s impact on operator practices and the overall market. Regulatory reviews are anticipated as operators adapt to the expectations of enhanced detection capabilities, with potential enforcement actions if compliance remains inadequate. The outcome of these efforts will inform future strategies in the ongoing battle against gambling-related harm in France.
4.1/5