French Regulator Identifies High Concentration of GGR from Problem Gamblers

#France #BettingLegislation 

France’s Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has published a groundbreaking study utilizing a first-of-its-kind algorithmic detection tool to analyze revenue dependence on high-risk play. The findings, released on 13 May 2026, reveal that during the second half of 2025, the algorithm identified approximately 600,000 players who are highly likely to be problem gamblers. While this group represents 8.7% of registered users across licensed online operators, they generated an astonishing €1.2 billion—accounting for 60% of total Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR).

The data indicates that this financial concentration has risen steadily since 2023, with the high-risk player demographic growing faster than the general gambling population. Within this group, 300,000 individuals were flagged as heavily at risk, making their immediate identification by operators an absolute necessity.

Developed over two years, the ANJ's algorithm utilizes player account data provided by licensed operators, including La Française des Jeux and Pari Mutuel Urbain. It evaluates 23 specific risk indicators—such as transaction frequency, activity patterns, and financial history—to classify users into categories ranging from recreational to excessive. Validated against the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) under scientific supervision, this benchmark tool is currently the only operational framework of its kind in Europe, though similar systems are being developed in Spain and the Netherlands.

Currently, a massive gap remains between algorithmic estimates and actual operator interventions. Although operator-reported player identifications tripled from 31,000 in 2024 to 89,000 in 2025, the figure still falls far short of the 600,000 benchmark. ANJ Chair Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin noted that the algorithm now provides an objective standard to measure operator compliance and support efforts. She also emphasized the need to expand these tracking measures to physical retail points of sale.

Moving forward, the ANJ expects licensed operators to immediately identify and support the 300,000 most critical at-risk players, with a long-term goal of addressing the full 600,000 players in France. Crucially, starting with the 2027 review cycle, the regulator will directly cross-reference operator-reported data with algorithmic estimates. This creates a strict accountability mechanism that will likely serve as a blueprint for other European regulators targeting revenue concentration and player harm.