Addiction, minors, illegal sites: The gambling regulation headache.

Gambling Normalization Sparks Concern in France

France’s National Gaming Authority (ANJ) is raising alarms about the increasing normalization of gambling within society. This trend is fueled, in part, by the proliferation of illegal online gambling platforms.

Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the ANJ, emphasized the extent to which gambling has become commonplace. Speaking ahead of a conference on gambling addiction in France, she stated that sophisticated marketing strategies, similar to those used in the fashion and perfume industries, have transformed gambling into an everyday consumer product. However, she stressed that gambling is a potentially dangerous product.

Falque-Pierrotin, who has led the ANJ since its creation five years ago, acknowledged the challenges of regulating the sector. The ANJ’s responsibilities include preventing excessive gambling, protecting minors from gambling, and combating illegal online gambling. The authority operates with a team of 80 people and an annual budget of 4 million euros (excluding salaries).

“Gateway to Addiction”

The normalization of gambling is a significant concern, particularly as it can serve as a “gateway to addiction.” The ANJ is working to address this issue through regulation, education, and enforcement.