Casinos de France Challenges FDJ’s Nirio Payment Service

Casinos de France, a group representing casino operators, has formally addressed the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), the gambling sector regulator, regarding Nirio, a payment service operated by Française des Jeux (FDJ). Launched in January 2023, Nirio aims to become a leading provider of local payment services in France.

According to reports, casino operators are concerned that Nirio “blurs the lines between financial management and access to gambling.” They argue that “allowing consumers to manage their finances and gamble in the same place encourages risky behavior.”

Casinos de France is urging the ANJ to “more strictly regulate initiatives like Nirio.” The ANJ has responded that it is “currently studying the appropriate follow-up actions.”

In a statement, FDJ defends its position, stating that “it is lawful for a company holding a legal monopoly to enter markets in competitive sectors, a situation that has occurred on numerous occasions.” The group emphasizes that “the payment service activity under the ‘Nirio’ brand is operated by the company ‘FDJ Services’, a separate subsidiary of the FDJ group that has been approved by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution.”

FDJ further clarifies that the payment card offered within the Nirio Premio program “does not allow for bank overdrafts, and therefore does not have a debtor account.”

Key Concerns Raised by Casinos de France:

• Blurring the lines between financial management and gambling.
• Encouraging risky behavior among consumers.
• Lack of strict regulation for initiatives like Nirio.

FDJ’s Response:

• It is lawful for a monopoly to enter competitive markets.
• Nirio is operated by a separate, approved subsidiary.
• Nirio Premio cards do not allow for overdrafts.

The ANJ is currently reviewing the matter and considering potential actions.