Nine Online Gambling Operators Sanctioned in France for Excessive Payouts

Nine online gambling operators in France have been sanctioned for violating regulations regarding payout limits. The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), the national gambling authority, announced the penalties on Monday, stating that the operators distributed more money to bettors than legally permitted.

According to the ANJ, French laws and decrees prohibit online sports betting operators from redistributing more than 85% of the total stakes placed by players. The recent sanctions follow similar actions taken against seven operators in April 2023.

Financial Penalties and Warnings

The financial penalties imposed by the ANJ’s sanctions committee range from €5,000 to €150,000, marking the highest amounts ever levied for such violations. Eight of the nine operators received financial penalties, while the remaining operator received a formal warning.

ANJ’s Commitment to Enforcement

In a statement, the ANJ emphasized its commitment to enforcing regulations and preventing future violations. “The increased severity of these sanctions demonstrates the commission’s determination to effectively enforce the objectives set by the legislator,” the statement read. The ANJ believes that adhering to the theoretical redistribution rate (TRJ) is crucial for achieving these objectives.

The violations occurred during 2022, and the sanctioned operators have the right to appeal the decisions before the Conseil d’État, France’s highest administrative court.

Key Takeaways

• Nine online gambling operators sanctioned in France.
• Violations involved exceeding payout limits (85% of stakes).
• Financial penalties range from €5,000 to €150,000.
• One operator received a formal warning.
• ANJ committed to enforcing regulations and preventing future violations.

“The increased severity of these sanctions demonstrates the commission’s determination to effectively enforce the objectives set by the legislator.” – Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ)