Gambling Addiction: ANJ Develops Algorithm to Identify At-Risk Players

French Gambling Regulator Seeks Player Input to Refine Risk Assessment Algorithm

France’s gambling regulator, the ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux), is taking a proactive step towards its goal of a less intensive and risk-focused gambling environment. The regulator is seeking direct input from gamblers to evaluate and refine its new risk assessment algorithm.

ANJ President Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin emphasized the importance of reducing the proportion of at-risk players in operators’ revenue streams during a Senate finance committee hearing last month. While acknowledging progress made by operators in identifying excessive gamblers through their own algorithms, she stressed the need for further improvement.

Instead of simply issuing directives, the ANJ is actively developing a reference algorithm. This algorithm, slated for scientific validation and operator availability in 2026, aims to provide a standardized tool for identifying and assisting vulnerable players.

Call for Player Participation

The ANJ has launched a call for gamblers to participate in an evaluation of its algorithm. Participation involves completing a brief questionnaire, estimated to take no more than five minutes.

Important Considerations for Participants

• Participants must provide their names.
• Data will be stored by the ANJ and the CSA (Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel) for two years before deletion.
• Anonymous participation is not possible.

The need for named responses stems from the algorithm’s evaluation process. The ANJ will compare questionnaire responses with actual gambling data provided by operators. This data includes information such as the number of player accounts, preferred game types, self-exclusion history, and winnings over the past twelve months.

By comparing questionnaire responses with existing player data, the ANJ aims to accurately measure the reliability of its algorithm in identifying at-risk gamblers. This initiative represents a significant step towards a more responsible and sustainable gambling ecosystem in France.