France launches campaign to combat illegal online casinos

[The Buzz]

The French gambling regulator, ANJ, is taking action against unauthorized online casinos with its new public awareness campaign, "100% winning?"

This initiative aims to remind French consumers that online casinos are illegal in the country and warn them about the risks of engaging with black market offerings. The ANJ emphasizes that these illegal platforms may lack fair games and player protection measures, potentially exposing users to fraud, data security breaches, and even malware. By promoting awareness, the ANJ seeks to protect consumers and steer them towards responsible gambling within the legal framework.

From NEXT.io:

ANJ president Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin said: “The illegal supply of online gambling represents between 5% and 11% of the overall gambling market in France. It is particularly harmful for the players who consume it: addiction, over-indebtedness, family problems, etc.

“This parallel market constitutes a real financial support for multiple international criminal organisations. This is why the ANJ is determined to use all the levers at its disposal to stop this illegal supply.”

The regulator said studies have shown that half of all French players are unaware online casinos are completely illegal.

As such, the campaign will involve ads that imitate the look of online casino sites featuring colourful and attractive visuals.

Read more here: https://next.io/news/regulation/anj-...nline-casinos/

[Neustadt]

These sites can be a serious risk, especially without proper security and fair gaming practices. It makes me wonder, though—how many people are actually aware that online casinos are illegal in France?
In my opinion, while raising awareness is key, there could also be more focus on educating people about the benefits of regulated gambling markets. Legal platforms offer player protection, fairness, and security, which should be enough to convince users to stay away from black market sites.

[universal4]

Overall, fairness and security is almost always better BEFORE markets are regulated. And clearly in a lot of cases the player experience is better.

Rick
Universal4

[ocreditor]

The issue with so many illegal sites popping up is exactly because they allow gambling at land-based casinos but have banned online casinos. If they really want to tackle the problem and bring it under control—while making some extra tax revenue along the way—they need to regulate online casinos as well. It’s the only way to close the gap and manage the growing online market.