Seven Warnings to French Operators Issued by ANJ

Since The National Gaming Authority (Autorité nationale des jeux – ANJ) started working again recently, they took their first steps towards reducing various issues related to the gaming industry. 

Verdict for seven operators:

The first meeting of the ANJ’s Sanction Commission was held on March 20, 2023. One of the points of discussion at the meeting was seven operators that had a return player rate (RTR) cap higher than 85%. The Sanction Commission examined these branches and confirmed them, and the operators were punished. All of them received warnings and a fine they had to pay to the commission.

During the previous meeting, which was held on September 22, 2022, the ANJ discussed such issues as well. Seven cases were presented to the Sanction Committee, and the operators who were accused of increasing the player return rate were among the most important topics on the agenda.

In these cases, the law is crystal clear. The amended law was announced on May 12, 2010, and back then, it was decided that online sports betting operators weren’t allowed to redistribute more than 85% of the stakes the players already engaged with. That was confirmed on November 4, 2020, when a new decree was passed.

The main goal of this limitation is to prevent various gambling issues, such as excessive or pathological gambling. It also helps in preventing money laundering and terrorism funding. 

As the ANJ claimed on April 1, 2021, the results are precise, and the technologies are used for calculating the player returning rate. Over the year, the calculation was completed, and the next phase began.

The sanctions against seven operators were established because their player returning rate crossed the border, which could lead to significant consequences for both players and operators.

Serious consequences for serious violations:

This was only another proof that many operators overran the number that was determined by the ANJ. The warnings are there to warn other operators as well.

Additionally, apart from the warnings and the fine, the operators got a pecuniary penalty because they violated more than ten points of the law. However, the sanctions weren’t followed by the publicity measures. 

The operators have a right to appeal during the following three years. They can go before the Council of State, which could revise the decision.

ANJ is an independent authority that reports directly to the Parliament. Its Board currently consists of nine members who work closely with various European and international counterparts, which makes it one of the most significant bodies in the France.