ANJ Attributes 60% Of H2 2025 GGR In France To Excessive Gambling

Autorité Nationale des Jeux has raised concerns over a growing number of excessive gamblers in France, following the deployment of a new algorithm to assess player behaviour.

The regulator said the model analyses indicators such as frequency of play, spending patterns and signs of loss of control. Based on data from the second half of 2025, around 600,000 players were identified as “highly likely” to be gambling excessively.

This figure represents 8.7% of total registered players in the country, with 300,000 considered clearly at risk.

Problem gambling accounts for majority of GGR

The financial impact of excessive gambling has become a central concern for the regulator. According to ANJ, gross gaming revenue linked to what it classifies as problem gambling reached €1.2bn in H2 2025. This equates to around 60% of total GGR during the period.

The regulator noted that the trend has been increasing steadily since 2023. While overall market growth has contributed to the rise, ANJ said the number of excessive gamblers is expanding at a faster rate than the total player base. 

This imbalance suggests the issue is not only a function of market size but also of changing player behaviour.

Algorithm to be shared with licensed operators

ANJ described its findings as “worrying” and confirmed that the algorithm will be made available to licensed operators across France, including major entities like FDJ United and Pari Mutuel Urbain.

The regulator said the tool will support compliance with customer identification requirements and better monitor how operators detect and manage problem gambling.

Although the algorithm is not mandatory, operators are expected to integrate it to ease identification of at-risk players and reduce reliance on the generated GGR.

Regulator calls for stronger intervention measures

ANJ chair Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin framed the initiative as a step toward more data-driven oversight.

“The finalisation of this algorithm and its release to operators marks a decisive step for the regulator,” she said. “It demonstrates the regulator’s ability to develop an innovative and effective tool, designed to closely reflect the actual behaviour of online gamblers.

“In addition to survey data, the algorithm helps to objectively assess the efforts required to identify problem gamblers, whom operators must take immediate action to support. Finally, it appears necessary for this identification process to be carried out at points of sale as well, an objective we have been calling on the two monopolies to pursue since 2024.”

ANJ is implementing measures to reduce excessive gambling and the revenue it generates. This follows a report stating that 60% of revenue from the second half of 2025 were driven by a rise in poor gambling habits. Hence, French authorities have developed an algorithm to help licensed operators identify at-risk players needing support.