French gambling regulator ANJ has launched a new market-based player protection system focused on gambling-related issues and operator best practices.
This flexible framework, which will be regularly assessed and modified, aims to deliver a comprehensive regulatory program with clearly defined responsibilities that will be visible to the public.
ANJ regulators said the document will serve as a reference guide to the French legal framework and a cutting-edge tool to improve operator behaviour.
The Help System applies to all gambling operators, including those with exclusive rights, online gaming operators, horse racing companies and French casino operators.
It includes a requirement for operators to submit two action plans per year to the ANJ.
One should describe the operator's work to prevent gambling problems, and the other a detailed plan outlining their marketing strategy.
In the case of a marketing strategy, all advertising methods used should be documented along with an assessment of their impact on gambling habits.
In the event of a change in marketing strategy, operators must provide ANJ two months' notice and a new evaluation form.
Online gambling operators must submit these plans to the ANJ annually on November 30th.
“The reference system is part of a gradual and flexible compliance process, fueled by regular dialogue between the regulator and industry players,” ANJ said in a statement.
“Its content and methods of implementation will be periodically evaluated and, if necessary, can be adjusted, as provided for by French law,” the regulator added.
It includes a so-called meeting clause, which provides for an initial assessment of the implementation of this structure by each French operator one year after its entry into force.
The ANJ estimates that the number of problem players in France is as high as 370,000.
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