ANJ approves FDJ’s 2026 gaming program – but with some caveats
The regulator has called for the removal of certain marketing language and to crack down on gaming types more susceptible to problem gaming.
Key points:
- French gaming regulator ANJ has approved FDJ's 2026 betting program
- FDJ will retain its exclusive rights in the nation, but has been asked to keep certain games off of the market and refrain from certain marketing techniques
L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has approved La Française Des Jeux’s (FDJ) 2026 gaming and betting program.
Subject to compliance, the exclusive rights holder will be able to offer a range of games, though some games and promotions have been prohibited. This comes following results from the ANJ’s annual report showing that, for the first time since 2020, problem gaming numbers in France have risen year-on-year, with the number of self-exclusions in France increasing from 40,000 in 2021 to 85,000 in 2024.
Indeed, FDJ must avoid using promotional messages indicating a chance to win by playing, with examples such as "more than x chance(s) in x of winning" and "Best chance of winning €X" put forward by the regulator. This comes despite FDJ indicating that it wished to "ensure the attractiveness of the lottery and sports betting offer at points of sale by promoting the ranges, innovation and digitalisation."
Good to know: Earlier this week, the ANJ promoted Pauline Hot to Director General
The regulator also stated that there must be a limit to how much revenue is generated from problem gamblers, particularly when it comes to online gaming. Successive online draws, online scratch cards and "Web Exclusive" games were noted as games in particular need for change, with FDJ encouraged to change these games or remove them entirely.
FDJ’s ‘Amigo’ draw game is not authorised by the ANJ to be offered online, with the regulator's freeze on successive draw games continuing into the new year. The freeze on €3 ($3.52) physical and online scratch games also continued, while the number of €5 games has been capped at two.
More generally, the ANJ has also called for a reduction in the total number of online exclusive games offered by FDJ, particularly in games priced at €2, €3 or €5.
Good to know: FDJ's share price fell 11.1% to €30.30 in the last week. Perhaps this has something to do with the program...
On the topic of scratch games, the regulator has also recently put out the results of a study relating to scratch games and risk association. Scratch games are the second most popular type of gaming in France (behind the lottery), with 20 million players and €10.7bn bet in 2024.
While it was concluded that these games were fun and not trivial, the chance of problem gaming escalated when players engaged with both retail and online scratch games, and when ticket prices exceeded €3. High-risk players were also found to be more susceptible to advertising, especially when other gaming mechanics are implemented.
https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/30219/anj-approves-fdjs-2026-gaming-program-but-with-some-caveats-