ANJ reviewed action plans submitted by 235 racetracks, 203 casinos, and seven gaming clubs in France. Out of the total, six plans from five casinos and a gaming club were rejected. According to a legal order issued on October 2, 2019, all operators in France are required to present action plans to combat fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, and promote safer gambling initiatives.
For casinos and gaming clubs, ANJ stated that the majority of the action plans were approved, but it reiterated the requirements set for 2022. The 2022 requirements focus on enhancing safer gambling initiatives for customers in areas such as monitoring tools, internal organization, staff training, and providing safer gambling information. ANJ expressed that there have been limited significant advancements or innovative actions in the action plans of casinos and gaming clubs.
To address the lack of progress, ANJ intends to release a practical guide specifically for casinos. This guide will provide instructions on identifying and supporting individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
Regarding racing action plans, ANJ stated that the plans presented by the National Federation of Horse Racing, which represents 235 racing companies and 10 regional federations in France, were largely unchanged from the plans submitted in 2022. ANJ emphasized the importance of maintaining a distinction between areas dedicated to families and those dedicated to betting.
ANJ mentioned that significant progress had been made in money laundering action plans after their review earlier this month. However, ANJ rejected an advertising action plan proposed by the French national lottery operator, Française des Jeux (FDJ), in February. ANJ criticized the plan for not being comprehensive and failing to address the criticism regarding gambling marketing in France for 2022.
