Find out how French gambling laws have evolved from the ARJEL to the ANJ, what this means for players and how regulations impact online casinos and sports betting.
Gambling in France has undergone significant regulatory changes over the years. Players who enjoy online gambling have seen the sector evolve significantly, particularly with the transition from ARJEL to ANJ. Let's take a look at how French gambling laws have evolved, and what this means for players today.
What was ARJEL?
ARJEL was France's first major online gambling regulator, created in 2010 when the country decided to open up the online betting market. Prior to ARJEL, all gambling was state-controlled, with only a few licensed operators such as Française des Jeux (FDJ) and PMU dominating the sector.
ARJEL's role and regulations:
● Authorized online sports betting, poker and horse racing.
● Ensured that gambling sites complied with responsible gambling policies.
● Imposed strict measures to prevent fraud and money laundering.
● Limited the number of licensed operators.
However, despite its efforts, ARJEL has been criticized for its overly restrictive approach. It authorized a limited selection of games and imposed high taxes, driving many players to unlicensed offshore betting sites.
The transition to ANJ
In 2020, France replaced ARJEL with ANJ, extending regulatory control beyond online betting alone. The ANJ now oversees all forms of gambling, including casinos, lottery games and betting offices.
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The site provides comprehensive reviews, guides and comparisons of licensed betting sites, enabling players to make informed decisions. With expert reviews and up-to-date information, DealGamble simplifies the gambling experience, making it easier for users to navigate the ever-changing French market.
Here are some of the key differences between ARJEL and ANJ
Aspect | ARJEL (2010-2020) | ANJ (2020-Present) |
Scope | Online gambling only | Most gambling activities |
Licenses | Online sports betting, poker and horse racing | Supervision extended to most gambling activities, except online casinos |
Player protection | Limited tools for responsible gambling | Reinforced self-exclusion measures and advertising restrictions |
Taxation | High, leading to offshore betting problems | Efforts to reduce unregulated gambling |
What the NGA means for gamblers
With the ANJ in place, gambling in France has become more transparent and player-friendly.
Key benefits include
Better player protection
● More effective responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits and self-exclusion options.
● Stricter advertising controls to prevent aggressive marketing.
More gambling choice
● New regulations allow more types of games, making the market more diverse.
● Operators can now offer better promotions and bonuses compared with the ARJEL era.
A safer betting environment
● The ANJ works closely with the authorities to block unlicensed betting sites.
● Licensed operators must meet strict security and fairness standards.
The French gambling industry has come a long way from the restrictive days of ARJEL to the more flexible ANJ system. Players now enjoy a wider range of options, better protection and a safer betting environment.
If you're a French gambler looking for legal and trustworthy gambling sites, DealGamble is your go-to resource. It provides up-to-date reviews, expert opinions and guides to help you make informed choices in the ever-changing French gambling market.
