## Frances New Regulatory Period: A Leader Rises – iGB
The appointment of Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin as head of the French gambling regulator, the National Gambling Authority (ANJ), has ushered in a time of significant transformation for the nation’s gaming sector over the past year. She speaks with Jack Pollard about the ANJ’s key initiatives, upcoming regulatory adjustments, and what the industry can anticipate in the next year.
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France’s New Regulatory Period: A Leader Rises
Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin’s arrival as head of the French gambling regulator, the National Gambling Authority (ANJ), marks a period of substantial change for the country’s industry over the past 12 months. She discusses with Jack Pollard the ANJ’s key projects, further regulatory developments, and what the industry can expect in the next 12 months.
Over the past year, France has undergone a period of substantial regulatory change.
French gambling companies are now privately owned, with the government decreasing its stake in the lottery and gambling giant to 21%. In January, taxes on online sports and horse racing betting, as well as poker, began to be calculated based on gross revenue rather than turnover.
The online gambling regulator (ARJEL), which formerly oversaw the online market, has been replaced by the National Gambling Authority (ANJ).
Although ARJEL’s purview was restricted to the digital sphere, its successor, ANJ, has broadened its duties to encompass the physical domain, covering nearly four-fifths of the French gambling sector.
These modifications have been widely embraced by French stakeholders and have paved the way for the industry’s entry into its second decade of regulation.
Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, as the inaugural president of ANJ, will be accountable for overseeing the market’s metamorphosis.
Falque-Pierrotin previously served as the head of the French National Commission for Information Technology and Liberties (CNIL), responsible for enforcing France’s data protection laws. She has declared that her new role at ANJ will enable her to “place players at the core of regulation,” by getting as close as possible to the gambling experience through information, services, and the utilization of collective data and intelligence.
Similar to all markets affected by the COVID-19 lockdowns, the French sports betting industry experienced losses in the second quarter, although online poker and horse racing witnessed positive outcomes. It is against this backdrop that she addressed iGB, outlining her plans for further modifications in the upcoming year.
What is your general perspective on the online gambling industry as the new head of ANJ?
Online gambling is a substantial component of the gambling market.
It is crucial, however, that ANJ’s mission encompasses the balanced and equitable development of all gaming forms to prevent any economic instability in related sectors.
As a result, one of ANJ’s top priorities is to establish a consistent regulatory structure across all these gaming domains. This equilibrium is even more intricate due to the surge in online gambling activities in France triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak.
What are the primary guidelines and initiatives of the ANJ and the industry following your commencement of your term?
With respect to operators, ANJ’s top priority is to clarify and assist all operators (offline and online) in comprehending the new and fairly intricate legal framework.
We will furnish all operators (offline and online) with two essential compliance documents in two key areas: a reference framework on preventing gambling addiction and safeguarding minors; and combating fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing.
We will also adopt a collaborative approach, making standard setting as closely aligned as possible with industry realities, thereby achieving broader acceptance and greater efficacy.
Concerning players, one in two individuals in France engages in gambling, with an estimated 1.4 million individuals exhibiting problem gambling behavior. Preventing excessive or pathological gambling is a public health concern that I take very seriously. Consequently, I aim to place players at the core of regulation.
To truly make ANJ effective, I aim to make it as similar as possible to the betting experience and player routines (gaming habits), by structuring its actions around three key areas: information, assistance, and leveraging the collective knowledge of players.
To give players more control over their gaming activities, the management of player profiles (self-exclusion registration) will be transferred from the Ministry of the Interior to ANJ beginning in September. This will present a chance for improvement.
In practice, ANJ will propose a new registration process, as well as a truly self-protective and game-controlling tool, [a] faster and less guilt-inducing tool. Specifically, motivational discussions with ANJ staff will be conducted with players to guide them to healthcare professionals when needed.
The “Gaming Observatory” research on French gambling habits reveals that fewer individuals are gambling, but the level of gambling is higher, with sports betting being recognized as the area where players are spending increasingly more. How do you interpret the findings of this research, and what insights will ANJ gain from the report?
This study confirms that problematic gambling is a persistent issue: the population of moderate-risk gamblers has remained steady since 2014. It also demonstrates that the number of people who gamble excessively has doubled. Consequently, problematic gambling is a significant concern.
Compulsive gambling is a major worry for all parties involved: the bettors, their families, and the organizations that manage the games. The French gambling authority, the ANJ, will utilize its newfound authority to collaborate with all these groups.
For gamblers, the ANJ aims to ensure they comprehend the hazards of wagering. They will work with players to establish a space where they can share their experiences, offer guidance, and provide mutual support.
For families, the ANJ intends to ensure they are also aware of the risks associated with gambling so they can assist their loved ones.
For the companies, the ANJ will assist them in adhering to regulations and provide them with tools to safeguard their businesses and foster customer trust. The ANJ will also emphasize that all companies must comply with the new regulations, which entails employing effective methods to control gambling.
The ANJ now oversees all gambling activities in France. Is this beneficial for the sector?
Yes, it is advantageous for the industry because:
– The ANJ now possesses a comprehensive understanding of the gambling market, encompassing all forms of gambling.
– The ANJ can provide valuable services to the companies, such as tools to aid them in complying with regulations.
– The ANJ must guarantee that regulations are adhered to in order to uphold a level playing field, advantageous for the entire betting sector.
This signifies for us that the ANJ supports sustainable development, which is advantageous for players and consequently for the industry.
Considering that ARJEL is a forerunner in online gambling, how will the ANJ continue to cooperate with its counterparts in other markets?
European cooperation is already firmly established, with ARJEL maintaining regular communication with regulators across Europe, particularly in the coordinated effort against sports manipulation.
I aim to bolster this collaboration, which for me is strategically crucial in the upcoming years with verticals such as esports, combating illicit operators or the role of platforms.
With the resumption of European football leagues, the 2020-21 Ligue 1 season restarts in France, what is your perspective for the subsequent 12 months?
Although it is challenging to provide a clear indication of the future of football at this time, I can perceive that hosting sporting events in the upcoming months will be distinct and demanding. We will assist operators in this specific context, and innovation may be required to restart their operations.
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