France's gambling regulator ANJ has launched a completely redesigned online voluntary gambling prohibition service, streamlining the registration process while strengthening identity verification protocols and reducing registration delays to just one day.
The enhanced digital platform represents a significant upgrade to France's self-exclusion system, which has experienced substantial growth since ANJ assumed management responsibilities. When the regulator took control of the gambling prohibition file in 2021, approximately 40,000 people were registered. Today, that figure has reached more than 85,000 people, representing a 25% increase over the past two years alone. In 2024, 19,000 new registrations were processed.
Comprehensive Gambling Access Restrictions
The voluntary gambling prohibition system offers players a confidential method to protect themselves against risks associated with excessive gambling behavior, including financial difficulties, addiction-related psychological disorders, and social isolation. Legal guardians can also request registration on behalf of individuals experiencing gambling problems.
Registration results in complete exclusion from multiple gambling venues and platforms:
- Physical casinos and gaming clubs
- ANJ-licensed online sports betting, horse racing, and poker sites
- Française des jeux and PMU games, both online and at retail locations requiring player accounts
The prohibition carries a minimum duration of 3 years. After this period expires, individuals may request removal from the exclusion list at any time.
40,000
People registered in 2021
85,000
Current total registrations
25%
Growth increase in past two years
19,000
New registrations processed in 2024
3 years
Minimum prohibition duration
Player Demographics and Motivation Patterns
Current registration data reveals distinct demographic patterns. 77% of registered individuals are men, with age distribution showing concentrated usage among younger demographics. Players aged 18-24 represent 23% of registrations, while the 25-34 age group accounts for 33% of registrations. The 35-49 demographic comprises 25% of the registered population.
Gambling preferences vary significantly by age group. Sports betting constitutes the primary reason for prohibition requests among younger players, particularly in the 18-24 and 25-34 age brackets. The 25-34 group also frequently cites online poker as a prohibition driver. Among players over 65, casino gambling represents the main motivation for seeking exclusion.
ANJ notes that younger players demonstrate particular sensitivity to commercial offers and attraction to illegal gambling platforms, which cannot provide protective measures due to their illicit nature.
| Age Group | Registration Percentage | Primary Gambling Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 23% | Sports betting |
| 25-34 | 33% | Sports betting, online poker |
| 35-49 | 25% | Mixed preferences |
| 65+ | Casino gambling |
Key Demographic Insights
Men represent 77% of all registrations, with younger demographics showing concentrated usage. The 25-34 age group leads with 33% of registrations, followed by 18-24 at 23% and 35-49 at 25%. Sports betting drives most prohibition requests among younger players, while casino gambling motivates older players over 65 to seek exclusion.
Streamlined Digital Registration Process
The new 100% digital and secure registration system introduces a five-step verification process designed to enhance both user experience and security protocols:
- Players submit prohibition requests through the dedicated online service at https://interdictiondejeux.anj.fr/
- Identity documents undergo authentication procedures
- Dynamic selfie verification using smartphone technology via IDnow services
- Email confirmation of successful registration
- Prohibition becomes effective within days of completion
This technological upgrade specifically aims to reduce processing times and reinforce identity verification security measures. The digital approach builds on broader European trends toward enhanced self-exclusion frameworks, as regulators across jurisdictions strengthen player protection requirements.
Future Service Enhancements
ANJ plans additional functionality improvements for 2026, including personal account creation capabilities. These accounts will enable registered individuals to access prohibition documentation and manage exclusion status, including removal requests.
The regulator also intends to implement a calling program designed to provide enhanced support for excluded players while gathering feedback on their prohibition experience. This proactive support approach reflects growing recognition that effective player protection requires ongoing engagement beyond initial registration.
Compliance Preparation
Operators serving the French market should prepare for enhanced integration requirements as ANJ expands digital self-exclusion capabilities. The planned 2026 personal account features and calling support programs indicate stricter compliance expectations and more sophisticated player protection protocols ahead.
Regulatory Evolution in Player Protection
The service overhaul reflects ANJ's commitment to modernizing France's gambling harm prevention infrastructure. By transitioning from traditional paper-based processes to comprehensive digital solutions, the regulator addresses both operational efficiency and user accessibility concerns.
The dramatic registration growth since 2021 suggests increasing awareness of problem gambling issues among French players, while the demographic concentration in younger age groups highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies in digital gambling environments. For operators serving the French market, these developments underscore the importance of robust player protection integration and compliance with evolving self-exclusion protocols as regulatory expectations continue advancing toward comprehensive digital solutions.
According to French National Gaming Authority (ANJ).
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