Seven online betting operators fined by French gaming regulators

France’s national gambling regulator, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has said that seven online sports betting operators have been fined by its Sanctions Committee for violating the player return rate ceiling.

The ANJ’s Sanctions Committee fined the operators for violated the rule that prohibits them from redistributing more than 85% of a player’s stake, after customer engagement. The fine came after investigation into the activities of several online sports betting operators in 2021 that uncovered the violation.

ANJ said the purpose of the return rate limit is twofold. While it is meant to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, ANJ believes that it is also an effective way to address problem gambling.

The regulator did not disclose the names of the operators that were sanctioned, as the Sanctions Committee did not deem it necessary to make their names public following the warning and financial penalties.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, the ANJ issued warnings to the entire French gambling sector regarding its anti-fraud capabilities, and called for improvements in three key areas. The ANJ also urged bookmakers to exercise caution when entering sponsorship agreements with sports teams and influencers. Additionally, the ANJ rejected Française des jeux’s (FDJ) proposed advertising and promotional plans for 2023.

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