France’s gaming regulator L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has begun a public consultation on changing regulations pertaining to gaming ads, especially those perceived as targeting young people.
The process began after the 2020 2020 UEFA European Football Championship when complaints were made about ads that appeared to target young audiences by implying that gambling is a way to make money easily.
A recent study by Harris Interactive found that a majority of respondents believe that there are too many sportsbook ads and that they may add to addiction.
If France acts it will be following similar actions by members of the European Union that have especially target sports betting advertisements.
The ongoing consultation will finish next month with the goal of producing “inventory of the way in which advertising on gambling is perceived by the various players and the risks associated with them.”
ANJ President Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin said in a statement: “[T]he advertising of gambling concerns us all: players, non-players, parents, educators, operators, etc. Everyone will be able to express themselves on the acceptable balance to be found between advertising on gambling and maintaining a recreational practice of gambling. It will then be up to the regulator to make balanced and effective recommendations, based on a social pact, shared by all.”
