ANJ bookmakers available in France

The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) is the regulatory authority for gambling and games of chance in France. Created in 2020, it replaced the former Online Gaming Regulatory Authority (ARJEL) . The ANJ has a broader role and now covers not only online gaming, but also all sectors of the gaming industry in France, including:

• Online gambling (sports betting, horse racing, online poker) for licensed operators in France.
• The games of the Française des Jeux (FDJ).
• The betting and gaming activities of the PMU.
• Land-based casinos.
• Gaming clubs.

The ANJ website is www.anj.fr (in French).

1. Protecting players : Preventing excessive and pathological gambling, protecting minors, and raising awareness of responsible gambling practices.
2. Combating money laundering and fraud : Ensuring that operators comply with obligations regarding the fight against terrorist financing and money laundering.
3. Ensuring the integrity of games : Monitoring operators' compliance with the rules to maintain fair play.
4. Controlling the supply of games and their advertisements : Ensuring that advertising for games remains moderate and complies with laws to protect vulnerable populations.

The ANJ (National Gaming Authority) has regulatory and sanctioning powers, particularly to oversee the practices of operators. It also works in collaboration with other authorities (such as Tracfin for the fight against money laundering) to guarantee the transparency and security of gambling. It's important to note that a site's ANJ status is not permanent. A review is conducted annually to ensure compliance with all regulations. In the worst-case scenario, the company can have its certification revoked and even be forced to pay fines. This is one of the ANJ's powers.

Why choose an ANJ site for your sports betting?

The simplest answer is: for your safety.

Bank security

Legislation is often slower than the inventiveness of bookmakers. That's why we advise you to be cautious before choosing an online betting site. With a legal site, you can be sure you'll be able to withdraw your money if you follow the bookmaker's terms and conditions. Their betting offers are legitimate and not scams designed to lure you to their platform. These terms and conditions are also validated by the ANJ (French National Gaming Authority). With bookmakers not regulated by the ANJ , you'll quickly notice negative reviews from various users regarding all banking transactions. Most of the time, contact methods are also limited, likely to discourage you from pursuing your claims. These illegal sites are not headquartered in France, making it virtually impossible to obtain a satisfactory resolution.

Personal security

Player health is another criterion monitored by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ). Indeed, it's clear that gambling is highly addictive. Therefore, it's essential to closely monitor the activities of bookmakers, but also those of players. The ANJ is setting up support units with healthcare professionals to assist players experiencing the most difficulties. This approach aligns with the actions of ARJEL (the French online gambling regulatory authority) to regulate and oversee the practice. The implementation of this kind of concrete action is a further indication of the French authorities' control over all the inherent dangers of this type of gambling.

The ANJ (National Gambling Authority) is also responsible for the database of individuals banned from gambling, commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior, and offers a self-protection and gambling control tool that is faster and less guilt-inducing for players. Those concerned are invited for a motivational interview with ANJ staff to refer them, if necessary, to healthcare professionals.

The ANJ has replaced ARJEL (Online Gaming Regulatory Authority) since January 2020.

What was the role of ARJEL?

he French online gaming regulatory authority (ARJEL) had several missions similar to those of the ANJ ( National Gaming Authority). Legal sports betting sites had to meet a number of conditions to obtain their ARJEL license. Certifications were awarded by activity category. Operators offering multiple types of games, such as sports betting and online poker, had to obtain certification for each activity.

The changes between ARJEL and ANJ primarily concern the new entity's ability to be more credible thanks to its new powers. ARJEL regulated 11% of the gambling market; ANJ now regulates 78%. This sector, representing over €45 billion in stakes, is divided into several parts: all online games previously under ARJEL's purview, namely poker, horse racing, and sports betting; all games offered by Française des Jeux and PMU at their physical and online outlets; 228 racetracks; 8 gaming clubs; and 202 casinos.

Today, it can be said that ARJEL had less operational power to regulate bookmakers' activities. ANJ is therefore an improved version of ARJEL with a much broader scope of action. The goal is to find a balance between satisfying bookmakers and ensuring player safety.

What are the differences between an ARJEL bookmaker and an ANJ bookmaker?

Ultimately, there is no difference between an ARJEL-licensed bookmaker and an ANJ-licensed bookmaker in the sense that they are both legal bookmakers in France. An ARJEL-licensed bookmaker was the official designation until 2020, and now the term ANJ-licensed bookmaker is used.