French Regulator ANJ Warns of Increasing Problem Gamblers

ANJ Algorithm Reveals Alarming Growth in Excessive Gambling

The first estimates obtained through this innovative tool are concerning, as they highlight a dual upward trend: both the number of excessive players and their contribution to operators’ revenue are increasing. The algorithm identified 600,000 players with a high probability of excessive gambling, representing 8.7% of the total account‑based player population. These players generated €1.2 billion in GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue), accounting for 60% of total GGR. This demonstrates that operators’ identification efforts remain insufficient, making urgent corrective action necessary. To support this, ANJ is making the algorithm available to operators as a complement to their own tools, while also using it internally to monitor trends.

In its 2024–2026 strategic plan, ANJ placed the reduction of excessive or pathological gambling at the core of its regulatory mission and expectations for licensed operators.

Operators are required to meet their legal obligations by identifying and supporting excessive players in proportion to the size of their customer base. Support measures may include phone calls, tailored play limits, referrals to associations or treatment centers, or even account closures.

During the annual review of “Excessive or Pathological Gambling Prevention” action plans, ANJ noted progress in online player identification systems. The number of identified excessive players tripled between 2024 and 2025, rising from 31,000 to 89,000. However, this figure remains inconsistent with the size of operators’ player bases and prevalence studies, prompting ANJ to demand stronger detection efforts.

To better substantiate its compliance requirements, ANJ developed an algorithm capable of identifying excessive players within the account‑based gaming universe (licensed online operators, FDJ, and PMU). This tool serves a dual purpose:

Helping operators meet their identification obligations.

Providing the regulator with a benchmark to assess detection efforts and reduce the GGR generated by excessive players.

The algorithm does not aim to measure the exact number of excessive players or estimate prevalence in the general population, as barometric surveys do.

Development of the Algorithm 

ANJ has access to all account‑based online gaming data from licensed operators, FDJ, and PMU, transmitted continuously to fulfill its regulatory mission. Using this data and scientific literature, the algorithm was designed in 2024 and presented to operators in 2025 during a consultation process.

It uses 23 risk indicators—covering financial movements, play moderators, activity frequency, and player history—to generate a unique score for each player. Based on this score, players are classified into four categories: recreational, moderate risk, excessive, and manifestly excessive.

The algorithm’s performance was validated against the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) under the supervision of a scientific committee of recognized researchers. While similar initiatives are underway in Spain and the Netherlands, ANJ’s algorithm is the first of its kind available in Europe.

Key Findings 

The initial results are doubly concerning:

Rising number of excessive players: By the second half of 2025, 600,000 players were identified as likely excessive, including 300,000 manifestly excessive players whose detection by operators is imperative. This growth outpaces the overall increase in the player base.

Growing revenue share from excessive players: Excessive players generated €1.2 billion in GGR, representing 60% of total GGR—a proportion steadily rising since 2023.

Use of the Algorithm 

For operators, the tool is optional but transparent, serving as a compliance barometer to assess whether their identification efforts are adequate. It can complement their proprietary algorithms.

For ANJ, the algorithm provides a valuable benchmark to track trends and evaluate the effectiveness of excessive gambling prevention—its top regulatory priority. For example, in the 2027 review of prevention action plans, ANJ will compare the number of excessive players reported by operators with those detected by the algorithm.

Ultimately, ANJ expects operators to promptly identify the 300,000 manifestly excessive players and progressively detect the broader group of 600,000 excessive players highlighted by the algorithm.

Isabelle Falque‑Pierrotin, President of ANJ, stated: “Finalizing this algorithm and making it available to operators marks a decisive step for the regulator. It demonstrates our ability to design an innovative, high‑performance tool closely aligned with real online gaming practices. Alongside barometric studies, the algorithm allows us to objectify the identification efforts operators must pursue without delay. Finally, it is essential that this identification also extends to retail points of sale, a goal we have asked the two monopolies to pursue since 2024.”