Main Provisions of the French Gambling Act
The French Gambling Act, officially enacted in 2010, is a cornerstone in regulating gambling activities in France, with specific provisions to ensure a safe and responsible gambling environment.
This comprehensive Gambling Laws and Regulations in France outlines clear guidelines on eligibility, restrictions, and key operational aspects of online gambling.
Eligibility and Restrictions
Under the French Gambling Act, the eligibility to participate in online gambling is strictly regulated. The foremost criterion is the age limit: individuals must be at least 18 to gamble legally. This age restriction is stringently enforced to prevent underage gambling.
Additionally, the Act restricts certain professionals who might have a conflict of interest, such as athletes, coaches, or referees, from betting on events in which they are directly involved. This measure is designed to maintain the integrity of sports and betting activities.
Key Legislation Points
Licensing and Regulation
The Act established the ANJ (formerly ARJEL), granting it the authority to license New casinos in France operators. The ANJ monitors compliance with regulations and can impose sanctions for violations. Only operators who meet strict criteria for player safety and fair play can offer their services.
Types of Gambling Permitted
Initially, the Act permitted online sports betting, horse race betting, and online poker while excluding online casinos from the legal framework. This decision was based on concerns about addiction and financial risks associated with casino-style games.
Player Protection Measures
The Act emphasizes protecting players, mandating 1 Euro casino operators to implement tools for responsible gambling. These include setting deposit limits, providing self-exclusion mechanisms, and displaying clear information on the risks of gambling.
Prevention of Fraud and Money Laundering
The Act requires operators to implement robust measures to prevent fraud and money laundering. This includes verifying the identity of players and monitoring transactions for suspicious activities.
Taxation and Financial Regulations
The Act also outlines specific taxation rules for gambling operators. These regulations ensure a fair contribution to the state's revenue while maintaining a viable industry.