The French National Gaming Authority (ANJ) has unveiled a newly developed algorithm designed to identify a significantly larger number of likely problem gamblers in online and in-play wagering than those currently reported by gambling operators.
This detection tool is a central part of ANJ’s strategic plan for 2024-26, which focuses on reducing excessive gambling as a regulatory priority. According to the plan, France’s gambling industry demonstrated measurable progress in preventing excessive gambling and underage play but “further efforts” are necessary to meet ambitious targets to reduce problem gambling by 2027.
The French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction estimated in 2024 that approximately 1.17 million people in France exhibit problematic gambling behaviour, with roughly 360,000 classified as excessive players.
By leveraging continuous, account-level gambling data directly obtained from licensed operators, the ANJ developed the algorithm using 23 indicators derived from scientific literature.
These indicators consider factors such as:
- Financial transaction patterns
- Use of gambling moderation tools
- Frequency and intensity of gambling activity
- Players’ gambling histories
Players are classified into four groups by the algorithm: recreational, moderate risk, excessive, and manifestly excessive.
The ANJ confirmed the algorithm’s performance was validated against the internationally recognised Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) and vetted by an independent scientific committee. It is reportedly the first such model available in Europe, with similar projects underway in Spain and the Netherlands.
Flagged players bring in €1.2 billion in gross gaming revenue
Initial results published Wednesday reveal that the algorithm detected approximately 600,000 players with a “high probability” of excessive gambling in the second half of 2025.
This accounts for about 8.7% of the online, in-play wagering population supervised by the ANJ, including users of licensed online platforms and the two principal account holders: La Française des Jeux (FDJ) and Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU).
Among these, around 300,000 players were classified as manifestly excessive gamblers, a group the regulator insists operators must identify as a matter of priority.
The flagged players collectively generated an estimated €1.2 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), which is around 60% of the total GGR from online gambling. Notably, the ANJ reported this share has been increasing steadily since 2023.
Tool is ‘decisive step for regulator’
While operators have demonstrated progress, tripling their identification of excessive gamblers from 31,000 in 2024 to 89,000 in 2025, ANJ argued this remains significantly below the necessary level. The current industry figures sharply contrast with the regulator’s algorithm estimates and population survey data on gambling harm.
To promote improved detection, ANJ is offering the algorithm to operators on an optional basis. It intends for this tool to serve as a “compliance barometer”, enabling operators to evaluate their identification efforts in conjunction with existing detection measures. The regulator will continue to monitor trends and compare operator reports with its own data.
Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the ANJ, hailed the algorithm as “a decisive step for the regulator”, emphasising its alignment with real-world online gambling patterns.
She reiterated the ANJ’s firm expectation that operators immediately begin identifying the 300,000 manifestly excessive players and extend efforts to address the wider cohort flagged by the tool. Additionally, the ANJ highlighted the need to enhance identification of problem gambling in retail environments, targeting FDJ and PMU for intensified action since 2024.
The ANJ acknowledged that its algorithm does not provide an exact prevalence measure comparable to epidemiological studies but serves as a benchmark for regulatory oversight and trend monitoring. Looking ahead, the regulator anticipates that the algorithm will drive operators to intensify identification and support initiatives.
France’s regulated gambling market expanded by 3% in 2025, reaching a total gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €14.1 billion ($16.6 billion).
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/sustainable-gambling/excessive-gamblers-bring-60-online-ggr-anj-algorithm/
