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The French gambling regulator is raising red flags. ANJ has warned operators about excessive marketing during the 2026 World Cup. Player protection sits at the heart of their concerns.
Industry spending on advertising continues climbing. The ANJ documented a 25% average increase across the sector. Such growth troubles public health officials.
FIFA’s new tournament rules compound the problem. Hydration breaks introduce additional commercial opportunities. Broadcasters gain roughly two extra minutes per match for advertisements.
The regulator worries about vulnerable demographics. Young adults face heightened exposure risks. Statistical evidence validates these concerns.
Research from 2024 paints a worrying picture. Problem gambling rates hit 15.3% among sports bettors. Even more alarming, 18% of 18-24 year-olds fall into this category.
Therefore, the ANJ calls for voluntary restraint. Operators must balance commercial interests with social duty. The regulator expects responsible behavior from licensed companies.
Some media organizations already responded. ADMTV, the French advertising union, confirmed broadcaster cooperation. At least one major network will refuse gambling commercials during hydration pauses.
This represents meaningful progress. Self-regulation can reduce harm before legislation arrives. Media companies understand their influence on viewer behavior.
However, the ANJ seeks more comprehensive protection. They advocate for whistle-to-whistle advertising prohibitions. Such bans would eliminate gambling promotions throughout live broadcasts.
The United Kingdom pioneered similar measures. British restrictions have shown positive results. Problem gambling rates stabilized following implementation.
Meanwhile, French operators plan their tournament strategies. The World Cup attracts enormous television audiences. Commercial potential seems impossible to ignore.
In addition, market pressures continue mounting. New entrants challenge established operators for market share. Customer acquisition costs rise in competitive environments.
The ANJ promises vigilant oversight during the tournament. Non-compliant companies risk serious consequences. Enforcement tools include financial penalties and regulatory sanctions.
