French gambling operator fined €500k over duty of care failings

France's gambling authority, _L'Autorité Nationale des Jeux_ (ANJ), has imposed a substantial fine on an online gambling operator. The company faces a penalty of 500,000 euros. This fine stems from serious failings in player protection, specifically in identifying and supporting at-risk gamblers. This incident once again demonstrates how seriously regulatory bodies view problem gambling prevention and the significant consequences operators face when they fail to meet their obligations.

While the ANJ has not publicly named the operator involved, the case sends a clear message. French licensees are required to report their activities every three months. In this particular instance, investigations focused on the gambling activities of 30 users over a six-month period, from October 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.

Numbers and facts

The ANJ determined that the operator had failed to fulfill its obligations to identify 'problem or pathological gamblers.' The ANJ's Sanctions Committee met on June 30 to discuss the case. Seven indicators were used to assess the operator's compliance. These included the frequency of deposits, the high number of lost deposits, the frequency of play, and a high number of bet modifications. The use of self-exclusion tools and the number of accounts opened by the player with the operator during the period also played a role. The ANJ concluded that the operator had failed to meet its identification obligations for 'almost all' of the 30 players in the case. Some players were not identified as posing a risk at all, while others were classified with an insufficient risk level despite their gambling habits raising concerns. The committee also noted that the operator had failed to implement graduated and proportionate support measures for these players, aimed at curbing their gambling. The ANJ deemed the 500,000 euro fine appropriate given the 'seriousness of the breaches,' their impact, and their duration.

Since late 2025, the ANJ has also been using a new responsible gaming algorithm. This algorithm aims to better identify problematic players. According to the ANJ, 600,000 players in France, representing 8.7 percent of the country's player base, are 'highly likely' to be gambling excessively.

“Some players had not been identified as posing a risk, while others had been classified as having an insufficient risk level based on their gambling habits. The committee also noted that the operator had failed to implement graduated and proportionate support measures for these players, aimed at curbing their gambling.” - ANJ, French Gambling Authority.

Background

Cases where gambling operators are held accountable are not new. Similar incidents have occurred in other European countries. For example, in the Netherlands, the operator LeoVegas was held responsible for player negligence. In Sweden, Betsson was ordered to refund a player 500,000 euros in losses in February 2025. The Swedish Supreme Court confirmed that Betsson had failed in its duty of care towards this player between 2009 and 2014. At that time, there was no regulated online gambling legislation in Sweden. These cases, like the current one in France, underscore the growing importance of player protection. Regulatory authorities across Europe are tightening their player protection measures. They expect providers to recognize warning signs and act proactively.

Why it matters for German players

For German players who only play at GGL-licensed providers, such reports are further evidence that regulated markets are beneficial. With the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021), Germany has established a strict framework for online gambling. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) strictly monitors compliance with these regulations. The GGL whitelist lists all legal providers. In German online gambling, there are stringent requirements for player protection. These include a stake limit of 1 euro per spin on online slot machines and a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros. This limit applies across all providers and is monitored by the central surveillance system LUGAS.

Furthermore, there is the nationwide self-exclusion system OASIS, which allows players to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling for a specific period or permanently. German licensees are obliged to closely monitor their players. They must intervene if there are signs of problem gambling behaviour. This includes making contact, offering help, and, if necessary, excluding the player from gaming. Compared to the cases described here in France or the Netherlands, German authorities also act very strictly. The high requirements and controls are intended to prevent players in Germany from falling into a spiral of debt or experiencing financial problems. Players should therefore always check whether a provider is on the GGL whitelist to ensure maximum protection.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The situation in France confirms the direction the GGL has taken in Germany. Player protection is not an optional extra but a central pillar of licensing. GGL-licensed online casinos must implement sophisticated early detection systems for problem gambling behavior. They must set up alarm systems that react to deposit frequency, loss amounts, duration of gaming sessions, and other behavioral patterns. For example, the ANJ has identified seven indicators of excessive gambling, which the GGL also considers in similar forms.

German operators are obliged to contact players directly in case of anomalies and offer support. They must take tiered measures, from simple warnings to mandatory self-exclusion. Any form of promotional material sent to players showing signs of gambling addiction is strictly forbidden. This is a crucial lesson from cases like the Swedish Betsson ruling of 2025, where the company was ordered to refund 500,000 euros precisely because it sent promotional materials to a known problem gambler. It highlights the importance of proactive measures and the potential financial consequences of disregarding player protection obligations.