French Trade Body Sounds the Alarm

France’s licensed gambling sector is escalating its warnings over the rapid expansion of illegal betting platforms.

AFJEL — whose members include major operators such as Betclic, Entain and Betsson — has issued a renewed call for government intervention.

The tone is sharper than before. According to the association, this is no longer just a matter of market share. It is about protecting minors from exposure to unregulated platforms.

Regulated Market as a “Fortress”

AFJEL’s position hinges on a clear distinction between licensed and unlicensed environments.

In France, operators approved by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) must comply with some of Europe’s strictest Know Your Customer (KYC) standards.

Before placing a bet, users must provide:

  • Government-issued identification
  • A verified French bank account
  • Proof of physical residency

These requirements create multiple barriers designed to prevent underage access. AFJEL argues that when minors do access licensed platforms, it is typically through shared credentials within households — not through systemic regulatory failure.

The Black Market’s Rapid Expansion

The concern lies elsewhere.

An estimated 5.4 million French residents are reportedly using unlicensed gambling platforms — a 35% increase in just two years. Unlike regulated operators, these sites impose little to no verification checks.

AFJEL highlights several risks linked to the illegal market:

  • Minimal or nonexistent age verification
  • No mandatory self-exclusion tools
  • Absence of deposit limits
  • Aggressive influencer-led marketing targeting younger audiences

While licensed operators face tight advertising restrictions, illegal sites operate freely across social media channels. According to AFJEL, this imbalance is contributing to the normalization of gambling among Gen Z and Generation Alpha.

Public Health and Data Distortion

Another point of contention is how gambling harm is measured.

AFJEL warns that public health research often treats all gambling activity as a single category. The association argues this approach overlooks a critical difference: regulated sites offer safeguards, while illegal platforms provide none.

By failing to separate these ecosystems, policymakers risk:

  • Misattributing harm to compliant operators
  • Overlooking the role of unlicensed platforms
  • Weakening the licensed market that funds responsible gambling initiatives

For AFJEL, the distinction is fundamental to preserving both industry integrity and consumer protection.

Enforcement Over Dialogue

The association says it is prepared to work closely with French authorities but insists that cooperation must translate into action.

Its demands focus on:

  • Increased enforcement resources
  • Stronger blocking measures against illegal sites
  • Financial and human capital dedicated to digital oversight

Without decisive intervention, AFJEL warns that the licensed market’s protective framework will erode as consumers drift toward less restrictive — and more dangerous — alternatives.

Summary

AFJEL is urging the French government to intensify enforcement against illegal betting platforms, citing rising underage exposure and a 35% surge in black-market usage. While licensed operators in France operate under strict KYC and responsible gambling rules, unregulated sites continue to attract millions with minimal oversight. The trade body argues that stronger enforcement is essential to protect minors and preserve the integrity of France’s regulated gaming ecosystem.