A New Era for French Gambling Oversight
The French gambling industry is under new leadership as Pascal Chevremont takes the helm of the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ). Nominated by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and confirmed by the National Assembly on June 17, Chevremont begins a six-year term, succeeding Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin. His appointment comes at a critical time for French betting regulation, with the market facing numerous internal and external pressures.
During his confirmation hearing, Chevremont presented a clear and decisive vision for the ANJ. He emphasized his intention to tighten the authority's grip on the industry and aggressively pursue illegal operators. This proactive stance signals a potentially transformative period for one of Europe's largest gambling markets.
Addressing a Market "Rife with Contradictions"
Chevremont wasted no time in diagnosing the core issues plaguing the French market. He highlighted a fundamental paradox where gambling is technically prohibited but remains a popular activity for a huge portion of the population.
“The gambling sector is rife with contradictions. The internal security code establishes the principle of a ban on activities, and yet they are practiced by one in two French people of gambling age, i.e. 22 million of our fellow citizens.”
This contradiction, he argued, has created a dangerous environment. He pointed to studies revealing a significant number of underage players and individuals struggling with gambling addiction. A major part of this problem is the flourishing illegal market, which operates outside the protections of the regulated framework.
The Fight Against Illegal Operators
The new ANJ President’s commitment to curbing illegal gambling is a top priority. Data from the industry trade body AFJEL supports this focus, showing a concerning trend. The number of French consumers accessing illegal betting sites surged by 35% between 2020 and 2025, reaching an estimated 5.4 million people.
This shadow market not only deprives the state of tax revenue but also exposes vulnerable players to predatory practices without any recourse. Chevremont's plan to directly confront this issue will likely be a cornerstone of his strategy for reshaping French betting regulation.
Navigating a High-Stakes Market
France stands as one of the five largest gambling markets in Europe, generating approximately €14 billion (£12.1 billion) in gross gaming revenue annually. Chevremont noted that this growth is largely fueled by online gambling, an impressive feat given that France's digitalization rate of 20% is only half the European average. The market continues to attract major players, such as the recent launch of bet365.
Despite this growth, Chevremont expressed caution. He stated that the public health goal of preventing excessive gambling requires placing limits on this expansion. His approach suggests a balance between allowing the legal market to thrive and implementing robust player protection measures.
Taxation and Advertising Scrutiny
Licensed operators in France already navigate a challenging environment marked by significant restrictions. A heavy tax regime introduced last year has placed further pressure on the industry. The ANJ will need to consider these commercial realities as part of its overhaul of French betting regulation.
| Betting Sector | Previous Tax Rate | Current Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Sports Betting | 41.1% | 42.1% |
| Online Sports Betting | 54.9% | 59.3% |
Adding to the financial pressure, advertising practices have come under intense scrutiny. Criticism has come from addiction awareness groups and, notably, high-profile members of the French national football team during their World Cup campaign. This public backlash puts marketing strategies firmly on the ANJ's regulatory radar.
The Path Forward for the ANJ
Pascal Chevremont believes the only answer to these complex challenges is clear and forceful regulation. He defined the primary objective of the ANJ as reducing the negative impacts of gambling on public health and social order.
He concluded his hearing by stating that the French betting space requires a "committed and dynamic authority." With a six-year term ahead of him, Chevremmont has a long runway to implement his vision and bring a new level of stability and safety to the nation's gambling landscape.
