Decree No. 2020-1349 France

Regulation Summary

Timeline

4 November 2020: Decree adopted
6 November 2020: Published in the Official Journal
7 November 2020: Entered into force

What Businesses Are Affected

Licensed online gambling and betting operators
Exclusive rights holders like La Française des jeux
Casino and horse racing operators
Certification bodies and related service providers
Sports federations and event organizers licensing betting rights

Exemptions

Internal gaming activities not open to the public
Foreign operators not targeting French consumers
Non-profit occasional games (e.g. charity raffles)

Responsibilities for Businesses

Submit annual promotional strategies for approval
Implement player protection plans (against addiction, underage gambling)
Undergo independent certification for gambling platforms
Report quarterly data on player payouts and game returns
Share scientific research contributions (0.002% of stakes) with ANJ

Specific Responsibilities for Website Owners

Display age restriction notices clearly
Include mandatory public health messages in all gambling-related ads
Add clickable warnings in online ads linking to help services
Submit promotional changes to ANJ at least two months before deployment
Comply with return-to-player rate rules (e.g., 85% for online sports betting)

Additional Requirements

Communication must not glamorize gambling or mislead about winnings
Use of minors, or themes appealing to minors, in ads is strictly prohibited
Only listed sports events and result types may be used for betting
Distribution of physical lottery or instant games limited to capped numbers
Overseas territories (DOM-TOM) must apply certain provisions with local adaptations

Individual Rights

Protection against targeting if underage
Transparency about game odds and advertising
Access to responsible gambling resources

Enforcement

The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) oversees enforcement. Violations can lead to:

Refusal or withdrawal of promotional approvals
Suspension or revocation of operator license
Removal from the list of authorized certification bodies
Penalties under the broader Code de la sécurité intérieure, which may include fines of up to €100,000 and suspension or revocation of licenses, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation