Each year, the National Gaming Authority approves the gaming and betting programme for the coming year for operators holding exclusive rights (FDJ and PMU). This approval, where applicable, specifies the conditions for implementing the gaming programme. This is one of the manifestations of the Authority’s close monitoring of operators holding exclusive rights to ensure that they comply with their enhanced obligations, particularly with regard to the prevention of excessive gambling.

First, data from the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) communicated by LA FRANÇAISE DES JEUX shows that, for the first time since 2020, the proportion of both excessive and problem gamblers is increasing in 2024 compared to 2023 for all activity under the operator’s exclusive rights, whereas these proportions remained stable between 2020 and 2023.

Furthermore, LA FRANÇAISE DES JEUX has indicated that it wishes to “ensure the attractiveness of the lottery and sports betting offering at points of sale by 2026 through product range promotion, innovation and digitalization”. The operator is thus proposing an intensification of its commercial offering, through dynamic promotion of all its game ranges, a strong innovation strategy and the use of incentive design techniques.

Taking these elements into account, in its decision of July 3, 2025 the ANJ decided to approve the programme for the 2026 games, subject to several strict conditions.

Generally speaking, and given the ambiguity of these messages, the company LA FRANÇAISE DES JEUX must refrain from accompanying the marketing of its new games with promotional messages offering incentives relating to the probability of winning associated with the game offered compared to other games that it markets (statements such as: “more than x chance(s) out of x of winning”, “Best chance of winning €X”) as well as the “minimum winnings” that may be won.

With regard to online games, the company must strive to limit the share of gross gaming revenue generated by excessive and problem players, across all ranges, all segments of the offer and all games offered online. With regard more specifically to the range of online games with successive draws, online scratch cards available from the physical distribution network at 3 euros and more, and that of “Web Exclusive” games, it must reduce this share substantially; in particular, the company must withdraw or modify games with the most excessive level of play.

With regard to draw games, the digital extension of the “Amigo” game is not authorised and the freeze on the range of successive draw games implemented in 2025 is maintained in 2026. The company LA FRANÇAISE DES JEUX must continue to reduce the share of gross gaming revenue (GGR) of the “Bingo Live” game generated by excessive players and take new measures to substantially reduce the risks of the Amigo game in the physical distribution network.

With regard to scratch cards offered in physical distribution networks and online, the freeze on the number of launches of new €3 games or relaunches of already authorised games is maintained at three in 2026. The number of launches of new €5 games or relaunches of already authorised games is limited to two in 2026. The number of scratch cards marketed in 2026 in physical distribution networks and, where applicable, available online based on a unit stake of €5 does not exceed nine.

Concerning games sold exclusively online, the ANJ is requesting a reduction in their total number, which particularly concerns the ranges of games at €2, €3 and €5.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has published Licensing Application Guidance to assist operators and future licensees familiarise themselves with the licensing process and the various steps to successfully submit their licence application.

Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, providers of gambling activities operating in Ireland or providing gambling products / gambling related services to consumers in Ireland will require a gambling licence granted by the GRAI. The initial focus is on opening for certain Business-to-Consumer licence applications. Applications for Business-to Business gambling licences and licences for charitable and philanthropic purposes will be accepted at a later stage.

“We intend to accept online applications for both in-person and remote Business-to Consumer Betting licences later this year. In the interim, existing and prospective gambling operators are encouraged to apply for and renew licensing under existing arrangements with the Revenue Commissioners, under the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. Lottery licence and permit applications will continue to be assessed by the District Courts and An Garda Síochána respectively until new licensing arrangements are in place,” the Authority said.

The UK Gambling Commission is to strengthen its approach to calculating and imposing financial penalties on gambling companies that breach its rules.

Following consultation the Commission’s Statement of principles for determining financial penalties will be changed to bring greater clarity and transparency. These changes include:

• providing a clear and distinct seven step process the Commission will follow when assessing and imposing a financial penalty

• providing transparency on how the Commission will determine the level of seriousness of the breach, and the introduction of five levels of seriousness

• determining the starting point for the penal element of the penalty by reference to the seriousness of the breach and a percentage of Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) or equivalent income generated during the period of the breach

• making adjustments to the penalty for aggravating and mitigating factors, deterrence and early resolution.

John Pierce, Director of Enforcement and Intelligence at the Gambling Commission, said: “We are making changes to strengthen the transparency and consistency of how we impose financial penalties. These proposals were subject to extensive consultation, and the views shared by all our stakeholders have been taken into account.

“The resulting changes will strengthen our decision-making and streamline the calculation of penalties – helping to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our enforcement work.

“Crucially, the new approach also encourages compliance at the earliest opportunity, supporting the protection of consumers alongside fair and proportionate outcomes for operators.

“Where fines are imposed on society lotteries, registered charities or personal licence holders these will not be based upon a percentage of the GGY accrued during the breach period, rather an appropriate alternative will be used.”