France’s new regulator on track to launch

With France’s new gambling regulator, L’autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) is set to be “fully operational” by spring this year, the government recently published a new decree setting out the agency’s key functions and responsibilities.

The decree came into effect on 4 March, with ANJ to officially become the country’s new regulator once it meets for the first time.

The agency will be headed by Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, who previously served as state councillor for France’s National Commission for Data Protection.

The ANJ will replace online gambling regulator l’Autorité nationale de régulation des jeux en ligne (ARJEL), but will also regulate casinos, horse racing in Paris and lottery games.

“With its scope extended to cover all forms of gambling, combined with additional powers and increased resources, this new body will become the main player in the regulation of gambling in France,” stated a press release by prime minister Edouard Philippe office in February.