French regulator intervenes to protect gamblers’ rights

In a decisive move to safeguard consumer interests, France’s gambling watchdog, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has taken a firm stance against the practice of arbitrarily limiting player bets by operators. Following a meticulous review of the terms and conditions set by gambling companies, the ANJ has enforced the removal of certain clauses deemed unfair to consumers, while prompting some operators to completely revamp their T&Cs.

The crackdown specifically targets provisions that permitted operators to cap player bets without any legitimate justification. Such restrictions, the ANJ warns, could potentially breach the consumer code or, in worse cases, amount to deceptive commercial practices. The regulator acknowledges that there are valid scenarios for imposing bet limits, such as addressing problem gambling, aiding anti-money laundering efforts, and mitigating financial risks to operators.

ANJ targets unjust gamblers’ limits

Further, the ANJ has challenged clauses that absolve operators from liability or impede legal recourse for consumers. It insists that players should have the right to seek justice within their local jurisdiction, irrespective of the operators’ headquarters location, even if it’s overseas. The regulator also criticized terms that limit the evidence consumers can present and those that shorten the statutory five-year period for claiming rights against operators.

This regulatory review aims to ensure a satisfactory level of legal compliance ahead of potential future audits. However, the ANJ clarifies that this does not equate to an endorsement of the operators’ contractual documents, which remain the sole responsibility of the operators to draft, without any intention of standardization. This intervention by the ANJ underscores its commitment to upholding a fair and transparent gambling environment, emphasizing the importance of consumer protection in the industry.