France introduces draft requirements for responsible gambling messaging in online advertisements

In an effort to promote responsible gambling, France has unveiled a draft decree outlining messaging requirements for online gambling advertisements within the country.

Warning message demand

As per the decree’s core provision, it is mandatory for all online ads to display a warning message regarding excessive or pathological gambling. The message should also include details about the support services available to those impacted by gambling-related harm.

According to the draft decree, it is mandatory for warning messages to be displayed in a clear and visible manner in online ads, occupying at least 15% of the space. However, for cinema and poster advertisements, the requirement is lowered to 7%.

In addition, it is required for online ads to include a five-second “packshot” that displays a warning message. This message cannot be skipped by viewers. The warning is to be presented in black font on a yellow background for better visibility.

The new regulations propose that online advertisers must include the messaging in their ads within 30 days of the rules being enforced.

Alarming study and ban on using athletes’ images

In the draft decree, several factors were considered in its proposal, including a study conducted by the French Public Health Agency. The study revealed that 73% of gamblers believed that prevention messages in advertisements could contribute to raising awareness about gambling addiction.

It also highlighted that while the number of moderate-risk gamblers remained stable at around one million between 2014 and 2019, there was a significant increase in the number of individuals facing excessive gambling issues, rising from 200,000 in 2014 to 370,000.

The latest action taken by French authorities demonstrates their continuing commitment to combat gambling-related harm and protect consumers. Recently, the regulatory entity known as the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) prohibited the use of athletes’ images in gambling promotions, including sponsorships for sports teams.