ANJ Introduces Fast-track Self-exclusion to Protect French Players
France’s gambling regulator, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has introduced a redesigned and fully digital version of its national self-exclusion register, known as “Interdiction Volontaire.” The update represents the most significant enhancement to France’s player protection regime since the programme’s inception, aiming to simplify access, improve security, and accelerate the process for individuals seeking help.
Major Shift from Legacy System
The upgrade replaces the original process launched in 2007 under the Ministry of the Interior. At that time, self-exclusion required physical attendance at a police station, paper forms, and in-person interviews.
Initially limited to casinos and gaming clubs, the programme’s scope expanded following the 2010 legalisation of online gambling. When ANJ assumed responsibility in 2020, the regulator began modernising the programme to align with evolving responsible gambling requirements.
Seamless Online Registration and Faster Activation
As of 2025, players can now register fully online via interdictiondejeux.anj.fr. The new platform enables users to verify their identity, complete a dynamic selfie through IDnow, and receive confirmation of activation—all without leaving home. The ANJ aims to reduce activation time to just one day.
Currently, more than 85,000 individuals are registered on the self-exclusion list, up from 40,000 in 2021. Registrations have grown by 25% in the past two years alone, with 19,000 new users joining the list in 2024.
Key Demographics and Risk Factors
ANJ data reveals that 77% of registrants are men. Young adults aged 18-24 make up 23% of the list, often influenced by exposure to heavy marketing or unlicensed gambling platforms.
The 25-34 age group accounts for 33% of registrants, with sports betting identified as the leading trigger for exclusion. Among players aged 35-49, sports betting and online poker are the main factors, while for those over 65, land-based casinos remain the most common source of harm.
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What’s Next?
Looking ahead to 2026, the ANJ plans to introduce personalised user accounts that will allow registrants to manage documentation, monitor their exclusion status, and initiate removal requests after the minimum three-year period. A new call-back system will also be launched to collect user feedback and reinforce support services.
With this digital overhaul, the ANJ aims to make self-exclusion faster, more accessible, and more secure – reflecting France’s commitment to minimising gambling-related harm across both digital and land-based sectors.
