France’s National Gaming Authority (ANJ) can now block all illegal gambling sites thanks to a new law. In a move that the ANJ called \u201ca major step forward in the fight against\u201d illegal gambling, the regulator can now impose blocks on unlicensed websites, whether they target French consumers or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the new law, which aims to \u201cdemocratize sport in France\u201d, the current legal procedure to block illegal gambling sites was replaced by an administrative process. As a result, the ANJ is no longer required to prove that these sites were advertised to French consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSuch a procedure\u201d, said the regulator, \u201cwill allow the ANJ to prevent, more quickly and effectively, access to sites that present very high risks in terms of dependence, legality of the game and suspicious financial operations\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The president of the ANJ can now order internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to websites that provide \u201can illegal gambling offering\u201d if those websites do not respond to a \u201cformal notice to cease such activity\u201d within five days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis legislative development is a major step forward in combating the illegal supply of gambling in France, which the ANJ has made as a priority project for 2022,\u201d the official said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt supports the new cooperation strategy that it has been developing for several months with all digital players (search engines, social networks, content exchange platforms, payment solution providers) to hold them accountable and contain the proliferation of illegal offers\u201d .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new law also requires the ANJ to \u201ccentralize and review\u201d reports related to suspicious betting activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ANJ is an independent authority and reports to Parliament. Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin was appointed President of the ANJ by decree of the French government for a six-year, non-revocable term. The Council is composed of 9 members (five women and four men).<\/p>\n\n\n\n