ANJ’s New Algorithm Indicates 60% of GGR Is Generated by Risky Players

(AsiaGameHub) –   The French gambling regulatory authority, ANJ, revealed that its newly developed algorithm indicates a striking 60% of France’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) originates from players exhibiting risky gambling behaviors. In response, the ANJ has made the algorithm accessible to operators, enabling them to use it as a benchmark to evaluate the adequacy of their safer gaming measures.

ANJ Developed Algorithm to Detect At-Risk Players

Emphasizing the reduction of problem gambling as a core mandate, the ANJ pointed to troubling findings from a recent analysis suggesting that over half of the nation’s GGR is derived from individuals with gambling-related issues.

While the ANJ previously noted progress in identifying problem gamblers—with operators reporting 89,000 such cases in 2025, up from 31,000 the previous year—the regulator expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of current detection methods, citing insufficient results.

To address this gap, the ANJ created its own algorithm using data from licensed online operators, as well as information from FDJ and PMU. This tool is designed to support operator compliance and allow the ANJ to “objectively evaluate the measures operators must implement” to detect problem gamblers. It also aims to curb revenue generated from individuals experiencing gambling harm.

Initial Findings Raise Serious Concerns

The ANJ clarified that while the algorithm is not intended to provide an exact count of problem gamblers, it offers a broader, data-driven perspective on the scale of the issue. The tool’s accuracy has been validated using the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI), under the oversight of an expert committee.

It employs 23 risk indicators to classify players into four distinct categories:

• Recreational players
• Moderate-risk players
• Excessive players
• Clearly excessive players

The preliminary findings are alarming: during the second half of 2025 alone, the algorithm flagged approximately 600,000 individuals as highly likely to be problem gamblers. Half of these were classified as clearly excessive players, with the remainder strongly suspected of being at risk.

Although the ANJ acknowledged that the rise in problem gambling cases is partly attributable to increased gambling popularity and market expansion, it stressed that “this does not account for the full picture,” as the rate of problem gambling appears to be growing faster than the overall player base.

More concerning still, the algorithm estimated that 60% (EUR 1.2 billion) of France’s total GGR was generated by problem gamblers.

Operators Granted Access to Integrate the Algorithm

The ANJ stated that the algorithm is now available as an optional resource for operators, allowing them to assess how effectively their current systems identify problem gambling. It can be deployed in conjunction with existing tools and algorithms.

Meanwhile, the ANJ will utilize the algorithm to pinpoint clearly excessive players and further investigate those potentially at risk.

Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, Chair of the ANJ, described the release of the algorithm to operators as a “decisive step” in the evolution of gaming regulation in France.

In addition to survey data, the algorithm enables an objective evaluation of the efforts required to identify problem gamblers, who must receive immediate support from operators. It is also essential that this identification process extends to physical points of sale—a goal we have consistently urged the two monopolies to pursue since 2024.

Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, Chair, ANJ

In related developments, France has recently joined other European nations in criticizing the rapid expansion of the prediction markets sector.