World Cup 2026: France’s Gambling Warning Hides a Scarier Truth—Young Bettors Are Already Losing Control

(AsiaGameHub) –

By: Adrian Cole, internationally renowned scholar of public administration and social policy

The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ)’s 2026 World Cup gambling awareness campaign comes too late for many French bettors. The data it’s releasing reveals a crisis already in full swing, not just a future risk.

Official facts say 51% of World Cup viewers will place friendly bets—colleague or family pools with no or little money. But 41% will bet real money via apps or physical sportsbooks. Men under 35 are more likely to bet real money. Well-to-do groups (49%) gamble more than poorer ones (35%). The ANJ notes 83% of French people know gambling risks. But knowing doesn’t stop those already hooked.

The ANJ’s scariest numbers: 37% of current bettors feel they’ve lost control. For those under 25, it’s 67%. One in five French people know someone close who’s spending excessively. The 2022 World Cup saw €900 million in bets. 2026 could hit €1.2 billion if France performs well. This means the crisis will worsen as the team advances.

The ANJ’s campaign is a band-aid. France needs mandatory real-time spending caps on betting apps and stricter age checks to protect young bettors before 2026.