New French regulator expected to launch in spring 2020

France’s new gambling regulator, L’autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) will be “fully operational” in spring of this year, with Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, currently state councillor for France’s National Commission for Data Protections, as its president.

The launch date and Falque-Pierrotin’s selection were announced in a press release from French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, following with Falque-Pierrotin last week.

The ANJ will replace online gambling regulator l’autorité nationale de régulation des jeux en ligne (ARJEL), but – unlike ARJEL – will also regulate casinos, horse racing in Paris and lottery games.

“With its scope extended to cover all forms of gambling, additional powers and increased resources, this new body will become the main player in the regulation of gambling in France,” Philippe's office explained. 

“The Agency will have the power to tackle gambling addiction, to ensure minors are protected, to prevent fraudulent or criminal activity by combatting money laundering, and ensuring economic stability across the various gaming sectors.”

Falque-Pierrotin, a graduate of the HEC business school in Paris, worked in the French courts before being appointed vice-chair of the National Commission for Data Protections in 2009 and the state councillor in 2011.