ANJ Introduces Sports Betting Addiction Campaign Ahead of Euro 2024

At the start of April, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) in France ANJ noted a series of responsible gambling improvements while advising vigilance ahead of the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024.

Now, as the highly-anticipated soccer tournament is just around the corner, the French National Gaming Authority has announced a brand new prevention campaign to address the risks of addiction connected to sports betting.

Legal Notices in Gambling Ads

The campaign has been designed by the Rosbeef! agency and puts the focus on the legal notices in gambling advertisements. 

To better convey the consequences of gambling addiction, the campaign will use a yellow banner and real-life addiction stories, as opposed to just relying on brief legal disclaimers that are not enough in most cases. 

The campaign will direct individuals to the Evalujeu platform which will provide them with the necessary tools to evaluate their gambling habits and get the support and advice they need. 

A digital display campaign will also be included in the same media plan for the campaign. The online campaign will feature social ads on Snapchat, videos showing player testimonials, along with a digital audio radio spot, and an event publication in So Foot.

The Positive Dynamic Needs to Continue 

ANJ’s president, Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, spoke about the “excesses of the Euro in 2021,” when operators became more aware “of their responsibilities in the fight against excessive gambling” and decided to adjust their practices.

The president added that this “positive dynamic” should carry on during the Euro and the Olympic Games while emphasizing the ANJ “will be vigilant on the actual practices of each.”

According to data from a survey, more than 50% of the French population will be watching the Euro soccer matches while more than one-third plan on also wagering.

This further proves that soccer is still the most popular sport for bettors in the country, accounting for 52% of all bets placed online. 

In 2023 alone, the French people wagered over €4 billion ($4.35 billion).

Euro 2020 triggered €700 million ($761 million) in stakes. The 2022 World Cup gathered €900 million ($978 million) in stakes. 

Euro 2024 could reach the €1 billion ($1.08 billion) mark in terms of betting amounts, especially if the national team does well.

Similarly, at the end of May, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation announced the launch of a series of campaigns meant to raise awareness of the dangers of betting during Euro 2024 that will take place between June 14 and July 14.