French regulators are increasing warnings about sports betting ahead of the FIFA World Cup as new research shows rising participation and continued concern over gambling-related harm. The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) has launched a prevention campaign aimed at highlighting risks linked to excessive betting during major sporting events.
A Toluna–Harris Interactive study commissioned by the ANJ finds that 41% of French people planning to follow the tournament intend to place bets with bookmakers. Interest is higher among younger adults, reaching 54% among under-35s. Overall, 83% of French people recognise the risks of gambling addiction, rising to 91% among those planning to bet.
The campaign comes as France’s betting market continues to expand. Football accounts for 55% of online wagers, within a market exceeding €6 billion in 2025. The 2022 World Cup generated more than €900 million in betting activity, with the France–Argentina final reaching nearly €54 million online. Projections suggest the next tournament could approach €1.2 billion in total wagers.
Rising Engagement and Betting Behaviour
The study shows 30% of intended bettors expect to spend more than in previous tournaments, compared with 19% in 2022. More than half of those following the World Cup also plan informal bets with friends or family.
Matches involving the French national team remain the main driver of betting activity. The sector is also heavily concentrated among younger adults, with 64% of bettors aged 18 to 34. France recorded over five million active accounts in 2025, with an average annual stake of €2,186.
Signs of Gambling-Related Harm
The OFDT estimated in 2023 that 15.3% of sports bettors show problem gambling behaviour. Common indicators include chasing losses, overspending and feelings of guilt.
The ANJ survey shows 37% of regular bettors have already felt a loss of control. This rises to 67% among those under 25. One in five respondents say they know someone affected by similar issues, rising to 48% among younger people.
“Risk Zone” Prevention Campaign
The ANJ campaign, created by agency LIBRE, reinterprets the yellow legal notice used in gambling advertising as a“risk zone” warning ribbon.
The concept illustrates how betting behaviour can escalate into loss chasing, frustration and isolation. Its tagline states: “Playing with excess means entering a risky zone.”
A public installation placed a staged living room behind yellow tape in a city space, where an actor demonstrated problematic betting behaviours during a live match. Passersby were invited to observe and discuss the scene.
The campaign directs users to the Evalujeu website for self-assessment tools and access to support services for players and families.
ANJ President Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin said increased match volume, advertising exposure and rising betting levels create a heightened risk environment. She added that growing intentions to bet and higher spending expectations reinforce the need for prevention efforts ahead of the tournament.
Source:
“’Risk Zone’: the National Gaming Authority’s new campaign on the risks of sports betting addiction”, anj.fr, Jun 3, 2026
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