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Summary:
- The cooperation agreement is aimed at enhancing player protection and promoting a safe gambling environment
- The deal was signed by the heads of the French and Belgian regulators during the GREF conference
- Both countries are set to introduce major gambling reforms
French gambling regulator l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) and its Belgian counterpart, the Gambling Commission (BGC), have signed a “cooperation protocol” to intensify their coordination on a strategic level in terms of gambling regulation.
Both agencies entered into the deal on the sidelines of the European Gaming Regulators Forum (GREF) conference held in Norway earlier this month.
Cooperation Agreement to Enhance Player Protection
Signed by ANJ Chairwoman Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin and BGC Chairwoman Magali Clavie, the cooperation agreement will help France and Belgium strengthen customer protection in their respective jurisdictions and create a safer gambling environment for players.
Additionally, the deal will enable both the ANJ and BGC to exchange information, release joint reports, and conduct joint investigations and studies.
As part of the agreement, both agencies will notify each other of any changes to gambling regulation in France and Belgium. Both countries have recently taken steps to tackle the impact of gambling especially on children and minors.
The signing of the cooperation agreement between the French and Belgian gambling authorities followed the election of ANJ head Falque-Pierrotin as GREF Chair. Her Belgian counterpart Clavie is also an Ordinary Member of the GREF Board.
Andeers Dorph of Denmark’s Spillemyndighedens sits as Vice Chairman, while Sarah Kelly of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission serves as Secretary.
Gambling Reforms on the Way
Belgium is set to implement a ban on advertising starting July 1. From that date, operators will be prohibited from running all forms of gambling advertising or marketing campaigns across all media platforms, including television, radio, print, and cinema. Advertising in public spaces is also not allowed. The blanket ban also covers online ads on social media platforms and websites.
The measure is contained in the Royal Decree on Gambling Advertising Reforms drafted by Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne who has been pushing for a blanket ban on gambling advertising in Belgium since 2020.
In France, the ANJ who has already introduced rules on reducing gambling advertising has released new guidelines regarding gambling sponsorships. Under new rules, gambling firms can no longer use current sports athletes in their marketing campaigns. Moreover, minors will not be allowed to actively participate in commercial activities arising from gambling partnerships.
Active athletes will also be prohibited from making predictions on the outcomes of competitions and promoting odds on a game in their discipline. The updated guidelines are aimed at protecting minors, maintaining sports integrity, and preventing pathological gambling, according to the ANJ.
