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Promotional strategies of gambling operators: what points of vigilance has the ANJ identified?

Published

5 years ago

January 26, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Meeting in plenary session on January 21, the members of the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) examined the 2021 promotional strategies of gambling operators, both in competition and monopoly, with particular regard to the objectives of prevention of excessive or pathological gambling and protection of minors. In view of the points of vigilance that were identified during this review, such as increased advertising pressure and the targeting of young audiences, the approval of these strategies is in most cases subject to conditions in their implementation.

Reminder of the legal framework

Since the reform of gambling regulation in 2020, all operators must submit their promotional strategies to the National Gaming Authority for approval each year. The latter examines it in the light of the objectives of the State’s policy on gambling and chance, and more specifically, the prevention of excessive or pathological gambling and the protection of minors.

This first exercise of approval of promotional strategies should allow the ANJ to progressively build its analytical grid to maintain a recreational game and for operators to become familiar with these new provisions. It is also on the basis of this analysis grid that the ANJ will be able, if necessary, to mobilize its power to withdraw from a particular advertising campaign that encourages gambling by minors or that contains excessive encouragement to gamble.

The ANJ’s analytical grid takes into account the balance to be struck between the legitimate use of advertising by operators to promote the legal offer and differentiate themselves in a highly regulated market, and its necessary channelling to counter the risk of problem gambling and protect minors. It will be regularly updated in the light of the observations or developments observed by the ANJ and the work carried out with the CSA and the ARPP, in the framework of the implementation of an observatory on gambling advertising.

It is in line with the reference framework for the prevention of excessive and pathological gambling and the protection of minors published in December 2020, which proposes an operational manual for operators in the implementation of their new obligations.

Points of vigilance common to operators for the 2021 strategies

The ANJ conducted a comparative analysis of the promotional strategies of the 14 licensed operators and the 2 operators under exclusive rights (FDJ and PMU). This analysis revealed points of vigilance, common to all these operators, which justify attaching conditions to approval decisions:

A substantial increase in advertising budgets of 26% compared to 2019*, with large-scale campaigns around major sporting events planned for this year (notably the Euro Football Championship and the Tokyo Olympic Games);
A reinforced targeting of young people with the use of digital marketing strategies on the social networks Snapchat and TikTok particularly followed by minors;
Active stimulation of the player with the effect of intensifying gambling practices and the recruitment of new players (bonuses, personalization of the offer).

The particular case of monopoly operators (FDJ and PMU)

An examination of the promotional strategies of these two operators under exclusive rights shows that the Authority has serious concerns about them, particularly in light of the case law of the CJEU and the Conseil d’Etat, which reminds us that the monopolies’ advertising efforts must remain measured and strictly limited to what is necessary to channel consumers towards controlled gambling networks. Moreover, in connection with this jurisprudence, the ANJ will be vigilant to ensure that any advertising or promotional campaign by these operators does not hide behind arguments of general interest to give a positive image of gambling or to justify it.

The ANJ will be very attentive to ensure that the points of vigilance it has identified are the object of particular attention on the part of operators with regard to their obligations in terms of prevention of excessive gambling and protection of minors.

*Since the 2020 budgets are not significant, 2019 will be the last fiscal year carried out under normal market conditions.

Arizona Lottery

Scientific Games rolls out Momentum systems upgrade for Arizona Lottery

Published

1 hour ago

July 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

scientific-games-rolls-out-momentum-systems-upgrade-for-arizona-lottery

New central gaming and retailer management systems support expanded draw game features across the Lottery’s 3,600 retail locations.

Scientific Games said a new suite of systems technology is now powering the Arizona Lottery’s statewide sales, including updates to its draw games portfolio. The rollout is based on Scientific Games’ Momentum ecosystem, incorporating a central gaming system and a retailer management system.

Arizona Lottery Executive Director Alec Thomson said the technology and game changes are intended to modernize operations and refresh the draw game lineup. “Our teams have been working hard behind the scenes with the Scientific Games teams, and we are thrilled to see this project come to life. The changes to our draw games will give our players bigger value, more ways to play and even more chances to win,” Thomson said. “Ultimately, the advanced technology ecosystem modernizes our operations and positions the Arizona Lottery for future growth.”

The Lottery’s draw game changes include an update to The Pick featuring an automatic multiplier on every play and an add-on called The Pick PLUS, the addition of a daily midday drawing for Pick 3, the launch of a new Pick 4 game with midday and evening drawings, and the addition of Powerball Double Play.

Scientific Games said it also upgraded its gem | suite software to support the expanded draw portfolio and to manage retailer licensing, communications and business intelligence across the Arizona Lottery’s network of 3,600 retailers. “As the Arizona Lottery’s systems technology partner since 2015, Scientific Games is focused on readying the Lottery for long-term sustainability through advanced systems and software, and exciting new products that engage players and drive proceeds to the good cause programs that benefit Arizonans,” said John Schulz, President, Americas & Global Instant Products.

Scientific Games has supplied products and services to the Arizona Lottery for 45 years, including Scratchers games and licensed brands, and supports the Lottery from a Phoenix location, according to the company.

The post Scientific Games rolls out Momentum systems upgrade for Arizona Lottery appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

2026 FIFA World Cup

Flashscore: UK World Cup traffic hits 2.35M users ahead of England vs Norway

Published

1 hour ago

July 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

flashscore:-uk-world-cup-traffic-hits-2.35m-users-ahead-of-england-vs-norway

Flashscore says England vs Mexico is its fourth most-watched match globally so far, drawing 17.5M live followers on the app.

Flashscore reported a lift in UK fan engagement ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, citing new usage data from its tournament coverage.

The company said it has recorded 2.35M unique UK users and 387.7M views across its World Cup content so far, spanning live scores, match centres, previews, articles and audio.

Flashscore also pointed to deeper “second-screen” consumption patterns in the UK during the same period, including 1.6M match preview views, 1.23M article views and 147K audio plays.

In global terms, Flashscore said England ranks seventh for team profile opens. England’s Round of 16 match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium was the fourth-most popular match of the tournament on the app, attracting 17.5M live followers and generating 53.2M views.

On player interest, Flashscore said England captain Harry Kane ranks 20th globally for player profile opens, with 3.9M—just behind Brazil’s Vinicius Junior on 4.0M. Norway striker Erling Haaland is eighth, with 5.7M profile opens.

The post Flashscore: UK World Cup traffic hits 2.35M users ahead of England vs Norway appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Amusnet Italy

Amusnet Italy Enters into Partnership with Entain

Published

1 hour ago

July 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

amusnet-italy-enters-into-partnership-with-entain

Amusnet Italy has launched its premium gaming portfolio on Entain’s prominent online casino brands, bwin and Gioco Digitale, marking a significant step in strengthening its presence within the regulated Italian market.

Through this strategic partnership, local players will gain access to the provider’s premium casino content, known for its exceptional reliability, captivating mechanics and top-tier design. This launch marks the beginning of a phased rollout, with a fully certified portfolio consisting of 174 high-performing titles from Amusnet’s catalogue.

The initial release, which went live on July 1, features the majestic slot Extra Crown Classic Buy Bonus. This royal, fruit-themed game masterfully blends a traditional aesthetic with modern video slot dynamics, featuring expanding Crown Wilds and dual Scatter symbols. It elevates excitement with an innovative Buy Bonus option for instant action alongside Amusnet’s signature 4-level mystery Jackpot Cards bonus game, providing a truly immersive player experience.

“Partnering with premium brands like bwin and Gioco Digitale is a major milestone for our growth in Italy. Launching onto Entain’s platform allows us to reach a wider audience and bring high-quality entertainment to Italian players,” said Polina Nedyalkova, Amusnet Italy Director.

Both bwin and Gioco Digitale are premier online casino brands operating under the global sports betting and gaming giant Entain, utilising a shared platform to deliver secure and cutting-edge gaming experiences. By aligning with these highly trusted brands, Amusnet is well-positioned to leverage their robust market positioning and extensive, loyal user bases to drive long-term engagement and growth.

With this strategic alliance, Amusnet Italy reinforces its commitment to driving growth in the local iGaming market alongside top-tier operators.

The post Amusnet Italy Enters into Partnership with Entain appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.