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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.

Casino Content

Groove says its casino content library passes 20,000 games

Published

3 hours ago

June 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

groove-says-its-casino-content-library-passes-20,000-games

Groove says it has passed 20,000 titles in its aggregated casino content library, delivered to partners via “one API” and managed through its Groove Command back office.

The company said the catalogue includes slots, instant win games, table games, crash games, live dealer and arcade-style titles, plus “emerging verticals including sweepstakes and crypto-native content.” Groove added that the portfolio is now live and available to its partners worldwide.

Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove, said the company focuses on curation rather than chasing volume: “Twenty thousand games is a number. What matters is what sits behind it…” Says Tourgeman. “We don’t add studios for the sake of volume. We add them because they bring something distinctive: a mechanical innovation, a visual language, a player-engagement hook that our operators can’t get elsewhere. Our partners trust us to curate, not just collect. That trust is why we keep growing, and why the quality curve keeps rising alongside the quantity curve.”

Groove said recent integrations include KingMidas Games (150+ mobile-first titles), Urgent Games and Bryogames, which it described as offering “proprietary mathematics with real-time RTP customisation.” The company said the additions were assessed for technical compatibility and “commercial distinctiveness.”

Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and CEO of Groove, positioned the milestone as part of a broader platform pitch: “The aggregation space is crowded with platforms that offer ‘access’ and little else,” said Meltzer. “Twenty thousand games through a single API is not just scale. It is a statement. It says that Groove has become the default engine for operators who want to move fast, compete smart, and never compromise on content depth. But we are not stopping here. The next 20,000 will be even more selective, more integrated, and more aligned with where player behaviour is heading. Volume without curation is noise. We are building a signal.”

The post Groove says its casino content library passes 20,000 games appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

content-aggregation

Octoplay integrates with Lottomart to expand UK distribution

Published

3 hours ago

June 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

octoplay-integrates-with-lottomart-to-expand-uk-distribution

Octoplay has expanded its UK distribution through a new integration with operator Lottomart, making a selection of the supplier’s slot games available to Lottomart players.

Under the agreement, Lottomart has added five Octoplay titles to its casino library: Fire Rail Express: Hold & Win, Break the Diamond Piggy, 777 Hot Reels: Megacharged, Big Bang Bonus: Hold & Win and The Lucky Fella: Hold & Win.

Chris Ruddock, Commercial Director at Lottomart, said: “We’re always on the lookout for exciting content that adds something fresh to our portfolio, and Octoplay’s titles do exactly that. Their distinctive style, engaging mechanics, and wide range of themes make them a fantastic addition to our casino. We’re really looking forward to seeing how our players respond.”

Ralitsa Georgieva, Chief Executive Officer at Octoplay, added: “Going live with Lottomart adds another respected UK operator to our growing list of partners in the market. The UK remains a core pillar of our European strategy, and we are pleased to bring our portfolio to Lottomart’s players.”

The post Octoplay integrates with Lottomart to expand UK distribution appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Commercial Gaming

Momentum forms UAE commercial gaming JV with Fanatics after GCGRA approval

Published

3 hours ago

June 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

momentum-forms-uae-commercial-gaming-jv-with-fanatics-after-gcgra-approval

Momentum Group and Fanatics have formed a strategic joint venture to run and expand Momentum’s licensed commercial gaming operations in the UAE, the companies said on 29 June, 2026. The partnership is based in Abu Dhabi and brings Momentum’s existing UAE commercial gaming licenses and operations into the new entity.

The joint venture will operate and grow the activities currently licensed to Momentum in the UAE, including lottery, iGaming, sportsbook, and content websites. Momentum said the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has approved the change in control of Momentum’s existing licensed entities.

Scott Burton, Chief Operating Officer, Momentum Group, said:

“The UAE has built one of the world’s most carefully regulated commercial gaming markets, and this joint venture is a reflection of the confidence that brings. Combining Momentum’s regional experience with Fanatics’ global product capability creates a partnership well placed to grow alongside this market for the long term.”

Conor Grant, President, Fanatics Gaming, said:

“The UAE is establishing one of the most thoughtfully regulated commercial gaming markets in the world, and Momentum has demonstrated what a responsible, credible operation within it looks like. We are entering this market for the long term, committed to building something genuinely category-defining together.”

Momentum said the companies plan to invest through the joint venture in technology, product, and customer experience, and to advance responsible gaming and player protection in line with the GCGRA framework.

The post Momentum forms UAE commercial gaming JV with Fanatics after GCGRA approval appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.