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ANJ publishes its 2021/2023 strategic plan

Published

5 years ago

February 3, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

As soon as it was set up on 23 June 2020, the National Gambling Authority began drawing up its strategic plan for the next three years. It sets out its vision of regulation and how it intends to add value to players and economic players. Five priority focus have been set to keep gambling within a sustainable perspective of recreational gambling.

The development of the strategic plan was launched in July 2020 and continued until November. It was built through a collaborative process involving all ANJ agents as well as members of the ANJ Board. It was also based on contacts with operators or civil society that were organized after the launch of the ANJ. This plan was definitively adopted by the ANJ Board on 3rd December 2020.

Beyond the four objectives defined by the law, the ANJ must carry out its action in a medium-term strategic perspective, specify its vision of regulation and how it intends to bring value to players and economic actors. In short: define the regulator’s project.

This is all the more important as the new legal framework is complex and difficult to grasp for operators, as the health crisis has tightened competition conditions, and because each action taken by the regulator will be scrutinized in terms of its effects on market balances.

The central inspiration of this strategic plan is to keep gambling within a sustainable perspective of recreational gambling.

Given the psycho-social risks associated with gambling and in the particular context of health crisis, it is essential to consolidate a regulatory model that makes it possible to reconcile controlled development of the sector with the protection of the public interests involved, first and foremost the gamblers protection. This is a priority ethical issue for our country, and this ethical dimension of the ANJ’s action is included in all of the regulator’s actions and reflections.

Three methodological principles pass through all the proposals in this plan

Pragmatism: The desire to build step by step the regulatory architecture put in place by the 2019 order so that each operator in the gambling market can realistically and effectively adopt the new obligations;

Dialogue: The need to build regulation with all the actors through an organized and continuous dialogue. The ANJ is convinced that, if the roles of each are distinct, it is essential that the regulator be close to the realities on the ground, in dialogue with the stakeholders in order to best adjust its positions, tools and services;

Coherence: Finally, the concern to work with other public structures to coordinate our actions and offer economic players the most coherent and readable public front possible.

The 5 strategic focus that will guide the ANJ’s action over the next three years are as follows:

1st STRATEGIC FOCUS: Building a “value-adding” regulator at the service of a sustainable recreational gambling market

The ANJ must bring value to the gambling sector by implementing a comprehensive toolkit that includes preventive, prescriptive, control and sanctioning actions in a regulatory continuum. This approach is in the interest of operators, the security of their practices and the confidence of their customers. It contributes to the protection of gamblers and the preservation of a gambling practice that must remain recreational.

2nd STRATEGIC FOCUS: Placing the player at the heart of regulation

Gambling concerns almost one French people out of two, which makes it a very appreciated and widespread leisure activity, oriented towards an essentially recreational practice. However, with an estimated 1.4 million problem gamblers, the prevention of excessive gambling is a central public health issue in which the ANJ must take part; the implementation of the new obligations of operators will be decisive in this respect. Finally, the protection of minors is a priority.

3rd STRATEGIC FOCUS: Building a forefront regulatory system

The gambling market is particularly creative in games offers, promotional strategies of operators or gambling platforms. In order to be in tune with this world, ANJ must integrate this culture of innovation and digital technology, both with respect to the players it regulates and internally, in its operating mode and tools.

4th STRATEGIC FOCUS: Promoting a European vision of gambling regulation

European cooperation with the ANJ’s counterparts needs to be strengthened since many issues, both operational and strategic for the regulation of gambling, are now being addressed at this level. This is the case of the fight against money laundering or illegal gambling or the emerging economic role of gaming platforms. At a time when a choice has to be made between several regulatory models, the ANJ wishes to play a leading role in European and international cooperation.

5th STRATEGIC FOCUS: Strengthening our working community

The scope and diversity of its regulatory scope and the new legal obligations imposed on operators result in a high rate of demand and a very heavy workload for the teams; this pressure also requires a great deal of joint work by the teams.

It is therefore essential to pool resources and information, empower employees and attract new talent. The aim is to make “working together efficiently” the common language of the ANJ, by multiplying opportunities for exchanges and meetings, by introducing new forms of work organization that are more transversal and empowering, but also by embodying the values of goodwill and conviviality on a daily basis.

BetMGM

BetMGM and FashionTV Gaming Group Bring Luxury Lifestyle to North American iGaming

Published

16 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

betmgm-and-fashiontv-gaming-group-bring-luxury-lifestyle-to-north-american-igaming

BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, has officially partnered with FashionTV Gaming Group to launch a curated portfolio of luxury-branded games. This strategic collaboration marks the entry of FashionTV’s iconic aesthetic into the North American iGaming market, exclusively through BetMGM’s platforms.

The partnership merges FashionTV’s global prestige in the worlds of fashion and high-society entertainment with BetMGM’s award-winning digital casino infrastructure.

Immersive Luxury Table Games

The initial rollout features two high-gloss table games designed to provide players with an “immersive, lifestyle-driven” experience that mirrors the sophistication of the FashionTV brand.

FashionTV Blackjack: A premium take on the casino classic, featuring refined visual assets and high-end production values.
FashionTV Roulette: A sleek, stylized version of the iconic wheel, bringing a “fashion-forward” energy to every spin.

The titles are currently live in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with a wider rollout planned for all jurisdictions where BetMGM Casino is active.

Strategic Vision and 2026 Roadmap

For BetMGM, the partnership is part of a broader “branded content” strategy that includes previous successes with major TV and movie franchises.

“At BetMGM, we have redefined what it means to deliver entertainment in iGaming,” said Oliver Bartlett, VP of Gaming at BetMGM. “By partnering with FashionTV Gaming Group, we’re creating experiences that go beyond gameplay and connect players to the brands they love.”

Moshe Cohen, Founder & President of FashionTV Gaming Group, added: “BetMGM’s leadership and scale make them the perfect partner to transform our vision into a North American success story.”

Looking ahead, BetMGM has confirmed that additional FashionTV-branded titles—including slots and potentially live dealer variants—will be released throughout 2026 as part of an expanding content pipeline.

The post BetMGM and FashionTV Gaming Group Bring Luxury Lifestyle to North American iGaming appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Brazil Betting Law

2026 iGaming Regulatory Roadmap: Key Compliance Deadlines

Published

19 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

2026-igaming-regulatory-roadmap:-key-compliance-deadlines

As the industry gathers for ICE Barcelona 2026, the regulatory landscape has shifted into a high-execution phase. The following roadmap outlines the critical compliance dates for three of the most influential markets currently undergoing major transitions: the United Kingdom, Brazil, and the Philippines.

Date	Jurisdiction	Regulatory Milestone	Action Required for Operators/Suppliers
Jan 19, 2026	United Kingdom	LCCP Social Responsibility Code 5.1.1 Update	Ban on Mixed-Product Incentives: Offers like “Bet £10, get 20 free spins” are now prohibited. Wagering Caps: Bonus wagering is capped at a maximum of 10x.
Jan 19-21, 2026	Global / EMEA	ICE Barcelona 2026	Flagship event for showcasing 2026 compliance technology and real-time auditing solutions.
Mar 19, 2026	United Kingdom	LCCP Condition 15.2.1 Reporting	Key Event Reporting: Threshold for reporting operator status/shareholder changes raised from 3% to 5%. All loans must be reported regardless of written agreements.
Mar 31, 2026	Philippines	PAGCOR B2B Accreditation Deadline	Final Compliance Date: All B2B providers (studios, aggregators, affiliates) must be accredited. Unaccredited foreign content will be blocked from licensed platforms.
Apr 6, 2026	United Kingdom	DMCC Act 2024 Alignment	Fair & Transparent Terms: Consumer Protection regulations replaced by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. Terms must align with new definitions of “misleading actions.”
June 30, 2026	United Kingdom	RTS 12 (Financial Limits)	Technical changes to Remote Technical Standards (RTS) regarding how customers set and view financial limits on their accounts.
H2 2026	Brazil	Betting Deposit Tax Vote	Proposed 15% tax on gambling deposits is expected to return to the Senate for a final vote after being pushed back in late 2025.

Regional Deep Dive: Strategic Compliance

1. United Kingdom: The “Safety & Simplicity” Era

The UKGC’s January 19th update is the most immediate challenge for marketing teams. By decoupling sports betting from casino bonuses, the regulator aims to reduce “cross-product friction” that could lead to unintended gambling harm.

Strategy: Pivot toward product-specific loyalty programs (e.g., “Bet £10 on Football, Get a £5 Free Bet”) to maintain compliance while driving retention.

2. Brazil: Sustaining the .bet.br Ecosystem

Following the January 1, 2025 launch of the regulated market, 2026 is about operational maturity. The focus has shifted to the mandatory use of the .bet.br domain and rigorous AML/KYC reporting to the Secretariat of Awards and Betting (SPA).

Strategy: Ensure all advertising features the mandatory license logo and that all protagonists in marketing materials are visibly over 21 years of age.

3. Philippines: The B2B Supply Chain Lockdown

PAGCOR’s new framework is a move to professionalize the region, mirroring the supplier-licensing models seen in Ontario and Malta.

Strategy: Foreign studios that missed the December 2025 “early bird” three-year accreditation window must expedite their applications before March 31st to avoid a total blackout on Filipino-facing sites.

The post 2026 iGaming Regulatory Roadmap: Key Compliance Deadlines appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AI in Gambling

2026 iGaming Outlook: Regulation, AI Personalization, and the Return of “Originals”

Published

19 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

2026-igaming-outlook:-regulation,-ai-personalization,-and-the-return-of-“originals”

The iGaming industry has officially entered a new era of discipline. As we move through the first quarter of 2026, the “wild west” growth of previous years has been replaced by a focus on sustainability, hyper-localization, and AI-driven player protection. From the finalization of the PROGA framework in India to the massive turnover records set by World Pool, the market is no longer just growing—it is maturing.

The Rise of “Explainable AI” in Player Retention

In 2026, AI has moved beyond simple game recommendations. Leading operators are now utilizing “Explainable AI” (XAI) to bridge the gap between engagement and compliance. Unlike traditional “black box” algorithms, XAI allows operators to understand why a player is being flagged for risky behavior or why a specific loyalty nudge was triggered.

This transparency is critical for maintaining trust in highly regulated markets like the UK and Ontario, where the UKGC’s 2026 Social Responsibility updates now demand more rigorous evidence of proactive player interaction.

“Originals” and the Rebirth of Video Poker

While high-volatility slots like Joker’s Jewels Hold & Spin continue to dominate headlines, a significant shift is occurring in the “non-slots” vertical.

The PowerPoker Revolution: Strategic partnerships, such as the recent QTech Games and Speedy Tomatoes deal, are revitalizing video poker. By adding features like “Swap-A-Card,” these games are capturing high-value player segments who prioritize skill and strategy.
Branded Originals: Platforms like MINT are proving that “Originals” (Mines, Crash, and Plinko) are no longer secondary products. Fully brandable house games are now a core foundation for crypto-first and Web3 operators, driving session frequency through provably fair mechanics.

Brazil and Ontario: The Battle for Market Supremacy

The geographic focus for 2026 remains firmly on Brazil and Ontario.

Brazil’s Advertising Evolution: With the newly regulated market in full swing, groups like Esportes Gaming Brasil joining IAB Brasil signal a shift toward responsible communication. Advertising is now a tool for helping consumers identify licensed platforms, moving away from aggressive acquisition tactics.
Ontario’s Content War: The region has become North America’s most dynamic hub. Agreements like the Peter & Sons and Casino Time deal highlight the demand for “indie-inspired” content that stands out in a saturated market.

Conclusion: The “Champion Mindset” for 2026

Success this year isn’t about volume; it’s about coherence. As highlighted by GR8 Tech’s “Champions Club” initiative for ICE Barcelona, the operators winning in 2026 are those who treat technology as a performance ecosystem. By aligning real-time data with compliant storytelling, brands are finding that “trust” is the most valuable currency in the modern iGaming world.

The post 2026 iGaming Outlook: Regulation, AI Personalization, and the Return of “Originals” appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.