The French gaming regulator the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has said 31% of French football fans could place bets during Euro 2020.

The regulator analysed past and present data to compile a survey that highlights how popular sports betting could be during this summer’s tournament.

The ANJ says growing support for sports betting was confirmed in the first quarter of 2021, as there was a 79% increase in stakes and 29% more sports bettors.

During this period, there were 2.5 million active sports betting accounts, with the bettors mainly men under the age of 35. The average amount of monthly expenses was €45 ($53) with football being the most popular sport.

In preparation for the Euros, the body asked Harris Interactive to conduct a survey that asked French people what they intend to do during the campaign.

The last Euros tournament in 2016 yielded €141m in stakes online, so with the growth in sports betting, it is expected this summer’s tournament will produce an even higher number.

Findings show that around 48% of French people intend to follow the Euros, with 49% of these planning to bet “amicably with their loved ones” and 31% to bet more seriously.

Men aged 25-49 were the ones who intended on betting the most; 63% plan to use sports betting sites while 56% will bet at a point of sale.

However, the ANJ insists operators must maintain a “moderate and controlled gambling practice,” and that players should set limits and not overestimate their expertise.