French gaming regulator l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has signed a partnership agreement with the French Observatory for Drugs and Drug addiction (OFDT).  

The regulator has agreed to partner with the organisation to help develop its knowledge on the “phenomena of addiction.”  

The ANJ said: “To maintain gambling in a sustainable perspective of recreational gambling and better protect players, it is essential to better understand the drivers of gambling behaviour and the complex phenomena of addiction they produce.” 

The partnership agreement was signed on 22 June by the President of the ANJ, Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, and OFDT Director, Julien Morel D'Arleux.

The deal specifies the cooperation between the two, by outlining the scope of their interventions and how to reduce the prevention of excessive or pathological gambling, while also protecting minors.  

As part of the agreement, the ANJ will donate 0.002% of its stakes to finance scientific studies on gambling and gambling addictions – although this does appear to be a very low amount.  

There is also an agreement for the pair to share their expertise on recreational gambling, as well as data and knowledge relating to ADHD and mechanisms associated with addiction.  

The partnership aims to create an action plan shared between the two for the fiscal years 2021 and 2022; the plan will allow the ANJ to prioritise certain cases to strengthen the regulation of gambling.  

The ANJ said it may involve the OFDT in its work and, in particular, will invite the body to participate in the work of the advisory committee on the prevention of excessive gambling.  

The agreement is set to last for a period of three years.