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The l’Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) has a new head, and it’s Pauline Hot. The French national gambling regulator has officially appointed her as the new director general, a role she steps into after serving as deputy general since January.
Pauline Hot brings a wealth of experience to her new position. She is an École Normale Supérieure graduate and has a background as an auditor and master of requests at the Council of State. Her academic credentials also include training at the École nationale d’administration, a prestigious institution known for preparing civil servants.
Hot takes over from Rémi Lataste, who has led the ANJ for the past five years. Lataste recently announced on LinkedIn that he will be leaving the ANJ to become the director general of Campus Condorcet, an inter-university campus in Paris.
In his farewell message, he reflected on the important work the regulator has accomplished, particularly in protecting minors, preventing excessive gambling, and addressing issues like money laundering and sports manipulation.
“In five years, we have built the foundations of impact regulation. We have moved the lines on the various missions entrusted to the ANJ,” he stated
“Nothing would have been possible without the exceptional human collective of the ANJ. Extraordinary women and men from different backgrounds, committed, demanding, creative. A team in an organised gang that upholds the missions entrusted to it and the values of public service.”
ANJ Continues to Report Progress
The ANJ recently released its latest activity report, showcasing the developments in French gaming five years after major reforms were implemented. The regulator highlighted notable advancements, particularly in compliance efforts.
They commended their licensees for successfully adhering to anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and for their commitment to preventing excessive gambling, contributing to a healthier market overall.
However, the report also noted a concerning rise in the number of players opting for self-exclusion. While this increase indicates that self-exclusion services are becoming more prominent and accessible, it also points to a growing number of individuals at risk.
iGaming on the Cards for France?
With a new director general now in charge, the ANJ continues to engage with the French government in hopes of bringing legal online casino gambling to the country. In its recent 2024 annual report, the ANJ revealed its involvement in discussions with both current and past governments about the potential legalization of iGaming.
Currently, the online gambling landscape in France is limited to sports betting, poker, and lotteries. Casino games, however, remain exclusive to physical venues, despite growing pressure from operators to establish a regulated online market.
The ANJ has emphasized that any move toward regulation should be approached with caution, citing the highly addictive nature of iGaming as a significant concern. Pauline Hot, in her new role, is set to spearhead these important discussions.
Source: iGB
