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ANJ warns players about the risks of illegal gambling sites on Facebook

The French gambling regulator, L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has issued a warning to players about the dangers of illegal gambling sites that use the brands of licensed operators to advertise their services on Facebook. The ANJ said that these sites are not authorized to operate in France and pose multiple risks to players, such as personal data theft, payment fraud, malicious software installation, non-payment of winnings, lack of protection against excessive gambling and minors’ gaming, and no legal recourse in case of disputes.

How illegal gambling sites lure players on Facebook

According to the ANJ, illegal gambling sites use various methods to attract players on Facebook, such as creating fake pages, groups, or events that use the logos or names of well-known licensed operators, such as FDJ, PMU, or Winamax. These pages often offer bonuses, free bets, or invitations to exclusive tournaments to entice players to click on the links that redirect them to the illegal sites. The ANJ said that these links are often shortened or masked to hide the real domain name of the site.

The ANJ also said that some illegal sites use sponsored posts or ads that appear on the news feed or the sidebar of Facebook users, especially those who have shown interest in gambling or sports betting. These ads also use the brands of licensed operators or celebrities to create a false sense of trust and legitimacy. The ANJ said that these ads are often targeted to specific audiences, such as young people, women, or fans of certain sports or teams.

ANJ warns players about the risks of illegal gambling sites on Facebook

What are the consequences of gambling on illegal sites

The ANJ warned players that gambling on illegal sites can have serious consequences, both for themselves and for the public interest. The ANJ said that these sites are not subject to any regulation or control by the French authorities, and therefore do not guarantee the fairness, security, or reliability of their games or services. The ANJ said that these sites can also collect personal data from players, such as their names, addresses, bank details, or identity documents, and use them for fraudulent purposes, such as identity theft, phishing, or money laundering.

The ANJ also said that these sites do not offer any protection to players against the risks of excessive gambling or addiction, such as setting limits, self-exclusion, or access to helplines or support groups. The ANJ said that these sites can also allow minors to gamble, which is prohibited by the French law. The ANJ said that players who gamble on illegal sites have no legal recourse in case of disputes or complaints, as these sites are often based in foreign jurisdictions that do not cooperate with the French authorities.

What are the actions taken by the ANJ against illegal sites

The ANJ said that it is taking various actions to fight against the illegal offer of gambling in France, which it has made a priority project for 2024. The ANJ said that it has recently been granted new powers by the law for the democratisation of sport in France, which allows it to issue formal notices to any person whose online gambling offer is accessible on French territory, and to order internet service providers and search engines to block access to these sites. The ANJ said that it has already blocked some 250 illegal sites since its creation in 2020.

The ANJ also said that it is developing a new cooperation strategy with all digital players, such as search engines, social networks, content exchange platforms, or payment solution providers, to hold them accountable and stem the proliferation of illegal offerings. The ANJ said that it is also working closely with other regulators, such as the CSA, the CNIL, or the ARCEP, to coordinate their actions and share their expertise. The ANJ said that it is also raising awareness among players and the general public about the risks of illegal gambling, and encouraging them to report any suspicious or fraudulent activity.

How to recognize and avoid illegal gambling sites

The ANJ advised players to be vigilant and cautious when they encounter gambling offers on Facebook or other platforms, and to follow some simple tips to recognize and avoid illegal gambling sites. The ANJ said that players should always check the domain name of the site, and make sure that it ends with .fr, which indicates that it is authorized to operate in France. The ANJ said that players should also look for the logo of the ANJ, which is displayed on the homepage of all licensed operators, and click on it to verify the validity of the license.

The ANJ also said that players should never provide their personal data or bank details to unknown or suspicious sites, and always use secure payment methods, such as credit cards, e-wallets, or prepaid cards. The ANJ said that players should also avoid clicking on links or ads that offer too good to be true bonuses, free bets, or invitations, and always compare the offers of different operators before choosing one. The ANJ said that players should also report any illegal or fraudulent site to the ANJ, either by email, phone, or online form.

The ANJ said that it is committed to ensuring a safe and responsible gambling environment in France, and to protecting the players and the public interest from the dangers of illegal gambling. The ANJ said that it is also supporting the development of the legal offer of gambling, which contributes to the financing of sport, culture, and social causes in France.

Category: Gambling News

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