Paris – 06/04/2026: In France, concern about excessive betting behavior is growing as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. The national gambling regulatory authority, the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), warns eight days before the start of the tournament of a sharp increase in problematic gambling activities. According to estimates, the total volume of sports bets in France during the 2026 World Cup could reach up to 1.2 billion euros.
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, attracting a wide audience worldwide. This event significantly increases interest in sports betting. In France, the online sports betting market has grown strongly in recent years. The regulatory authority emphasizes that the combination of this highly anticipated sporting event and easy access to betting platforms significantly increases the risk of risky and impulsive gambling behaviors.
Experiences during previous major football tournaments, such as the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2021, have shown that the turnover of sports betting experiences a sudden increase during these events. This is often accompanied by a rise in reported cases of problematic gambling behavior and gambling addiction. For this reason, the ANJ relies on enhanced prevention measures and strict control of betting operators before and during the World Cup. This includes betting limits, stricter regulation of operators, as well as preventive information campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the risks associated with gambling.
In France, sports betting is legal but subject to strict regulation. The regulatory authority oversees operators and ensures that appropriate protection measures are in place for players. An increased risk of problematic behavior among adolescents and young adults is particularly expected, which justifies additional action.
The French government supports the ANJ in its efforts to protect players. Before the World Cup, it calls for responsible gambling practices and respect for personal limits. Sports federations also participate in raising awareness and emphasize that sport should be enjoyed as an experience, without prioritizing the pursuit of winnings or leading to gambling addiction.
Interest in the 2026 World Cup is immense, but authorities, betting operators, and experts face the challenge of controlling betting behavior and finding a balance between entertainment and player protection. The coming weeks will show how effective the measures implemented will be and how betting behavior actually develops during the tournament.
Overall, the goal is to accompany an audience of millions attentively and safely throughout the World Cup, thus linking the fascination of sport with effective addiction prevention strategies. The National Gaming Authority emphasizes the importance of responsible sports betting management to avoid negative consequences for society.
Sources
- France Info
- National Gaming Authority