Prohibition of gambling

Verified 25 April 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

You think you have a gambling addiction (physical casinos, gaming clubs, online games...)? To protect yourself, you can ask to be game ban. You will then be entered in a specific file, which is transmitted to physical casinos, gaming circles and legal online gaming operators. The prohibition may also be requested by one-third (judge, interior minister or guardian). We present you with the information you need to know.

Voluntary ban

Voluntary prohibition of gambling is strictly personal and confidential. It must only be carried out by the data subject or his or her guardian.

You must be of age to apply to be banned from gambling. Indeed, the minors are not allowed to play.

This is particularly recommended if you are experiencing the consequences of excessive gambling (for example, financial and family problems, isolation, anxiety, difficulty stopping to play).

Moreover, this approach can be envisaged by the loved one of an excessive player who could usurp his identity to continue playing.

Please note

You can rate anonymously your gaming addiction by responding to a online questionnaire proposed by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ).

On the Internet

You can make the request through an online service:

Ask to be banned from gambling (ANJ)

You must provide the following information:

  • Your full contact details (mailing address, email, telephone)
  • Copy of your identity document (passport, front/back identity card, residence permit or driving license). Your ID must be valid.
By mail

You can send your request by mail to theANJ: titleContent.

A sample letter is available:

Request to be prohibited from games (letter template)

Your mail should:

  • Be signed
  • Include all your contact information (including your phone number to possibly verify your identity)
  • Be accompanied by a copy of an identity document (passport, identity card on both sides, driving license, residence card). Your ID must be valid.
Who shall I contact

  • National Gaming Authority (ANJ)

    National Games Authority

    Game Prohibition Service

    11 Boulevard Gallieni

    92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux

Once your file has been validated, you will be prohibited from playing games confirmed by simple mail.

FYI  

It is also possible to self-exclude from an online gaming site. The site blocks your player account and prohibits the opening of a new account for the chosen period.

You can also opt for voluntary access limitation (VAT) directly from casinos or gaming clubs by contacting the referer “prevention of excessive gambling”. This LVA takes the form of a signed document between you and this referent.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

General case

You are now prohibited:

  • To enter a physical casino or a gaming club: each establishment sets up a systematic identity check at the entrance of the gaming halls
  • To access an online gaming site approved by theANJ: titleContent (sports betting, horse-race betting and poker)
  • Access the games of the French Games (FDJ) and PMU made with a player account.

When you are registered in the game ban file, this file is transmitted:

  • To physical casinos
  • To the game clubs
  • Legal gambling sites: You cannot open an account on a gambling site.

You are an employee of a gaming establishment

A voluntary ban on gambling entails a ban on access to physical casinos and gaming clubs.

Therefore, if you work in a gaming establishment, you will no longer be able to access your workplace.

A voluntary ban on games will result in the loss of your license and therefore the loss of your job in the games establishment.

This prohibition of access applies to all trades in gaming establishments for which authorization is required.

The ban on games also means that you cannot access:

  • To an online gaming site licensed by theANJ: titleContent (sports betting, horse-race betting and poker)
  • The games of the French Games (FDJ) and PMU made with a player account.

When you are registered in the game ban file, this file is transmitted:

  • To physical casinos
  • To the game clubs
  • And legal gambling sites.

FYI  

each establishment puts in place a systematic identity check at the entrance to the games rooms.

You cannot open an account on a gambling website. These sites must inform you of the possibility of being prohibited from gambling yourself.

You are applying for a job in a gaming establishment

A voluntary ban on gambling entails a ban on access to physical casinos and gaming clubs.

For example, if you are applying for a job in a gaming establishment, a voluntary ban on gaming will result refusal of approval and so lThe inability to be recruited by this establishment for 3 years.

This prohibition of access applies to all trades in gaming establishments for which authorization is required.

The ban on games also means that you cannot access:

  • To an online gaming site licensed by theANJ: titleContent (sports betting, horse-race betting and poker)
  • The games of the French Games (FDJ) and PMU made with a player account.

When you are registered in the game ban file, this file is transmitted:

  • To physical casinos
  • To the game clubs
  • And legal gambling sites.

FYI  

each establishment puts in place a systematic identity check at the entrance to the games rooms.

You cannot open an account on a gambling website. These sites must inform you of the possibility of being prohibited from gambling yourself.

The voluntary ban on gambling is imposed for a period of 3 years.

It is tacitly renewable: without any action on your part with ANJ: titleContent, your ban will be maintained.

Please note

The voluntary ban on gambling is valid throughout France (metropolis and overseas).

After 3 yearsHowever, if you feel you no longer need this measure, you can request that it be lifted by the online service set up by theANJ: titleContent :

Request the lifting of game ban (ANJ)

This request to lift the ban can also be made by mail.

Who shall I contact

  • National Gaming Authority (ANJ)

    National Games Authority

    Game Prohibition Service

    11 Boulevard Gallieni

    92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux

Please note

Without any action on your part from ANJ: titleContent, your ban will be maintained.

Lifting a ban on gambling is not recommended if you suffer from the consequences of excessive gambling (e.g. financial and family problems, isolation, anxiety, difficulty in stopping gambling).

Request from a third party

Who can be banned from gambling?

You must to be of age. Indeed, the minors are not allowed to play.

What is the procedure in the case of a judicial ban?

The court of justice shall have jurisdiction to issue decisions prohibiting gambling in the context of:

The judge may therefore requireANJ: titleContent to declare your ban on gambling pFor a maximum period of 5 years.

What are the consequences of banning gambling?

You are now prohibited:

  • To enter a physical casino or a gaming club: each establishment sets up a systematic identity check at the entrance of the gaming halls
  • To access an online gaming site approved by theANJ: titleContent (sports betting, horse-race betting and poker)
  • Access the games of the French Games (FDJ) and PMU made with a player account.

When you are registered in the game ban file, this file is transmitted:

  • To physical casinos
  • To the game clubs
  • Legal gambling sites: You cannot open an account on a gambling site.

Is action needed to end the ban?

No, the end of the ban does not require any action on your part: it is automatic.

Who can be banned from gambling?

You must to be of age. Indeed, the minors can't play.

What is the procedure in the case of a ban on the initiative of the Minister of the Interior?

This prohibition shall be imposed in the event of trouble the order or tranquility or normal course of play in casinos, gaming clubs and online games.

Example :

Following an arrest for casino violence.

The Minister of the Interior can therefore issue, even without your agreement, your ban on games for a 5-year renewable term.

L'ANJ: titleContent shall be informed of the decisions taken by the Minister.

What are the consequences of banning gambling?

You are now prohibited:

  • To enter a physical casino or a gaming club: each establishment sets up a systematic identity check at the entrance of the gaming halls
  • To access an online gaming site approved by theANJ: titleContent (sports betting, horse-race betting and poker)
  • Access the games of the French Games (FDJ) and PMU made with a player account.

When you are registered in the game ban file, this file is transmitted:

  • To physical casinos
  • To the game clubs
  • Legal gambling sites: You cannot open an account on a gambling site.

Can we challenge this decision to ban gambling?

You can challenge this prohibition in court administrative tribunal on which your home depends.

Who shall I contact

Is action needed to end the ban?

No, the end of the ban does not require any action on your part: it is automatic.

What is the procedure in the case of a ban on the initiative of the guardian?

Your guardian must address theANJ: titleContent.

You guardian can make the request through an online service:

Ask to be banned from gambling (ANJ)

It should provide the following information:

  • Your full contact details (mailing address, email, telephone)
  • Copy of your identity document (passport, front/back identity card or driving license, residence permit)
  • Copy of the guardianship judgment.

What are the consequences of banning gambling?

You are now prohibited:

  • To enter a physical casino or a gaming club: each establishment sets up a systematic identity check at the entrance of the gaming halls
  • To access an online gaming site approved by theANJ: titleContent (sports betting, horse-race betting and poker)
  • Access the games of the French Games (FDJ) and PMU made with a player account.

When you are registered in the game ban file, this file is transmitted:

  • To physical casinos
  • To the game clubs
  • Legal gambling sites: You cannot open an account on a gambling site.

How long does a legal representative's request for a ban on gambling last?

The ban on gambling is imposed for a 3-year term.

It is tacitly renewable, that is to say, without taking any action with theANJ: titleContent  the ban is maintained.

Please note

The voluntary ban on gambling is valid throughout France (metropolis and overseas).

How can the ban on gambling requested by a legal representative be lifted?

After 3 years, if the legal representative considers that this prohibition is no longer necessary, he may request its lifting. Otherwise, the ban is extended.

The request for the lifting of the ban may be made by the online service set up by theANJ: titleContent .

Request the lifting of game ban (ANJ)

It can also be done by mail.

Who shall I contact

  • National Gaming Authority (ANJ)

    National Games Authority

    Game Prohibition Service

    11 Boulevard Gallieni

    92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux

Please note

Lifting a ban on gambling is not recommended if you suffer the consequences of excessive gambling (e.g. financial and family problems, isolation, anxiety, inability to stop gambling).

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Service info players

    Assists, informs and advises those directly or indirectly affected by excessive gambling

    By telephone

    09 74 75 13 13

    Call anonymous and not surcharged (cost of local communication from a fixed station or included in box and mobile plans).

    Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

    By Cat

    Individual Chat Service (live with one of our listeners) is open:

    • Monday to Friday from 2pm to midnight
    • Saturday to Sunday from 2pm to 8pm.

    When the chat is open, a "Need help?" window is displayed. Click the button to start a chat.

    If you can't connect to the chat, it's a good idea to contact one of the headphones by phone.

    By email

    You can ask your questions directly to the professionals of Info Service Players by creating your account.

    They respond within 48 hours.

    Questions on Friday evenings and weekends are usually answered from the following Monday only.

    During peak periods, response times may be extended.

    For a quicker response, it is advisable to call.