Prevention Drive Timed with Roland Garros Targets Rising Problem Gambling Rates
As the 2025 Roland Garros tournament begins, France’s National Gaming Authority (ANJ) has revived its impactful “Behind the Labels” campaign, aiming to raise awareness about the risks of sports betting addiction. This prevention initiative emphasizes legal warning notices in gambling advertisements—delivering them with greater prominence and emotional resonance than ever before.
The campaign draws on striking visuals, placing oversized yellow banners at the forefront of ads to highlight legally mandated messages and share authentic stories of gambling harm. The creative concept counters the often-minimised disclaimer lines traditionally placed at the bottom of sports betting promotions.
“Two lines at the bottom of an ad will never be enough to tell the story of the spiral of sports betting addiction,” the campaign states.
Data Reveals Sports Betting as France’s Highest-Risk Gambling Activity
The relaunch follows disturbing findings from the French Observatory of Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT). In 2024, France recorded an estimated 1.17 million problem gamblers, with 360,000 individuals classified as excessive gamblers—a group whose behaviour often leads to significant financial and psychological harm.
Crucially, sports betting was identified as the most harmful vertical, with an excessive gambling rate of 5.9%, six times higher than lottery play. These figures highlight the urgency of ANJ’s latest public health push.
Linking Awareness to Support Through Evalujeu
In addition to spotlighting the dangers of gambling addiction, “Behind the Labels” actively guides individuals toward recovery resources. Each campaign placement links to Evalujeu, an official portal where users can assess their gambling behaviours and receive customised advice and support. The platform also provides family-oriented tools and connections to professional help networks.
This renewed campaign reflects ANJ’s broader 2024–2026 strategic roadmap, which seeks to significantly reduce the prevalence of excessive gambling within a three-year window. It marks a critical moment in the regulator’s mission to shift the tone of gambling messaging in France—from promotional glamor to protective clarity.
