ANJ Relaunches “Behind the Labels” Campaign to Combat Sports Betting Addiction at Roland Garros!

Originally introduced during Euro 2024, the campaign specifically targets the addiction dangers by elevating the visibility of legal disclaimers that are often overlooked in gambling advertisements. This renewed effort seeks to highlight these warnings more clearly to protect players and their families.

According to the latest 2024 data from the French Observatory of Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT), around 1.17 million people in France struggle with problem gambling, with approximately 360,000 classified as excessive gamblers. Sports betting represents the most significant risk category, with the rate of excessive gambling at 5.9% — six times higher than that observed for lottery games. This statistic underscores the urgent need for targeted prevention measures in this area.

The “Behind the Labels” campaign uses a distinctive visual strategy to make legal warnings unavoidable. Instead of the usual small print tucked at the bottom of ads, ANJ employs large yellow banners with legal notices prominently displayed, coupled with real-life stories of addiction. This deliberate visual disproportion is designed to emphasize that two lines of fine print cannot adequately convey the serious consequences of sports betting addiction. The campaign’s signature message drives this point home: “Two lines at the bottom of an ad will never be enough to tell the story of the spiral of sports betting addiction.”

In addition to raising awareness, the campaign directs users to the Evalujeu website, a specialized platform offering gambling habit assessments and personalized advice to help individuals maintain control over their gambling behavior. Evalujeu also provides information on support systems available for both gamblers and their families, ensuring access to necessary resources.

This prevention campaign aligns closely with ANJ’s 2024-2026 strategic plan, which prioritizes a significant reduction in excessive gambling rates within three years, reflecting a strong commitment to public health and responsible gaming practices across France.