The new French gaming mediation report for 2024 is out. It highlights the main challenges between players and gambling operators, especially in sports betting.

  • A total of 1,541 requests were submitted in 2024, nearly identical to 2023 figures. Most came from sports bettors, with 88% of requests being eligible. Disputes were mainly about bet outcomes, account blocks, or trouble withdrawing funds.

  • 728 requests were ruled inadmissible. The top reason—used in 92% of these cases—was that players hadn’t contacted the operator first in writing. Players must go through the operator before reaching the mediator.

  • 741 files were officially processed, with an average handling time of 37 days. That’s well within the 90-day legal limit. 46.7% of the mediator’s proposals were accepted by both parties.

  • The mediator, Jérôme Gallot, was appointed in December 2024. He reported better reception of his proposals in 2024, especially in terms of compensation and commercial gestures. This progress is credited to smoother cooperation with many operators.

  • The 2024 gaming mediation report includes four key recommendations. The first urges refunding balances in fraud-related closures, except in cases of proven fraud. Most operators have started refunding initial deposits in such scenarios.

  • Second, operators are advised to automate live betting updates. Bets must be blocked instantly once an event (like a goal) occurs. Clear warnings should inform players about the delay between real-time events and site updates.

  • Third, there’s a call to strengthen checks on temporary accounts. Some players exploit the 30-day ID verification window to gamble while technically unverified. Minors and banned individuals can sometimes slip through by altering their names.

  • Fourth, the mediator calls for better safeguards against excessive gambling. He recommends stronger alerts, control measures for third-party accounts, and closer attention to contact info changes. Although few disputes surfaced here, the issue remains high-priority.

  • The mediator’s work supports and complements ANJ actions. Both institutions share data and insights, which help guide operator regulations and consumer protections. As the report notes, “The ANJ and the Gaming Ombudsman form an original governance that allows to offer the player maximum protection.”

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