As France prepares for its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country’s leading addiction support network has renewed calls for stricter controls on sports betting, arguing that current safeguards are insufficient to address growing public health concerns.

Fédération Addiction has unveiled a package of 15 measures aimed at reshaping how sports betting is regulated in France. Among the proposals are a complete ban on athletes and sports personalities promoting betting products, an end to gambling sponsorships in sport, restrictions on advertising during live sporting events, and a prohibition on bonuses designed to encourage additional wagering.

The organisation also wants authorities to pause further expansion of the sports betting sector until stronger protections, prevention initiatives and support systems are in place.

Its proposals arrive as betting activity is expected to surge during the World Cup. The tournament has historically generated significant wagering volumes in France, with nearly €600 million staked online during the 2022 edition, representing an increase of more than 56% compared to the previous World Cup.

Concerns Over Gambling’s Growing Presence in Sport

Fédération Addiction argues that sports betting has become deeply integrated into the sporting experience for many fans.

According to the group, advertising campaigns, sponsorship arrangements, influencer marketing and the use of well-known sporting figures have increased the visibility of betting products, particularly among younger audiences.

“Betting operators deliberately blur the lines between passion for sport and the incentive to gamble,” stated Benjamin Tubiana-Rey, Head of Advocacy and Communication for Fédération Addiction, in a press release, as reported by SBC News.

“For many fans, betting now appears as a normal part of the sporting experience. These marketing strategies are not neutral: they primarily target young men, particularly those from underprivileged neighborhoods, who now constitute the core target audience for the growth of sports betting.”

The organisation believes this trend requires immediate attention because sports betting serves as the primary introduction to gambling for many young people. Although gambling remains prohibited for minors, Fédération Addiction points to surveys indicating that many teenagers have already encountered gambling products or participated in betting activities.

The association is also calling for sportspeople, coaches, commentators and media personalities to be prevented from promoting gambling services.

High-Risk Gambling Remains a Key Concern

The campaign is supported by data from France’s gambling regulator showing that a relatively small group of players generates a substantial share of industry revenue.

According to regulator estimates, approximately 600,000 players are highly likely to engage in excessive gambling behaviour. These individuals account for around 60% of gross gaming revenue.

Recent figures also highlight the scale of the market. During the second half of 2025, France’s gambling sector generated €2 billion in gross gaming revenue. Of that total, €1.2 billion came from players classified as high risk by the regulator.

Fédération Addiction warns that continued market growth could increase the number of vulnerable players experiencing gambling-related harm.

“The consequences of problem gambling can be severe: debt, loss of control, psychological distress, suicidal risk, family, academic, or professional difficulties, and financial crime,” Tubiana-Rey continued.

“It also exacerbates social inequalities, as those who are most economically vulnerable are also the most susceptible to the financial consequences of excessive gambling. Addiction professionals are seeing an increasing number of gamblers in difficulty, even though prevention, harm reduction, and support services remain inadequately funded.

“Faced with the continued rise in gambling and the increasing prevalence of problem gambling, we are now confronted with a genuine public health emergency.”

The organisation stressed that it is not opposed to sports betting itself but believes stronger public health protections are required as participation continues to grow.

Calls for Stronger Oversight

Beyond restrictions on advertising and sponsorship, Fédération Addiction wants the regulator to receive broader enforcement powers. The proposals include stronger penalties for operators that target vulnerable individuals or present gambling as a route to financial gain.

The group is also advocating for a coordinated government strategy involving health, education and youth authorities to address gambling-related harm.

The debate comes at a time when France remains one of Europe’s most heavily taxed gambling markets. Public levies on online sports betting currently amount to 59.3% of gross gaming revenue, while land-based sports betting faces levies of 42.1%.

Despite those tax levels and existing advertising restrictions, operators continue to see opportunities in the French market. The recent arrival of bet365 has reinforced perceptions that betting activity remains strong and commercially attractive.

Concerns about gambling advertising have also surfaced elsewhere in French football in recent weeks. Reports indicated that several national team players, including Kylian Mbappé and Rayan Cherki, sought intervention from the French Football Federation after images from the national team’s training camp were allegedly used by betting operator Betclic without their prior knowledge.

Fédération Addiction argues that public authorities should treat gambling harm as both a health and social priority. As betting volumes continue to climb around major sporting events, the organisation is urging lawmakers to place greater emphasis on player protection and reducing exposure among younger and more vulnerable groups.