One-Third of French Euro 2020 Viewers Plan to Place Sports Bets

A new Harris Interactive survey commissioned by France's gambling regulator ANJ reveals that one-third of French citizens planning to watch Euro 2020 intend to place sports bets during the competition. The findings come as Q1 2021 data shows sports betting stakes surged 79% with active bettors increasing 29%.

Market DataFrance now has 2.5 million active sports betting accounts. The demographic profile skews heavily male (88%) and young, with 70% of bettors under 35. Average monthly player expenditure (stakes minus losses) stands at €45. Football leads betting activity, followed by tennis and basketball.

For context, Euro 2016 generated €141 million in online stakes. Given recent market growth, ANJ expects significantly higher volumes this tournament.

Survey Findings48% of French adults plan to follow Euro 202031% of those viewers intend to bet money on matches63% plan to use online betting sites/apps, 56% will bet at retail pointsMen aged 25-49 show highest betting intentOver 80% recognize addiction risks associated with sports bettingOperator Compliance RequirementsANJ has reminded licensed operators that commercial communications must emphasize moderate, controlled play. Welcome bonuses and promotions must be sufficiently clear for players to understand their commitments.

During the tournament, ANJ will monitor bonus offerings and enforce the 85% RTP ceiling for sports betting. The regulator stated that market growth justifies limiting financial incentives to players.

Match-Fixing SurveillanceAn enhanced monitoring system—the Anti-Match-Fixing Assessment Group (AMFAG)—has been established by UEFA, the Copenhagen Group, Council of Europe, Interpol, and Europol. ANJ will co-coordinate the French platform, building on its experience from Euro 2016 and the 2019 Women's World Cup.

ANJ also flagged concerns about tipster websites making deceptive claims of guaranteed wins, noting some have been reported to administrative and judicial authorities.