Families · Accounts · Prevention
Minors and gambling: protect access and start a conversation
In France, gambling is prohibited for minors, including emancipated minors. Protection also involves adult accounts, payment methods and how gambling is discussed at home.
What the restriction means
The ANJ states that operators must prevent minors from participating. Parental permission does not make prohibited participation lawful. Adults should never lend an account, identity document or payment method to bypass an age check. This guide describes the French framework; other countries require their own checks.
Identify access routes
An already signed-in phone, saved password, available payment card or promotional notification can make access easier. List shared devices and open sessions. Sign out after use and secure the email account that can reset passwords. Check the arrangements on every device rather than relying on one screen lock.
Explain probability without normalising stakes
A spectacular win does not show previous stakes or the full losses. Ask what was paid, what was actually recovered and which part depended on chance. Probability can be explained with a die or a hypothetical example without buying tickets or opening a gambling account.
Respond to discovered participation
Stop access and contact the operator through its official channel. Keep relevant dates, transactions and messages, masking unnecessary data. Do not gamble again to recover the money. A calm discussion can distinguish curiosity, peer pressure, repeated behaviour and difficulty stopping.
Read survey findings within their scope
The ENJEU-Mineurs survey cited by the ANJ surveyed 5,000 people aged 15–17. It reports declared behaviour, not all children or an individual diagnosis. Its February 2026 publication concerns behaviour recorded in 2025. Keep the observation period separate from the publication date.
Make a practical family plan
Allocate tasks: one adult secures accounts, another collects payment references, then agree when to review progress. Avoid publicly exposing the minor or sharing their documents in group chats. Relatives can seek advice from Joueurs Info Service before the situation becomes a crisis.
Practical reference
Three situations and practical responses
Technical controls and conversation support each other.
| Situation | Immediate action | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Adult account used | Sign out and secure access | Contact the operator officially |
| Payment discovered | Keep reference and date | Review relevant transactions |
| Repeated or hidden participation | Stop access without another stake | Seek support for the minor and family |
Protect accounts and find support
A restriction on one device does not protect every access route.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Can a parent authorise a minor to gamble?
No. In France, parental permission does not remove the prohibition on gambling by minors.
Does a survey diagnose my child?
No. Survey findings describe respondents, not an individual clinical situation.