ANJ voluntary gambling self-exclusion: Complete guide, online procedure, and timeframes

The ANJ voluntary gambling self-exclusion is a personal and free process. It blocks access to casinos, gaming clubs, sports betting sites, online poker, and FDJ/PMU player accounts. Valid for a minimum of three years, it is activated via the ANJ's secure portal with identity verification by IDnow (dynamic selfie) or by mail.

What is voluntary gambling self-exclusion (IVJ)?

The ANJ voluntary online gambling self-exclusion is a strictly personal and confidential process that helps protect against the risks associated with excessive gambling. To initiate this procedure, the player must register on the dedicated portal, where the ANJ manages the entire process of blocking access to licensed operators. This free and secure measure prevents access to casinos, sports betting, and FDJ or PMU games with a player account.

Definition and objectives: protecting oneself from excessive gambling

The system aims to isolate the player from regulated circuits to break the cycle of addiction. By registering, the individual explicitly requests to be excluded from the licensed French offering. This comprehensive protective measure blocks access to the entire offering, both physical and digital, while preserving the possibility of withdrawing remaining funds in accordance with the general terms and conditions of each operator.

Personal, confidential, and free nature

The administrative process is free and requires only two main steps to be validated. Data confidentiality is ensured by the legal framework supervised by the ANJ, guaranteeing that personal information is only used for the enforcement of the ban.

Scope of application: Which games and venues are affected?

The ANJ voluntary online gambling self-exclusion constitutes a comprehensive protection system. It instantly blocks entry into physical establishments and connection to licensed digital platforms.

Ban on access to physical casinos and gaming clubs

The physical scope of the ban is strict and applies uniformly throughout the national territory. Registration in the self-exclusion file results in a formal ban on entering a Casino, regardless of the establishment targeted. Systematic identity checks at the entrance of the venues allow this measure to be enforced immediately.

This restriction also extends to Gaming Clubs, venues dedicated to slot machines and table games outside traditional casinos. Access to these establishments is prohibited.

Blocking of sports betting and online poker sites

On the digital side, the ban covers all sites licensed by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ). The player can no longer access sports betting, horse race betting, or online poker offered by licensed operators in France. The creation of new accounts is technically impossible, and existing accounts are frozen to prevent any new wagers.

It is important to note that this ban does not apply to bets placed physically at racetracks or at physical points of sale not linked to a player account, nor to traditional lotteries. However, as soon as a transaction goes through an online account, the block is effective for sports betting and online poker.

Impact on FDJ and PMU player accounts

Major legacy operators are not exempt from this measure. The ban blocks access to games from Française des Jeux (FDJ) and PMU when they are played via a player account, whether online or at a point of sale. Française des Jeux must therefore refuse access to its digital platforms for any individual registered in the central file.

This synchronization ensures that no loophole remains between the various players in the regulated market. If a player attempts to access their Française des Jeux or PMU account, the system rejects the connection. The remaining funds on these accounts must be withdrawn according to the specific procedures of each operator, as the ban freezes the activity but does not confiscate the money.

How to apply for voluntary self-exclusion online?

The new digital procedure via interdictiondejeux.anj.fr

To carry out an ANJ voluntary gambling self-exclusion, go to the official website interdictiondejeux.anj.fr. This platform centralizes the application, replacing the old paper methods with a 100% digital process. The online form automatically pre-fills certain information, simplifying entry for the person concerned. This ban applies for a minimum duration of three years, tacitly renewable without additional action. Service-public.fr confirms that without a request to lift it from the ANJ after this period, the ban remains maintained indefinitely.

Biometric identity verification with IDnow and dynamic selfie

The security of the system relies on a rigorous identity verification carried out by the technological partner IDnow. During registration, the player must take a dynamic selfie via their smartphone, a technology that captures a real-time image to validate the match with the ID provided.

This dynamic selfie allows IDnow to certify that the request is indeed made by the person themselves, thereby reinforcing the personal nature of the ban. The use of IDnow guarantees accelerated and secure processing, preventing identity theft. This biometric technology is essential to prevent fraud where a third party might try to register a person without their knowledge, thus ensuring that only the player's true will triggers the block.

Timeframe for taking effect and data security

Once the identity is validated by IDnow, the registration becomes effective in the following days. The ANJ aims to reduce this timeframe to 24 hours for faster protection. During this technical propagation period, access to licensed gaming sites is gradually blocked.

Duration, renewal, and removal of the ban

The ANJ voluntary online gambling self-exclusion is a strict protective measure, framed by Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010, which imposes an incompressible minimum duration of three years. This registration in the gambling self-exclusion file blocks access to licensed operators and cannot be canceled before the legal deadline, thus ensuring a stabilization period for the player concerned.

Legal duration of a minimum of three years

The legislative framework sets a minimum period of 36 months, during which no revocation is possible, even in the event of a change of mind. This minimum ban duration aims to break immediate addictive cycles. As stipulated by Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010, this measure applies uniformly throughout the national territory, including overseas territories, and concerns sports betting as well as card games. This period constitutes a legal and psychological safeguard, not a simple temporary administrative formality.

Procedure to cancel the ban after 3 years

Lifting the ban is not automatic. It requires a proactive step by the player with the National Gaming Authority. You must complete a specific form online or by mail, attaching a valid ID. The ANJ then verifies the admissibility of the file before proceeding to remove the name from the gambling self-exclusion file. Warning: this procedure remains discouraged if signs of addiction persist, as it exposes you once again to financial risks. It is not possible to request the removal before the end of the three years, except in very specific judicial cases not related to the standard voluntary procedure.

Tacit renewal and maintenance on the file

The system operates on a principle of tacit renewal. If no request to lift the ban is made at the end of the three years, the measure remains fully effective indefinitely. This permanence ensures continuous protection without requiring a tedious annual renewal. Maintenance in the gambling self-exclusion file therefore persists as long as the player does not explicitly express their wish to regain access to licensed sites.

Ban by a third party and protection alternatives

The ANJ voluntary online gambling self-exclusion constitutes a major protection system, but it is not the only option available. While the process remains fundamentally personal, a Guardian can act on behalf of their protected person, while the Ministry of the Interior imposes distinct administrative measures.

Request for self-exclusion by a guardian or the courts

A Guardian, as a legal representative designated by the guardianship judge, has the authority to request a gambling ban on behalf of their protected adult under guardianship. This procedure requires providing a copy of the court decision and a valid ID, ensuring that the measure serves the interest of the vulnerable player. Although distinct from a judicial gambling ban pronounced in a criminal context, this action by the guardian activates the same central file, blocking access to licensed operators.

Difference with administrative and judicial bans

Voluntary self-exclusion differs from an Administrative gambling ban issued by the Ministry of the Interior. The latter, often linked to public order disturbances or a residency ban, is imposed by the State and not chosen by the player. Unlike the voluntary process managed by the ANJ, the administrative ban is handled by the police and applies independently of the will of the person concerned, although the technical effects (blocking of accounts) are similar on French platforms.

Voluntary Access Limitation (LVA) as an alternative

Voluntary Access Limitation (LVA) allows players to set deposit limits or gaming time limits without causing a total exclusion. Unlike the self-exclusion which closes the doors to casinos and online sites, the LVA maintains access while regulating the activity. To accompany these choices, Joueurs Info Service offers free support via chat or telephone, helping players evaluate their addiction before choosing between LVA and total self-exclusion.

About this article - Writing & responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino tester & bonus analyst

Verified by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming compliance analyst

Last updated: 2026-07-02.

This article on "ANJ voluntary online gambling self-exclusion" was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content to reflect regulatory changes, licenses, and bonus conditions. All references to licenses, authorities, or legal frameworks refer to public sources (ANJ (National Gaming Authority), Law of May 12, 2010 on the opening of online gambling).

About the author

8+ years of testing casinos, 200+ platforms personally tested in the EU and internationally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, withdrawal processes, customer support evaluation.

About the reviewer

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years in compliance consulting for licensed operators under the French ANJ framework. PhD in economic mathematics. Areas: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection systems.

Responsible gambling

Gambling can become addictive. If you feel you are losing control, contact Joueurs Info Service, SOS Joueurs, or use the national self-exclusion register (gambling self-exclusion file (FIJ)). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Breaks and cooldown tools are key to sustainable enjoyment.

Legal disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for editorial and comparative purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Players remain responsible for complying with local regulations.