Responsible Gaming
Playing responsibly with Topranked in France
Playing responsibly with Topranked in France
Topranked is a neutral information platform about licensed sports betting in France. We do not run a betting site, we do not sell predictions, and we never want you to gamble more than you planned. Our main idea is very clear: betting should stay light, enjoyable, and manageable. It should never come before your finances, your health, or the people you care about.
On this page, we explain in simple, everyday English what “safer play” means to us, how to spot early signs that gambling might be going too far, which practical tools exist on legal French betting sites, how the French national self-exclusion system (managed by ANJ) works, and where you can turn for help if gambling starts to feel too strong.
What “responsible play” means
For us, gambling in a responsible way means that:
- you only place bets when you feel clear-headed and calm
- you decide your budget and playing time before you start
- you see betting as paid entertainment, not as income or a way to fix money or personal problems
Gambling should fit around your life, not control it. It should not harm your relationship with your partner, family, or friends, your job, training, or studies, your ability to cover rent, bills, food, transport, and other daily costs, or your sleep, mood, or general mental and physical well-being. If gambling begins to push into these areas, it is a strong warning that something is not right.
Signs that betting may be going too far
Some behaviours can show that gambling is slowly getting out of control. For example, you might:
- use money for gambling that was originally meant for rent, loans, bills, groceries, or travel
- place bets mainly to recover previous losses instead of playing for fun
- hide how often you bet or how much you spend from your partner, family, or friends
- miss work, classes, or important appointments because you are gambling or constantly checking scores and odds
- borrow money, take credit, or sell belongings just to keep playing
- feel strong guilt, shame, stress, or sadness after you gamble
If several of these feel familiar, it may be time to slow down, speak to someone you trust, or contact a professional support service.
Tools for safer play on French-licensed betting sites
1. Deposit limits
You can set a maximum amount you allow yourself to deposit on your betting account per day, week, or month. Once this limit is reached, you cannot add more funds until the period resets.
2. Time management and session reminders
Many legal betting sites and apps in France let you turn on on-screen messages showing how long you have been logged in or set a maximum length for each playing session. These options encourage regular breaks and help you avoid very long sessions.
3. Blocking yourself from a single bookmaker
If one particular site is causing problems, you can ask that operator to block your access for a chosen period. During that time you cannot log in to your existing account or open a new account with the same brand.
National self-exclusion in France (ANJ)
France has a nationwide self-exclusion system for adults who feel their gambling is no longer under control. Key points:
- Any adult who feels at risk can ask to be banned from gambling.
- The request is made through the National Gambling Authority (ANJ).
- Once accepted, the ban applies to land-based casinos, gaming clubs, and licensed online betting and gaming websites available in France.
How long does self-exclusion last?
- the minimum duration is three years and you cannot choose a shorter period
- after those three years, the ban does not end automatically
- you remain excluded until you contact the authorities and ask for the ban to be removed
To start the process or read the official rules, visit the ANJ website: https://anj.fr.
Help and support in France
Players Info Service (Joueurs Info Service)
Phone: 09 74 75 13 13 • Hours: every day from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
You can stay anonymous – you do not have to give your name. The number is not premium-rate; it is billed like a normal local call, often included in internet-box and mobile offers. Players Info Service is managed by the French National Public Health Agency. The team can listen to you without judging, explain the risks linked to gambling, and direct you towards local support services.
Evalujeu
Evalujeu is an online self-assessment tool that helps you reflect on your gambling habits. It allows you to answer questions about how, when, and why you gamble and receive an indication of whether your risk level appears low, medium, or high. It is not a medical diagnosis, but it can be a useful first step if you feel unsure about your current relationship with gambling.
Protecting minors (under 18)
In France, gambling is strictly forbidden for anyone under 18. Licensed operators must apply strong checks to prevent minors from using their services, such as identity and age verification when an account is created, additional controls when activity looks unusual or suspicious, and closing or blocking accounts that do not respect age rules.
Adults also play a key role. It is very important to never open a betting account in your own name for someone under 18, place bets for a minor, or let them use your account.
Simple everyday habits for safer betting
- only gamble with money left after rent, bills, food, and other essentials
- avoid betting when you are very tired, angry, stressed, drunk, or under the influence of drugs
- accept that losing is part of gambling – do not chase losses with new bets
- set a time and money limit in advance and stick to it
- take regular breaks away from screens, odds, and betting apps
- keep hobbies and social activities that have nothing to do with gambling
- talk honestly about your gambling with someone you trust
Useful contacts and resources
Getting support early is often easier than waiting until things feel overwhelming. Here are some helpful resources:
- Players Info Service: 09 74 75 13 13
- ANJ – National Gambling Authority: information about legal gambling in France, player protection tools, and self-exclusion
- Find A Helpline – France: directory of emotional support lines and crisis hotlines
- Gambling Therapy: international online support for people affected by problem gambling
- Gamblers Anonymous: peer support groups and online meetings for people who want to stop or reduce gambling
Topranked is here to remind you: your well-being always comes before any bet, bonus, or promotion.