Staying in control with Pcdrives in France

Pcdrives is a neutral information guide about licensed sports betting in France.

We are not a betting operator: you cannot create an account, place a wager, or buy paid “tips” on this website.

Our aim is simple – to help adults keep betting small, occasional, and under control. A bet should never be more important than your health, your finances, or your relationships.

On this page, we explain in plain English:

  • how Pcdrives understands “safer play”
  • early warning signs that betting may be going too far
  • which protection tools licensed French operators must offer
  • how the national self-exclusion system (managed by ANJ) works
  • where to find free, confidential support if gambling feels heavy or stressful

How Pcdrives understands responsible betting

For Pcdrives, responsible gambling means that you stay in charge of your decisions – not the game, not the app, and not the next bet. In everyday life, this usually looks like:

  • you only bet when you feel calm, rested and able to think clearly
  • you decide your money limit and time limit in advance – and stick to them
  • you see gambling as paid entertainment, not as income or a way to solve money or personal problems

Betting should fit around your normal life, not take it over. It should never damage your:

  • relationship with your partner, children, family, or close friends
  • job, studies, business, or professional plans
  • ability to pay rent, loans, bills, food, transport and other essentials
  • sleep, mood, mental health, or physical well-being

If gambling begins to hurt any of these areas, it is a strong signal that something needs to change.

Warning signs that betting may be turning into a problem

Certain behaviours can show that control is slipping. For example, you might:

  • use money for gambling that was meant for rent, bills, debts, food or transport
  • gamble mainly to “win back” previous losses, rather than for fun
  • hide how often you play or how much you spend from your partner, family, or friends
  • miss work, classes, or important plans because of betting or constantly checking odds and scores
  • borrow money, open new credit, or sell belongings in order to keep gambling
  • feel strong guilt, shame, stress, or sadness after betting

If several of these points sound familiar, it may be a good time to slow down, talk to someone you trust, or contact a specialist support service.

Tools for safer play on French-licensed betting sites

Every online operator licensed in France must provide tools to help adults manage their gambling. These tools are useful for everyone – not only for people already in serious difficulty.

1. Deposit and spending limits

You can set a maximum amount of money you allow yourself to deposit over a chosen period:

  • per day
  • per week
  • per month

2. Time settings and session reminders

French betting sites allow you to:

  • activate pop-up reminders that show how long you’ve been connected
  • set a maximum session duration

3. Blocking yourself from one specific bookmaker

If one site is causing problems, you can ask that operator to suspend your account temporarily. During this block:

  • you cannot log in
  • you cannot create a new account with the same operator

National self-exclusion in France (ANJ)

France offers a nationwide self-exclusion system for adults who feel their gambling is no longer under control.

Key points:

  • any adult at risk can request a ban
  • the process is handled by the National Gambling Authority (ANJ)
  • the ban covers casinos, gaming clubs and licensed online betting sites

Duration:

  • minimum period: 3 years
  • cannot be shorter
  • after 3 years it does NOT end automatically—you must request removal

Start the process or read official rules:

🌐 ANJ official website

Help and counselling in France

If gambling is affecting your life or someone close to you, you are not alone.

Players Info Service (Joueurs Info Service)

📞 Phone: 09 74 75 13 13

🕒 Open: everyday, 8:00–2:00

Their team can:

  • listen without judgement
  • explain gambling risks
  • guide you to local support services

Evalujeu

Evalujeu helps you reflect on your habits by answering simple questions. It shows whether your risk level seems low, medium or high.

Protecting minors (under 18)

Gambling is forbidden for minors. Operators must protect minors by:

  • checking identity and age during account creation
  • running additional checks for unusual activity
  • closing accounts that violate age rules

Adults must never allow minors to use their accounts or place bets on their behalf.

Simple everyday habits for safer betting

  • only gamble with money left after essentials
  • avoid betting when tired, stressed, drunk or upset
  • set time and money limits
  • don’t chase losses
  • take regular breaks
  • keep hobbies outside gambling
  • talk openly with someone you trust

Useful contacts and resources