French regulator Autorité Nationale des Jeux has activated a new framework designed to oversee games that include tradable digital assets while stopping short of classifying them as gambling.
Good to Know
Implementation decrees entered into force earlier in February, allowing the framework known as Jeux à Objets Numériques Monétisables to begin operating. The structure originated in national law through the SREN Act adopted in May 2024, which addressed security and regulation across digital space.
Lawmakers created JONUM as a middle ground between video games and gambling products. Eligible titles may involve a financial stake, an element of chance, and digital objects capable of resale, yet cannot award payouts in legal tender like regulated betting services.
Players can obtain monetisable digital items such as non fungible tokens or blockchain based assets and later sell them on secondary markets. Authorities imposed limits on reward distribution, including caps on the cumulative value any individual may receive over time through such assets.
Regulators designed the model to reflect growing interest in Web3 gaming economies without extending full gambling classification to mechanics tied to digital ownership and trading.
Safeguards form a central component of the regime. Operators must verify identity and age during account creation, and minors are barred from participation. Requirements align closely with obligations imposed on licensed betting companies operating within France.
Responsible play tools must also be integrated. Platforms need to offer time management settings, spending limits on a weekly basis, and self exclusion functions that allow users to block access voluntarily.
Companies seeking to launch JONUM compliant products must submit a formal declaration to Autorité Nationale des Jeux before offering services. Ongoing transparency obligations include regulator reporting, activity logs, and technical access when blockchain infrastructure or digital wallets are involved so monitoring can support anti money laundering compliance.
Regulatory design attempts to distinguish speculative gaming mechanics from wagering while maintaining oversight similar to established gambling supervision.
Launch of the framework places France among the earliest jurisdictions in Europe to craft a tailored approach for games built around tradable digital assets rather than forcing such products into legacy gambling categories.
JONUM refers to a regulatory framework covering games that include tradable digital objects with monetary characteristics but no direct cash payouts.
Yes. Players may acquire and trade NFTs or similar blockchain based assets under regulated conditions.
No. Framework creates a separate legal classification even though financial stake and chance may exist.
Identity verification, age restrictions, spending limits, play time controls, and self exclusion tools are mandatory.
Initial structure runs as a three year experimental period while authorities assess effectiveness.