France Launches Controlled Trial for Monetized Digital Games

France has formally introduced a structured regulatory approach for a new category of digital entertainment by approving a three-year experimental framework for games featuring monetizable digital objects, commonly referred to as JONUM. This initiative was enacted through a recently signed decree that is already in force. Under the new framework, the sector is placed under the direct oversight of the Autorité Nationale des Jeux, which is responsible for supervising gambling and gaming activities in the country.

French authorities have indicated that the primary objective of this initiative is to support innovation linked to Web3 technologies while ensuring that such developments occur within a tightly controlled environment. The government has emphasized that consumer protection, particularly for minors and vulnerable users, remains central to the policy. By defining clear boundaries and operational rules, regulators aim to encourage experimentation without exposing players to excessive financial or behavioral risks.

Strong Emphasis on Player Protection Measures

One of the core pillars of the decree is the introduction of strict safeguards designed to protect players from impulsive or excessive spending. From the point of registration, users are required to undergo robust identity verification procedures that confirm both their legal identity and age. This requirement is intended to prevent underage participation and ensure accountability within the system.

Upon successful registration, players must set predefined limits on both spending and gaming time for a rolling seven-day period. These limits are mandatory and cannot be bypassed, reinforcing the government’s intention to promote responsible gaming habits. If a player later decides to increase these thresholds, the change is deliberately delayed, taking effect only after a 48-hour cooling-off period. Regulators view this waiting window as a mechanism to reduce impulsive decision-making driven by short-term emotions.

In addition, game operators are obligated to implement real-time monitoring tools. These include automated alerts that notify players once they reach 75% of their self-imposed limits. Players must also be given immediate access to self-exclusion options, allowing them to suspend their participation for periods of up to 12 months. These measures collectively reflect a preventative approach rather than a reactive one.

Prize Caps and Market Implications

To ensure that JONUM platforms do not function as unregulated gambling products, the decree introduces strict caps on prizes. Non-monetary digital rewards, categorized as goods, are limited to an annual maximum value of €1,000 per player. For rewards distributed in cryptocurrency, the ceiling is set significantly higher at €25,000 per year per individual. However, the total value of cryptocurrency rewards issued by a game cannot exceed 20% of that game’s annual revenue.

Regulators believe these financial thresholds will play a decisive role in shaping the evolution of the market. By limiting potential payouts, the government aims to discourage speculative behavior while still allowing meaningful incentives for participation. These constraints are expected to have a direct impact on established digital gaming platforms such as Sorare, which has already encountered regulatory scrutiny in the United Kingdom.

Guidance for Industry Participants

As part of the rollout, the national regulator has announced that it will host an informational session on February 19 to support companies interested in launching or adapting products under the JONUM framework. The session is intended to clarify compliance requirements and outline expectations during the trial period.

Overall, France’s approach reflects a broader effort to balance technological innovation with public interest safeguards. By allowing experimentation under close supervision, authorities are positioning the country as a testing ground for regulated Web3 gaming, while reserving the right to refine or expand the framework based on the results of the three-year trial.

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