At the request of French National Gambling Authority (ANJ), NFT fantasy gaming platform So weird agreed to adapt its blockchain-enabled NFT games by March 31, 2023.

The news comes after extensive discussions since March 2021 over ANJ’s concerns about the lack of regulations for web3-enabled game offerings like the one provided by Sorare. The ANJ wants to protect the public from excessive gambling, protect minors and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.

Powered by blockchain technology, Sorare’s fantasy soccer game allows players to buy, sell and trade virtual teams represented by digital player cards. NFTs are priced in ETH, but can be bought and sold with fiat or cryptocurrency. The game itself is free, as are some common cards that can be used in certain games but are worth nothing financially. But the most desirable NFT player cards can be very expensive. Purchasing NFTs for a decent quality fantasy football team could easily cost a player hundreds of dollars.

French start-up web3 has experienced tremendous growth since its launch in 2018, having raised $680 million in Series B financing and association with more than 300 sports teams and organizations, including The league, the bundesligaY A series in football, as well as in the nba Y MLB.

The solution proposed by Sorare will consist of modifying its offer of free access games so that it enters into force within the agreed period. Meanwhile, ANJ will implement checks to ensure compliance by Sorare by March 31. Failure to meet the deadline will result in ANJ exercising its regulatory powers. It also plans to update the regulations to account for web3 activities.

In response to ANJ’s announcement, the gaming company said in a statement: “Sorare has decided, at the request of the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), to temporarily change its offer by opening up new gaming possibilities for free users. This development is part of the company’s roadmap to build an inclusive ecosystem.”

He continued: “To make it possible to develop these innovations in France, the ANJ agrees on the importance of building a long-term regulatory framework adapted to this new situation. Sorare shares this urgent need and is committed to working with all stakeholders, including the ANJ, to define this new framework.”

Being Sorare one of the pioneers in this innovation in Europe, the ANJ is not the only regulator knocking on Sorare’s doors. Last year, the UK Gambling Commission issued a notice that Sorare is not licensed by the Commission and launched an investigation. However, since then the Commission has remained silent on the matter.