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La Française des Jeux : Revenue up 4% in Nine Months: Acquisition of ZEturf Completed at the End of September Acquisition of PLI to Be Completed in Early November
La Française des Jeux (FDJ), France’s leading gaming operator, announces its revenue for the nine months to end September 2023.
Stéphane Pallez, Chairwoman and CEO of FDJ Group, said: “Our growth remains solid, with strong players’ demand, even though it has been affected by the low number of Euromillions high jackpot draws. At the same time, the completion of the acquisition of ZEturf at the end of September and the forthcoming closing of Premier Lotteries Ireland acquisition in November illustrate our strategy of internationalisation and diversification. We are delighted that the teams of these two operators are joining FDJ and that these operations will contribute to the Group’s sustainable and profitable growth.”
- Revenue to end September of €1,875 million, up 3.9% and 1.3% on a like-for-like basis
At the end of September, gross gaming revenue (GGR) stood at €4,808 million, stable compared with 2022. After €3,044 million in public levies, net gaming revenue (NGR)3 totalled €1,771 million, up 0.8% based on a 2.0% increase in stakes.
Including income from other activities of €103 million, up more than 10% on a like-for-like basis, Group revenue to end September 2023 came to €1,875 million, up 3.9%.
On a like-for-like basis, sales rose by 1.3%. It rose 4.6%, in line with the first half, excluding Euromillions, which was particularly affected by the low number of high jackpot draws, especially in the 3rd quarter, and excluding Amigo, which was relaunched at the beginning of June with a revised formula in accordance with the regulator’s decision.
In the 3rd quarter, revenue totalled €586 million, down 1% and 3% on a like-for-like basis.
- By distribution channel and activity
- By distribution channel
Stakes in points of sale increased 0.8% to €13,278 million, supported by sports betting and instant games, and despite Amigo and Euromillions impact.
Digital stakes are continuing to grow, driven by all businesses. They were up 10.6% to €2,011 million, a performance attributable in large part to the increase in the number of players. Excluding Euromillions, online lottery stakes rose by more than 12%. Online stakes account for more than 13% of total stakes.
- Lottery
Lottery revenue totalled €1,407 million down 1.2%, based on a slight increase in stakes, but up 3% excluding Amigo and Euromillions.
Driven in particular by the success of launches and relaunches, such as Carré Or in January and Numéro Fétiche in May, instant games stakes rose by more than 4%.
The almost 6% drop in the stakes for draw games is attributable to the lower number of high jackpot Euromillions draws (19 at 2023 September-end compared to 32 at 2022 September-end), particularly noticeable in the third quarter, and the full impact of the new Amigo draw launched at the beginning of June and in line with the decision of the French National Gaming Authority.
Excluding Euromillions and Amigo, draw stakes are up 1% and lottery stakes more than 3% compared with 2022, an “exceptional” year for draw games, especially Euromillions with stakes up by almost +20% to the end of September 2022. Overall, the appeal of this game remains strong, with stakes up by almost +10% compared with 2019, following its relaunch in the first quarter of 2020.
The discrepancy between growth in stakes and growth in revenue is mainly due to Euromillions, which has a high rate of conversion of stakes into revenue.
- Sports betting and online gaming open to competition
Revenue of sports betting and online gaming open to competition totalled €360 million, an increase of 9.3% in line with growth in stakes. The player payout ratio in the third quarter is very close to that at the end of June and that recorded at the end of September 2022.
Business growth, strong both at the point of sale and online, benefited from the continuing momentum of the FIFA World Cup at the end of 2022, despite a slightly less favourable football calendar in the 3rd quarter of 2023.
The acquisitions of ZEturf and Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) strengthen FDJ’s model
- ZEturf completes FDJ’s online gaming offering, making it the 4th largest operator in the French sports betting and online gaming open to competition, with a market share of over 10%
ZEturf is the 2nd largest online horse betting operator in France, with a market share of around 20%. This acquisition enables the FDJ Group to become the 4th largest competitive online gaming operator in France (sports betting, horse betting and poker), with a market share of over 10%. Finalised at the end of September, this acquisition has been consolidated in FDJ’s accounts since 1 October.
In order to benefit fully from the potential of the merger with ZEturf and the synergies within its online business open to competition, and in accordance with the commitments made to the French Competition Authority, FDJ will adopt a new organisation for this business.
With 2022 revenue exceeding €50 million, ZEturf:
– Doubles the revenue of FDJ’s online gaming business open to competition;
– And will have an accretive effect on the sports betting and online gaming open to competition BU’s contribution margin from 2025.
- PLI: First step in the international B2C lottery with strong prospects
The acquisition of Premier Lotteries Ireland, the Irish national lottery operator, is a major step in the deployment of the FDJ Group’s international strategy. On 3 October, the Irish lottery regulator gave the go-ahead for the deal, which is due to be finalised in early November, when PLI will be consolidated by FDJ.
In 2022, Premier Lotteries Ireland recorded gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €399 million and revenue of €140 million, with an EBITDA margin comparable to that of FDJ.
The strategic plan currently being drawn up jointly aims to accelerate PLI’s growth and increase its profitability, based on sharing best practice between the two operators in order to:
– Capitalise on FDJ’s experience to drive PLI’s instant games portfolio;
– Boost the player base for draw games;
– And continue to improve the digital experience for Irish players.
2023 Outlook
In Q4, the Group expects:
– In sports betting and online gaming open to competition, sales virtually unchanged, reflecting the continued momentum since the start of the year, with a high basis for comparison due to the FIFA World Cup at the end of 2022;
– And for the lottery, sales growth driven by non-Amigo draw games, with several events including the launch of the EuroDreams draw game, and by instant games.
For 2023 as a whole, FDJ is targeting revenue growth of around 5%, i.e. between 1.5% and 2% on a like-for-like basis, with a current EBITDA margin rate maintained at around 24% thanks to tight control of costs.
– At the end of July, the Group had announced 2023 revenue growth targets of over 5%, and over 3% on a like-for-like basis, with a current EBITDA margin maintained at around 24%.
The Group will also benefit from a high level of financial income, expected to almost double the figure recorded at the end of June, and reiterates its commitment to distribute between 80% and 90% of its consolidated net income.
The Group’s next financial communication
The Group will report its 2023 results on Thursday, 15 February 2024, before market opening.
Appendix
In millions of euros |
Q3 2023 |
Q3 2022 |
Var. |
|
|
|
|||
Stakes |
4,802 |
4,945 |
-2,9% |
|
o/w online stakes |
679 |
643 |
+5,6% |
|
|
|
|||
Revenue |
586 |
592 |
-1,1%* |
|
o/w lottery |
449 |
478 |
-6,0% |
|
o/w sports betting and online gaming open to competition |
103 |
97 |
+6,4% |
*-3.4% vs. Q3 2022 pro forma, including the acquisitions of Aleda and L’Addtion
Latest News
ECA and AGEM applaud creation of Association Assembly at ICE Barcelona
The news that January’s ICE Barcelona will include a major new feature dedicated to global gaming’s most influential trade associations has been welcomed by organisations in Europe and abroad.
Making full use of the additional space at the Gran Via Fira de Barcelona, the first ICE Association Assembly has been created to enable trade bodies to promote their values and create new opportunities for the gaming community across every sector and geography, including both the Brussels-based European Casino Association (ECA) and the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), the global trade association for gaming equipment suppliers with its primary headquarters in Las Vegas.
Erwin Van Lambaart, Chair of the ECA confirmed: “Our members are already planning their week in Barcelona and they will be at this historic edition of ICE in great numbers. ICE is a pivotal event for the global gaming community and having a show floor feature which will enable us to engage directly with all sectors is a unique opportunity.
“Traditionally, our association’s involvement at ICE and its Conference program has primarily centred around networking and product development orientation—connecting with our members, regulators, suppliers, and fellow trade bodies. However, ICE 2025 marks a significant milestone. For the first time, the ECA will have the chance to fully interface with the global industry supply chain in its entirety. We are looking forward to this unique opportunity to articulate our vision for the future to a diverse and comprehensive audience, where innovation, responsibility and significant partnerships for guest and customer centricity will have centre stage.”
Daron Dorsey, CEO of AGEM added: “We represent the interests of our gaming suppliers whose well-known brands are global in reach, so to be given the opportunity to explain our agenda and engage with what is a truly international audience of association colleagues on the ICE show floor is invaluable.”
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Aviatrix
Aviatrix expands into Venezuela with FacilitoBet
Aviatrix, the innovative crash game that is quickly growing in popularity across Latin America and elsewhere, has added FacilitoBet to its portfolio of operator partners.
The deal sees FacilitoBet integrate Aviatrix into its proprietary GEO VES platform, making the game available to its players across Venezuela.
This is a major move by Aviatrix’s into the Venezuelan market, following numerous deals elsewhere in Latin America over the past 12 months.
Gabriela Novello, Head of Business Development LATAM at Aviatrix, said: “We want to bring Aviatrix to the most respected brands across Latin America, and FacilitoBet absolutely meets those criteria. By integrating us into their own platform, we’re able to work directly with the FacilitoBet team to bring a truly world-class experience to players across Venezuela. This is another important step in the Aviatrix journey.”
Henry Sanchez, Director of FacilitoBet, said: “Crash games have become a true phenomenon over the last couple of years, and we love Aviatrix because it brings something unique to the genre. The game is engaging, and their team is extremely helpful when it comes to onboarding to our own GEO VES platform. We are sure Aviatrix will be a big success among our players.”
Aviatrix is quickly becoming Latin America’s favourite crash game, following integrations with NGX, Salsa Technology, Vibra Gaming, Cactus Gaming, RedCap, Virtualsoft, Casa de Apostas, Portugabet and many more.
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Atlaslive and Alea Partner to Revolutionize Casino Offerings with Data-Driven Player Insights
Atlaslive, a leading B2B software provider in the global iGaming industry, has announced an exciting partnership with Alea, a data-driven casino game aggregator. Together, the two companies will deliver highly customized, data-focused gaming experiences designed to boost player engagement and drive operator success.
Atlaslive’s multi-functional platform empowers sports betting and casino operators with a customizable, scalable solution. Partners have the freedom to tailor the platform to their brand style and market preferences, whether they’re focused on a regional niche or a global audience.
With over 15,000 games in Atlaslive’s casino library, which includes slots, live casino games, table games, virtual games, lotteries, and more, operators can offer a diverse selection to match any player demographic. This vast collection will now be complemented by Alea’s aggregation, creating an unmatched selection of casino content.
Lidiia Vakulenko, COO of Atlaslive, commented on the collaboration: “At Atlaslive, our goal is to provide operators with not only a powerful platform but also the tools and content they need to stand out in a competitive market. Our partnership with Alea enhances our already robust casino offering with even more game diversity, while adding sophisticated data insights that help our partners design player experiences tailored to their audience. This partnership is a game-changer for both companies and our partners.”
In addition to its extensive game portfolio, Atlaslive’s platform provides operators with advanced tools to create custom segments and automated marketing triggers. This allows operators to design personalized campaigns and offers based on player behavior, boosting engagement, retention, and ultimately, revenue.
Jordi Sendra, CEO of Alea, also commented on the collaboration: “We are thrilled to partner with Atlaslive, a company that shares our vision of using data and technology to drive innovation in iGaming. Together, we can offer operators not just a vast range of top-tier games, but the deep player insights they need to refine their strategies and maximize engagement. We believe this partnership will open up new possibilities for both companies and the operators we serve globally.”
By bringing together Atlaslive’s dynamic platform and Alea’s data-driven approach, this partnership is set to transform the way casinos operate, providing powerful tools that will help them grow and thrive in the competitive iGaming landscape.
The post Atlaslive and Alea Partner to Revolutionize Casino Offerings with Data-Driven Player Insights appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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