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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
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
ELA Games, announced the release of its conceptually new game “Joker Cashpot”. The new slot game aims to attract players with its exciting mechanics, a balance of strategy and randomness and traditional colourful design by the studio’s artists. Joker Cashpot is a rare example of a creatively modified slot where the player can accumulate and multiply rewards.
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Booming Games is proud to announce that its highly-anticipated title, Ronaldinho Spins, is now available to players worldwide. Ronaldinho Spins is the first slot game ever created featuring the image of international football superstar Ronaldinho Gaucho. After months of development and refinement, the slot is now set to deliver entertainment and joy with its stunning visuals and exciting features.
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Thunderkick has released the newest addition to its expanding collection, Sword of Arthur, taking players on a journey to King Arthur’s Ancient Briton. King Arthur himself features as the game’s highest-paying symbol, followed by his armour and shield, while the low-paying icons are represented by fantasy-style playing card symbols. The legendary sword of Arthur takes centre stage as the Wild and Scatter, helping to form wins and trigger the Bonus Game.
With the cream of European football preparing to showcase their skills on the grass at Euro 2024 in Germany starting this week, Apparat Gaming icon, Jack Potter, has set out on a mission to spread the beautiful game to ancient Egypt in the quirky new adventure, Jack Potter and The Book of Football.
Triple Edge Studios, part of Games Global’s exclusive studio network, has launched its latest feature-filled title, Goal Strike Rising Rewards™, kicking off the excitement ahead of a big summer of football. Set within an electrifying football stadium and showcasing five reels with varying rows of 3-4-5-4-3, players spin the slot’s unique reelset that is adorned with football shirts, boots, and whistle symbols for the chance to unlock a variety of innovative multiplier and free spins features and win increasing jackpots via the Rising Rewards™ mechanic.
Not all pigs are happy in mud and that’s certainly the case for the two porkers in the latest slot from Fantasma Games. Gold Pigger is already live with a limited number of operators, and a truly flying start with initial key player KPIs up +100% from an already very successful 2024 game release performance.
PG Soft has released its highly infectious video slot, Zombie Outbreak. The game unfolds within an apocalyptic world where the undead rise on the 5 reels, featuring a layout with 4 rows on reels 1, 3, and 5, and 5 rows on reels 2 and 4. One of the many electrifying features of Zombie Outbreak is the Expanding Wild symbol, which replaces all symbols aside from the Scatter symbol.
The post Week 24/2024 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
PG Soft, a world-class digital mobile games company, has released its highly infectious video slot, Zombie Outbreak.
The game unfolds within an apocalyptic world where the undead rise on the 5 reels, featuring a layout with 4 rows on reels 1, 3, and 5, and 5 rows on reels 2 and 4.
One of the many electrifying features of Zombie Outbreak is the Expanding Wild symbol, which replaces all symbols aside from the Scatter symbol. These Wild symbols appear exclusively on reels 2 and 4, mutating into Expanding Wild symbols with three multipliers within each symbol.
The multipliers inside the Expanding Wild symbol can range from: x1 x2 x3, x2 x3 x5, x3 x5 x12, x5 x10 x15, or x10 x15 x25. Before winning totals are paid out, the smallest multiplier value from each Expanding Wild symbol is displayed at the foot of the reels. Wins are then multiplied by the collected multiplier value.
The Expanding Wild symbol remains on the reels until the end of the spin or until all three multipliers have been collected.
Players seek out the Free Spins Feature, which is triggered with three hazardous Scatter symbols appearing on screen. Once entering Free Spins, any collected multipliers stay active until the feature’s conclusion. Players have the chance to retrigger free spins. For those hungry to enhance chances of a win, the Feature Buy button offers a direct route into the Free Spins feature.
PG Soft’s spokesperson commented: “The news of Zombie Outbreak’s release will spread fast and we expect a feeding frenzy from players thanks to its stunning gameplay. It is designed to provide an exhilarating experience with its clever features and opportunities for big wins.”
The post PG Soft launches infectious Zombie Outbreak title appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
SBC Summit Tbilisi 2024: The iGaming and Sports Betting Event where Eastern Europe Meets Central Asia
The SBC Summit Tbilisi 2024 is set to bring together the key players in the iGaming and sports betting industries from June 25-26, 2024, at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, Georgia. Organized by SBC Events in collaboration with Sports Media Holding, this event promises to be a pivotal gathering for professionals targeting the burgeoning markets of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
A Gateway to Eastern Europe and Central Asia
The second edition of the SBC Summit Tbilisi is designed to offer unparalleled insights into the high-potential markets of the Black Sea, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. This premier conference is a must-attend for those looking to expand their business into complex and diverse regions such as Georgia, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and Slovenia. The event provides a unique platform to understand the local regulatory landscapes, cultural nuances, and market opportunities.
Comprehensive Conference Agenda
The SBC Summit Tbilisi 2024 will feature a rich conference agenda that brings together C-Level executives and industry experts to discuss a wide range of topics. Attendees can expect to gain valuable knowledge on:
- iGaming trends and innovations
- Emerging market opportunities
- Regulatory updates and compliance strategies
- Outsourcing and business relocation opportunities
Who Will Be There?
The summit is expected to attract over 1,500 delegates, including 600 operators, 150 affiliates, 60+ speakers, and 30 exhibitors. This diverse gathering offers a fantastic opportunity to network with key decision-makers, generate leads, and forge meaningful partnerships.
Networking Opportunities
SBC Events are renowned for their exceptional networking experiences, and the Tbilisi Summit will be no exception. From the moment attendees step into the venue, they will be treated to an all-inclusive networking environment. Designated areas on the show floor will provide hot refreshments, breakfast, and lunch, along with various bars offering favorite drinks throughout the venue.
Evening networking events will take place in some of Tbilisi’s most upscale locations, providing a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere to continue business discussions and build new connections.
Special Features
- Keynote Speaker: Chris Bird, CEO of The Raheem Sterling Foundation and former COO of Manchester City, will share his insights and experiences, adding significant value to the event’s agenda.
- VIP Networking: Attendees can look forward to an exclusive VIP networking experience, ensuring they can connect with the most influential figures in the industry.
- Held in Collaboration with Sports Media Holding: As a leading service aggregator in the EE&CIS region, SMH Global brings a wealth of expertise and networking opportunities to the event.
Why Attend?
The SBC Summit Tbilisi 2024 offers an unmatched opportunity to gain a foothold in the promising markets of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. With a comprehensive agenda, top-tier speakers, and exclusive networking events, this summit is the ideal platform for industry professionals to learn, connect, and grow their businesses.
For more information and to register, visit the SBC Summit Tbilisi website.
The post SBC Summit Tbilisi 2024: The iGaming and Sports Betting Event where Eastern Europe Meets Central Asia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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