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In an extraordinary development, Française des Jeux (FDJ), the French lottery behemoth, has surpassed Allwyn to claim the operatorship of the Irish National Lottery. FDJ revealed during its mid-year financial report that it had successfully negotiated a deal to acquire Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), the organization behind the Irish Lottery. The entire capital of PLI, valued at €350 million ($384.26 million), is set to be transferred to FDJ.
Previously, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP), a significant shareholder in PLI, chose to sell its shares following an unsuccessful attempt to maintain control over the UK’s National Lottery, which is now run by Allwyn.
PLI, the exclusive rights holder for the Irish National Lottery until 2034, offers draw and scratch-off games in, with a majority of bets placed at physical points of sale and the remaining 15% made through mobile apps. PLI also participates in the Euromillions community. Andrew Algeo, Managing Director of PLI, perceives this collaboration as a major leap towards FDJ’s international expansion.
FDJ Anticipates Annual Performance Boost from PLI Acquisition
In 2022, PLI reported a turnover of €140 million ($153.7 million), with an EBITDA margin of 24%, reflecting FDJ’s performance. Consequently, FDJ expects a 5% surge in its annual performance this year.
Last year, PLI redirected 65% of its gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €399 million ($438 million) to charities, translating to nearly €260 million donated to over 4,000 organizations. Stéphane Pallez, FDJ’s CEO, emphasized that this acquisition aligns with their international development strategy and commitment to responsible gaming.
Despite shifts in operational control, the ownership structure remains the same. The Irish government continues to own the lottery, and the Regulator of the National Lottery maintains its supervisory role. FDJ simply gains operating rights as per the 2014 agreement between PLI and Ireland.
The deal is anticipated to wrap up by the end of the year, subject to approval from the Irish National Lottery regulator. Other contenders for PLI included International Game Technology and Australia’s Lottery Corp.
FDJ reported a 2.4% increase in GGR, amounting to €3.3 billion ($3.6 billion) in H1. Turnover increased by 6.3% to €1.3 billion ($1.42 billion). Propelled by sports betting and the lottery, digital stakes, especially through online casinos, soared by 13.3%, accounting for 13% of the total, leading FDJ to record a net profit of €181 million ($198.72 million), a 13.5% increase.
