Playtech has consented to furnish its poker network services and material to French operator La Française des Jeux (FDJ).
Under the arrangement, FDJ will gain access to cash tables, poker tournaments, and Playtech’s leading poker game Twister Poker.
FDJ will also join Playtech’s Ipoker.eu network, which encompasses multiple European markets.
“Playtech has a strong history as a poker network and content provider in regulated European markets,” stated Richard Courtois, Chief Executive Officer of FDJ’s Sports Business Unit.
“The firm’s participation in our selection process demonstrates a clear commitment and profound understanding of our long-term strategy.
“Thanks to Playtech, we are thrilled to offer our players a variety of new games. This move enables FDJ to complete its layout in the open and competitive French market. This is based on a business model that combines performance and responsibility to keep the game enjoyable.”
Marat Koss, Vice President of Interactive Gaming at Playtech, added: “We are very pleased that FDJ has selected Playtech as its partner. FDJ joining our Ipoker.eu is a significant step in the network’s expansion, as the French online gambling market continues to grow.
“We anticipate building a long and successful partnership with FDJ.”
The French online gambling market continues to expand.
French regulatory authorities, the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), have declared that France’s total gambling income (GGR) achieved a record peak in 2022. As of the last day of December 2022, the annual GGR reached a staggering €12.9 billion (£11.08 billion/$14.04 billion).
The French online gambling market GGR experienced a slight increase of 0.8%, reaching €2.18 billion. Of this total, sports betting constituted 64%, online poker accounted for 20%, and horse racing betting represented 16%.
In the year 2022, online poker exhibited the most impressive GGR performance among all online games, reaching €442 million, a notable rise from €421 million in the preceding year.
Online sports betting GGR attained €1.38 billion, establishing a new record. The 8.3% stake in this sector also set a new high.
Simultaneously, lotteries generated €5.6 billion in revenue during 2022, signifying a 10.2% increase from the previous year.
Casino GGR for the year amounted to €2.5 billion, a significant jump from €1.08 billion in 2021, slightly surpassing the €2.4 billion achieved in 2019 before the pandemic.
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