Banijay Entertainment, the owner of Betclic, has acquired JOA’s network of 33 regional casinos in France, marking a significant expansion into the country’s land-based gaming sector. The transaction, aimed at enhancing Banijay’s omnichannel offerings, is set to finalize in the latter half of this year, pending the consultation of JOA’s employee representatives and the necessary regulatory approvals, including those for merger control and casino operations.
The acquisition is financed by funds managed by Blackstone and Kings Park Capital, although financial specifics remain undisclosed. François Riahi, CEO of Banijay Group, highlighted the strategic alignment of the acquisition with the company’s broader European expansion, referencing the prior acquisition of Tipico which significantly diversified their portfolio. Riahi emphasized that the acquisition will position Banijay as a leader in the French land-based gaming market, complementing their roles in Germany and Austria. He expressed enthusiasm for integrating JOA’s team into Banijay, anticipating continued growth and value creation within France.
JOA’s chairman, Laurent Lassiaz, expressed optimism about Banijay’s expertise in technology and digital solutions, foreseeing accelerated development in omnichannel strategies. Lassiaz, who will continue to lead JOA, assured that the integration will maintain the existing management structure, ensuring stability for employees and stakeholders. In a recent interview, Lassiaz emphasized the resilience of France’s casino industry, attributing its strength to the sector’s local focus rather than reliance on destination tourism.
The French casino industry, according to H2 Gambling Capital, generated €32.2 billion in turnover in 2025, with retail betting reaching €10.5 billion. However, despite these figures, iGaming remains unregulated in France, with political uncertainties and lobbying from the land-based sector hindering any immediate regulatory changes. Nonetheless, Lassiaz believes that iGaming could complement the existing casino landscape, advocating for the introduction of online licenses connected to physical casino operations as a natural progression of the industry.
This acquisition marks Banijay’s second major move within a year, following its purchase of Tipico, and the plan to integrate it with Betclic to form the fourth-largest sports betting and gaming entity in Europe. Such strategic acquisitions underscore Banijay’s intent to fortify its market position within heavily regulated jurisdictions, a move seen as a buffer against the unpredictability of less mature markets. This approach aligns with industry insights suggesting that regulated markets offer more sustainable and value-driven opportunities.
Looking ahead, Banijay’s deal to acquire JOA is poised to reinforce its presence in the French gaming market, affirming its strategy of leveraging regulated environments to foster industry consolidation. The completion of the acquisition later this year will likely influence the company’s operational dynamics, paving the way for future developments in the European gaming landscape.
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