FDJ Group

History and Founding

FDJ UNITED traces its origins to the National Lottery established by the French state in 1933 to support wounded soldiers. The modern company was created in 1976 as the Société de la Loterie Nationale et du Loto National (SLNLN) to operate the newly launched Loto game, and it was renamed La Française des Jeux (FDJ) in 1991. The group went public in 2018 and rebranded as FDJ UNITED following the acquisition of Kindred Group in 2025, reflecting its international expansion. The company remains majority-owned by the French state through the Agence des participations de l'État, though public shareholding has increased since the IPO.

Business Model and Revenue

FDJ UNITED generates revenue through three core pillars: retail lottery sales via a network of over 30,000 points of sale in France, online betting and gaming (sports betting, poker, instant games), and B2B technology services provided by FDJ Gaming Solutions. The company is the exclusive operator of France’s national lottery and also runs the Republic of Ireland’s national lottery under a long-term contract. In H1 2025, revenue rose 30.7% year-on-year to €1.8 billion, driven by the consolidation of Kindred and strong organic performance.

Key Brands and Products

The company’s flagship lottery brands include Loto, France’s iconic number-draw game, and EuroMillions, a multi-country lottery with massive jackpots. Parions Sport offers sports betting both online and in retail outlets. FDJ Poker provides regulated online poker. The acquisition of Kindred Group brought internationally recognised online casino and sportsbook brands such as Unibet, Maria Casino, and 32Red, strengthening FDJ’s presence in Scandinavia, the UK, and other European markets. FDJ Gaming Solutions sells lottery and gaming platforms, instant games, and retail technology to third-party operators worldwide.

Market Position and Competitive Landscape

FDJ UNITED is a dominant force in French gaming, with a near-monopoly on lottery and a strong sports betting presence. It competes with other European operators such as Betclic, PokerStars, and national lottery operators in other countries. The Kindred acquisition positions FDJ as a pan-European player capable of competing with large international groups like Flutter Entertainment and Entain. The company emphasises responsible gaming as a differentiator, investing in AI-based player protection tools and committing to high regulatory standards.

Leadership and Governance

Stéphane Pallez has served as Chairwoman and CEO since 2014, spearheading the IPO, digital transformation, and the Kindred acquisition. Charles Lantieri is Deputy CEO and also chairs the FDJ Foundation, overseeing corporate social responsibility. In February 2026, Pascal Chaffard—formerly CFO and Strategy leader—was appointed Chief Online Betting and Gaming Officer, replacing Nils Andén. Dan Lévy will join as CFO effective May 18, 2026. The company’s board includes representatives from the French state and independent members, ensuring a balance of public and private governance.

Technology and Innovation

FDJ UNITED employs over 300 data and AI specialists and operates a cloud-native infrastructure. Its “Safe Play” programme uses machine learning to detect and prevent excessive gambling in real time. The company also provides B2B technology through FDJ Gaming Solutions, offering platform management, instant game development, and omnichannel retail solutions to lottery operators globally. This technological backbone supports both regulatory compliance and customer engagement.