FDJ Group

Business Model & Market Position

FDJ UNITED operates under a regulated monopoly for lottery games in France and a licensed framework for online sports betting and gaming in multiple European jurisdictions. Its business model is built on redistributing stakes for public good, with a strong emphasis on responsible gaming and player protection. The group’s revenue mix comes from lottery products, sports betting, and increasingly from digital services provided to other operators through FDJ Gaming Solutions. With the acquisition of Kindred Group in 2024, FDJ UNITED expanded its online presence and now holds a top-tier position in European iGaming.

History & Evolution

The company traces its origins to 1933 when the French government created the National Lottery to aid World War I veterans. In 1976, the Loto game was launched, becoming a national phenomenon. The state-owned Société de la Loterie nationale et du Loto national (SLNLN) was formed in 1979, later renamed France Loto in 1989 and finally La Française des Jeux in 1991. FDJ was partially privatised in 2019, with the French government selling a majority stake. In 2024–2025, the group rebranded to FDJ UNITED to reflect its pan-European ambition following the Kindred acquisition.

Key Products, Platforms & Brands

Loto (draw game) – Flagship lottery where players choose numbers; draws occur three times per week. Euromillions (pan-European draw game) – Joint multi-country lottery operator with jackpots up to €200 million. Illiko (instant scratch games) – Range of paper-based scratch cards with various themes and prize tiers. ParionsSport (sports betting) – Online and retail sports betting platform covering football, rugby, tennis, cycling, and more. FDJ Gaming Solutions (technology hub) – Provides retail lottery transformation, instant lottery modernisation, interactive gaming platforms, and sports betting services for third-party operators. Kindred Group (online betting & gaming) – Acquired in 2024, bringing brands like Unibet, Maria Casino, and 32Red into the portfolio, strengthening international digital presence.

Technology & Innovation

FDJ Gaming Solutions, based in Paris and London, employs around 500 engineers who develop high-availability platforms, digital gaming solutions, and integrity systems. The division offers turnkey solutions for lotteries worldwide, including interactive factory services, retail system upgrades, and instant game printing technology. The group has partnerships with innovation platforms like Plug and Play and recently invested in AI company H Company to deploy agentic AI.

Responsible Gaming & CSR

FDJ UNITED places responsible gaming at the centre of its strategy. Its “Safe Play” programme targets prevention, detection, and support for at-risk players. The company enforces strict age verification, spend limits, and self-exclusion tools. The FDJ UNITED Foundation, created in 2019, focuses on equal opportunities in education and integration. In 2025, the group published its first integrated annual report covering sustainability and financial performance.

Financial Snapshot (2025)

Revenue: €3.7 billion, Employees: 5,700+, Players: 33 million, Net financial debt: €1,721 million (end-2025), Listed: Euronext Paris (FDJ), CAC Mid 60.

Regulatory & Licences

France: Exclusive licence for lottery (ARJEL/ANJ); online sports betting licence. Ireland: Operator of the National Lottery. Sweden, UK, Canada, South Africa: Operations via FDJ Gaming Solutions and Kindred brands. The group complies with WLA (World Lottery Association) responsible gaming standards.