FDJ Group (La Française des Jeux)

History and Evolution

FDJ United traces its roots to the French National Lottery established in 1933. The modern entity was created in 1976 as the Société de la Loterie nationale et du Loto national (SLNLN). It was renamed France Loto in 1989 and then La Française des Jeux in 1991. The company underwent a partial privatisation in 2018 and listed on Euronext Paris, which fuelled its international expansion. In 2025, it completed a rebrand to FDJ United, reflecting its pan-European ambitions and the integration of acquired assets such as Unibet from the Kindred Group.

Business Model and Revenue

FDJ United operates as a diversified gambling provider with a strong retail and online presence. Its core business includes draw games (Loto, Euromillions, Cash, Astro, Banco), instant scratch games (Illiko), and sports betting (ParionsSport). The group also operates the Irish National Lottery via a long-term concession. Its distribution network spans over 30,000 points of sale in France, primarily tobacconists, newsagents, and cafes. Online channels include the fdj.fr website and mobile app, as well as Unibet’s digital platforms. In 2025, FDJ United reported €3.7 billion in revenue, with a 3% decline in turnover due to tax increases and regulatory changes, but a 1% increase in gross gaming revenue.

Products and Brands

Key brands include Loto (classic draw lottery), Euromillions (pan-European multi-country lottery with large jackpots), Illiko (instant scratch-card games), ParionsSport (sports betting with pre-match and live odds), and Unibet (online betting and gaming). Additional draw-based games include Cash, Astro, and Banco. The technology hub FDJ Gaming Solutions provides digital platforms and back-office systems to internal and external clients. The FDJ UNITED Foundation, endowed with €10 million, supports equal opportunity initiatives in education and social integration.

Market Position and International Expansion

FDJ United is one of Europe’s leading gaming groups. It actively pursues international growth through equity stakes in lottery operators in Europe, China, and Canada, and through technology licensing via FDJ Gaming Solutions. The acquisition of Unibet from the Kindred Group strengthened its online presence and expanded its footprint in regulated European markets. The group is positioned as a sustainable, digitally innovative European champion in the gaming industry.

Governance and Leadership

The company is led by a Board of Directors chaired by Stéphane Pallez, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer. The executive committee includes Dan Lévy as Chief Financial Officer (appointed effective May 18, 2026) and Pascal Chaffard as Head of Online Betting and Gaming (transitioning from CFO). Charles Lantieri serves as Deputy Chief Executive Officer. The group is committed to responsible gaming with a dedicated “Safe Play” programme and player protection measures.