Groupe Joa CEO Laurent Lassiaz on France's Resilient Land-Based Casinos and the iGaming Outlook
2026-06-22
Source: iGaming Business
Groupe Joa CEO Laurent Lassiaz asserts that France's land-based casinos are resilient against future iGaming, thanks to their focus on local social experiences and diverse entertainment. He advocates for regulated online casino licenses tied to land-based operations, viewing them as a natural extension, and outlines Groupe Joa's multi-pronged growth strategy.
Laurent Lassiaz, the CEO of Groupe Joa, France's second-largest casino operator, emphasizes the enduring strength of the nation's land-based casino market, driven by its unique focus on local social experiences. Despite the continued absence of regulated iCasino in France and a significant offshore market, Lassiaz believes the physical sector's diverse offerings provide robust protection against potential online competition.
The French Casino Landscape
France boasts a mature land-based gambling industry with over 200 casinos. Unlike some other European nations, French casinos are mandated to offer a full 'Vegas-style' experience, including live dealer table games alongside slots and electronic table games. This regulatory requirement, stemming from a Napoleonic decree, obliges operators to integrate gaming with entertainment and food and beverage (F&B) services, positioning casinos as comprehensive leisure destinations rather than purely gaming venues.
The market's annual Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) stands at approximately €2.8 billion, with slot machines contributing between 75% and 82% of this figure. Slots, introduced in the early 1980s, remain a primary revenue driver. However, the customer base for slots predominantly comprises older, retired players who value the casino as a social hub and are