La Française des Jeux (FDJ), which operates the French National Lottery, has completed its acquisition of Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI). PLI has exclusive rights to operate the Irish National Lottery until 2034, Yogonet reported November 9.
This is the first time FDJ has ventured out of the French lottery market. Before it was permitted to make the acquisition, FDJ had to get regulatory approval from the Irish National Lottery, which it did in October. FDJ’s goal is to become an international lottery provider and to also compete in sports betting and online gaming.
FDJ Group CEO and Chairwoman Stéphane Pallez said in a statement: “La Française des Jeux has opened a new chapter in its history by fulfilling its ambition to expand its international presence as a lottery and online gaming operator. The synergies between FDJ and Premier Lotteries Ireland will draw on our respective and acknowledged skills to offer people in Ireland a recreational, responsible range of games.”
Premier Lotteries Ireland’s CEO Andrew Algeo stated: “FDJ’s backing marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in PLI’s history, which will benefit Ireland’s National Lottery and its many stakeholders. The PLI team looks forward to further improving the Irish National Lottery with FDJ and contributing to FDJ’s international lottery expansion.”
PLI is in the midst of a 30-year license to operate the lottery in Ireland. It offers around 40 games at more than 5,300 retail and online locations, with more than 15 percent of sales being digital.
The joint strategic plan is to grow PLI and its profits, employing shared best practices and FDJ’s experience. The goal is to grow its player base and improve the digital experience, Yogonet reported.
