French Competition Authority Approves Banijay Gaming Acquisition of Joa Without Conditions

France’s Autorité de la Concurrence has approved Banijay Gaming’s planned acquisition of casino operator Joa without conditions. The authority concluded the transaction is unlikely to harm competition. This marks the first review in France of a deal combining online and land-based gambling businesses.

The assessment examined whether the combined entity could disadvantage rivals by leveraging offers across both channels. Officials did not evaluate the prospect of legal online casino games. They judged that possibility too uncertain.

Poker as Principal Area of Competitive Overlap

Poker represented the main focus of potential overlap. After consulting competitors and the ANJ, the authority determined players move between online platforms and casino venues. Younger customers are accelerating the convergence of those audiences.

The authority cited the parties’ market positions, the presence of substantial competitors, and poker’s limited contribution to Joa’s casino business. These factors supported unconditional approval. Current French prohibitions on online casino games further limited the review’s scope.

Banijay Group’s Omnichannel Expansion Through the Joa Deal

Banijay agreed to acquire Joa, which operates 33 casinos, from funds managed by Blackstone and Kings Park Capital in July of this year. Joa chairman Laurent Lassiaz stated that Banijay’s expertise in technology and digital innovation would accelerate omnichannel development. He stressed preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and local roots that define the business.

Lassiaz noted the French casino industry is aimed at locals. “For the French population, the casino is a local leisure destination. It’s part of the local list of leisure activities that you can do.”

Banijay Group CEO François Riahi linked the transaction to the group’s Tipico acquisition completed in October last year. That deal transformed the business into a diversified omnichannel European leader in gaming. Riahi said the Joa acquisition aligns with this strategy and will make Banijay a leader in land-based gaming in France.

The group’s Betclic business holds the number one position for online betting in France. The unconditional clearance, as reported by iGaming Business, follows that established footprint.