Banijay is taking a big step in the online gambling market. The entertainment company is acquiring a 65% majority stake in German bookmaker Tipico. The acquisition means that France now has two providers in the top five in Europe.
Nicolas Béraud, founder of Betclic, becomes chairman of Banijay Gaming. According to him, this merger is the start of a new era. He speaks of ‘a European group focused on sustainable growth’.
Betclic, Tipico and Admiral together form a gambling giant
The new combination of Betclic, Tipico and Admiral Austria serves more than 6.5 million players in six countries. The combined turnover amounts to more than 3 billion euros. According to Béraud, this merger creates a player that can operate more strongly and innovatively.
Béraud emphasises that the companies have experience with strictly regulated markets. Tipico operates in Germany, while Betclic is active in France, Portugal and Poland.
‘Strict rules make us better and more responsible,’ he says.
According to Banijay, new growth lies beyond national borders
Although the focus is now on bringing the three brands together, Béraud does not rule out further acquisitions. According to him, growth is part of the company’s culture. New markets in Europe are in the sights.
Banijay also hopes that Germany will crack down harder on illegal providers. Tipico already has more than 1,250 legal establishments. According to Béraud, Tipico would fit well into a more broadly regulated casino landscape.
The collaboration follows other mega deals in Europe. Flutter and Entain have already acquired parties in Italy and Poland. The European market is growing rapidly, and those who lag behind are losing ground.
France remains important but fiscally unpredictable
The French market remains difficult due to high taxes. That is also why Banijay has opted to expand into other countries. The launch of Bet365 in France before the 2026 World Cup also plays a role in this.
Meanwhile, France also wants to tighten its supervision of advertising. The ANJ’s new advertising code imposes more rules.And through Web3 innovation, the ANJ also wants to block illegal cash flows.