Vikings Casinos acquired: NOVOMATIC enters France
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8 Jul 2025 •
Reading time: 2 minutes A new page in European gaming history was written when the Austrian group NOVOMATIC, already a technological giant in the sector, completed its acquisition of Vikings Casinos. The deal, announced last January, has finally been approved by the French authorities, giving NOVOMATIC not only lasting access to one of the continent’s most demanding markets, but also a strong signal of its international expansion.
Vikings Casinos: from a local adventure to a national pillar
Created in 1998 in Falaise, Vikings Casinos has rapidly become one of France’s leading operators. With eleven establishments, spread from Normandy to the Côte d’Azur, and nearly a thousand gaming terminals, the network employs more than 300 people. Luc Le Borgne, who now runs Vikings Casinos, has this to say about the acquisition:
‘We are convinced that integration into a company as experienced and successful as NOVOMATIC will enable us to work even more efficiently and to benefit from the resources and expertise of the new owner.’
A crucial regulatory green light
The acquisition, which was completed on 1 July, required the approval of all the French gaming regulators. This green light is both a vote of confidence and a springboard for NOVOMATIC, which now controls the entire chain, from production to the operation of physical casinos.
Stefan Krenn, member of NOVOMATIC’s executive board, sums up the importance of the deal as follows:
“The acquisition of Vikings Casinos is a key element in our efforts to strengthen NOVOMATIC’s presence in international markets in a targeted manner. France is one of the most dynamic and exciting gaming markets in Europe. By making this investment, we are not only strengthening our leading position in Europe, but also demonstrating our clear commitment to our long-term global expansion strategy.”
Trust of the regulators: a valuable growth factor
The French authorities have not only validated this acquisition: above all, they have demonstrated genuine confidence in NOVOMATIC’s operational and technical reliability. This institutional support now paves the way for further investment under the group’s banner, to modernise the establishments and enhance the range of games on offer in the country.
The dawn of a new era
1 July 2025 marks a pivotal moment for NOVOMATIC and for the French gaming sector. With Vikings Casinos now under its wing, the Austrian group is no longer content to simply export its know-how: it is setting up shop, investing and intends to stay there. While the welcome given by the regulators and local teams augurs well for a successful integration, what happens next will depend on how NOVOMATIC is able to combine technology, modernisation and respect for the specific characteristics of the French market.