French lottery and betting operator FDJ United reported a 2% drop in GGR to €3,429m and a 3.9% decline in revenue to €1,240m in the first half of 2026. The company attributed the decline to higher taxation, weaker Euromillions jackpots and exceptional heat during the second quarter that reduced retail footfall.
Lottery took the hardest hit: GGR fell 2.1% to €2,979m and revenue dropped 4% to €1,022m, driven by fewer large Euromillions draws compared to 2025. Excluding extended cycles without jackpots, lottery GGR rose 1% and online lottery climbed 6%. Retail sports betting saw GGR down 1.1% to €450m and revenue down 2.9% to €218m, though performance improved in the second quarter on a stronger sportsbook offering.
Online betting and gaming held GGR flat at €702m while revenue fell 7.4% to €431m. Stripping out the Netherlands and the UK, GGR grew 6.6% and revenue 0.6%, with France and Scandinavia leading. The Netherlands slowdown eased from 15% in the first quarter to 4.1% in the second. The UK remains a drag; new management expects results by year-end.
The FIFA World Cup brought in over €700m in stakes and player payouts matched forecasts. FDJ United plans to relaunch Euromillions and Loto in 2027, introduce a new €10 instant game and expand its retail network. CEO Stéphane Pallez confirmed the group's focus on innovation and transformation to restore growth.
