Banijay Gaming has agreed to acquire Groupe JOA, the second-largest casino operator in France. The transaction is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2026.
The deal transfers 33 land-based venues to Banijay via a put option involving funds managed by Blackstone and Kings Park Capital. Groupe JOA recorded 4.6 million visitors and generated approximately €430 million in gross gaming revenue in 2025. Finalizing the acquisition requires consultation with employee representatives, merger clearance, and approval from French gaming regulators.
Strategic Expansion and Market Position
This transaction follows the creation of the Banijay Gaming division earlier this year. In April, the company purchased the German betting operator Tipico and merged it with Betclic. The combined entities were projected to generate €7.4 billion in revenue and €1.6 billion in adjusted EBITDA on a pro forma basis for 2025.
Nicolas Béraud, Chairman of Banijay Gaming, stated that the move addresses customer expectations for seamless digital and physical experiences. Group CEO François Riahi noted that the acquisition supports the company's evolution into a diversified omnichannel leader in France.
Groupe JOA currently ranks second in France behind Groupe Barrière regarding revenue and venue count. Groupe Partouche operates 40 casinos in France and Belgium, while Groupe Barrière manages 27 venues. The consolidation may influence the ongoing discussion regarding the regulation of online casino gambling in the country.