Playtech and France's FDJ have a poker deal.

Playtech and France's FDJ have a poker deal.

 The French operator La Française des Jeux (FDJ) has decided to use Playtech's poker network services and content.
 FDJ
 As part of the agreement, FDJ will have access to Playtech's main poker game, Twister Poker, cash tables, and poker tournaments.

 Additionally, FDJ will become a part of Playtech's network of operators in several European regions through Ipoker.eu. 

 Chief executive Richard Courtois of FDJ's sports business branch stated, "Playtech has a great track record as a poker network and content provider in Europe's regulated markets."

 "The company showed a strong commitment to and comprehension of our long-term plan by participating in our selection process. 

 We are happy to provide our users with a fresh selection of games because of Playtech.  With this action, FDJ can fully establish itself in the competitive French market.  This is predicated on a business strategy that blends accountability with performance to maintain the enjoyment of gaming.

 "We are extremely pleased that FDJ has selected Playtech as its partner," said Marat Koss, vice-president of interactive gaming at Playtech.  A crucial step in the network's growth as the French online gambling market remains strong is the addition of FDJ to our Ipoker.eu.

 "We anticipate a fruitful and long-lasting collaboration with FDJ."

 Growth of internet gambling in France
 The agreement follows record gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2022 declared by the French regulator l'Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ).  For the 12 months ending December 31, 2022, the annual GGR was €12.90 billion (£11.08 billion/$14.04 billion).

 The GGR of the French online gaming market grew by 0.8% to €2.18 billion.  Sixty-four percent came from sports betting, twenty percent from online poker, and sixteen percent from horse racing wagers.

 With a GGR of €442 million in 2022, online poker outperformed all other online games, up from €421 million in 2021.

 GGR reached €1.38 billion, setting a new record for online sports betting.  Here, the €8.3% stakes set yet another record.

 In contrast, lottery revenue increased by 10.2% from 2021 to €5.6 billion in 2022.

 GGR for casinos was €2.5 billion for the year, up from €1.08 billion in 2021 and barely above €2.4 billion taken in before the pandemic in 2019.