FDJ UNITED Is Pursuing Its Transformation in an Environment Marked by Adverse Factors
FDJ UNITED (Paris:FDJU):
Business expected to grow in 2026
Stéphane Pallez, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of FDJ UNITED, said: “In 2025, FDJ UNITED demonstrated the strength of its model and continued its transformation, in an environment affected by tax increases and tighter regulations on gaming. With a strengthened performance plan and a new organization of its online betting and gaming business unit, the Group will continue to improve its operational efficiency to return to its profitable and sustainable growth path by 2026.”
FDJ UNITED, a leader in betting and gaming in Europe, announces its 2025 results and its 2026 outlook.
Key figures (in millions of euros)
| 2025 | 2024 reported | % vs 2024 reported | 2024 restated | % vs 2024 restated | |
| Revenue | 3,678 | 3,065 | +20.0% | 3,788 | -2.9% |
| Recurring operating income | 566 | 568 | -0.4% | 595 | -5.0% |
| Net income | 176 | 399 | -55.9% |
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| Adjusted net income | 487 | 490 | -0.3% |
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| Dividend per share (€) | 2.10 | 2.05 | +2.4% |
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| Recurring EBITDA | 902 | 792 | +13.9% | 964 | -6.5% |
| Recurring EBITDA margin | 24.5% | 25.8% | -130bp | 25.5% | -100bp |
Highlights
Changes to the tax framework for betting and gaming
FDJ UNITED points out that the taxation of betting and gaming relates to gross gaming revenue, which is split between public levies on games and the operator according to the tax rates applicable to each category of games. This taxation reflects different levels of player winnings and varies from one jurisdiction to another. As a result, any increase in tax automatically reduces revenue and, by the same amount, recurring EBITDA, at stable operating costs.
Overall, the impact of tax increases on betting and gaming:
- In France
The Social Security Financing Act for 2025 introduced new specific tax measures applicable to betting and gaming from 1 July 2025. These measures entail significant increases in public levies rates on gross gaming revenue and specific taxes for:
- In the Netherlands
As of 1 January 2025, the rate of public levies on online gaming was increased from 30.5% to 34.2% of GGR. As of 1 January 2026, the rate of public levies on online gambling was increased from 34.2% to 37.8% of GGR.
- In Romania
As of 1 August 2025, the rate of public levies on sports betting and horse-race betting was increased from 21% to 30% of GGR.
- In the United Kingdom
On 26 November 2025, the United Kingdom government announced an increase in online casino gaming tax from 21% to 40% of GGR from 1 April 2026. In online sports betting, the rate of public levies will rise from 15% to 25% of GGR from 1 April 2027.
Tax on betting and gaming advertising and promotion spending in France
The 2025 Social Security Financing Act introduced a 15% tax on the advertising and promotional expenses of gaming operators (excluding horse-race betting).
This tax, effective from 1 July 2025, had an impact of over €5 million in 2025 and is expected to have an impact of over €10 million in 2026, when major sporting competitions are scheduled.
Exceptional tax on profits in France
The 2025 French Finance Act introduced an exceptional tax on the profits of companies generating more than €1 billion in revenue in France, with an impact of €26.7 million for FDJ UNITED. This exceptional tax has been renewed in the full year 2026 for an estimated amount of the same order.
To offset the impact of tax increases and tighter regulation, the Group introduced gradual compensatory measures at the beginning of 2025.
The savings of over €50 million achieved in 2025, compared to €20 million initially planned, have made it possible to reach the 2026 target a year ahead of schedule. The cumulative effect of these measures, which was expected to reach over €120 million by 2028, has been increased to over €150 million, more than half of which is attributable to the Online betting and gaming business unit and nearly 40% to the French lottery and retail sports betting business unit.
The Group is reorganising its Online betting and gaming business unit in order to complete the operational transformation currently under way.
In April 2025, FDJ UNITED launched an employee shareholding scheme representing 1% of its capital. Designed to further engage employees in the Group's growth momentum and share the value created collectively, this initiative was taken up by more than half of employees and was significantly oversubscribed. At the end of 2025, employee shareholding through company savings plans stood at 4.0% of the capital.
In March 2025, the FDJ Group became FDJ UNITED, illustrating its transformation into a European player following the integration of Kindred (2024), PLI and ZEturf (2023). This is a new chapter in the history of the Group – more international and more digital – and this new name embodies its new scope while asserting its roots, its history and its uniqueness.
FDJ UNITED has also chosen to update its purpose to support the development of FDJ UNITED in line with the entertaining and responsible model that has guided the Group since its inception: "Inspire the future of safe and entertaining lottery and betting with positive impacts on society."
Non-financial ratings maintained at the highest level
Rated by several non-financial rating agencies, FDJ UNITED has maintained an AA rating from MSCI for the third consecutive year and an "A" carbon rating from the Vérité40 Index for the fourth year.
Responsible gaming
"Safe Play", a programme of commitments for responsible gaming.
FDJ UNITED has launched a new campaign to highlight the Group's commitments and actions for entertaining and responsible gaming across Europe. Three concrete examples are highlighted: support for vulnerable players via dedicated telephone calls; the investment of at least 10% of the Group's advertising budget in awareness-raising campaigns; and actions to enforce the ban on underage gaming.
All of the Group's commercial brands will adopt this new visual identity to speak with a unified voice and make it easier for players to engage with the tools.
FDJ UNITED is also stepping up its efforts to detect and support excessive gamblers. A new tool, "FDJ Protect", has been rolled out in France to more effectively detect risky gaming behaviours specific to the online lottery. A second tool, "Crucial Compliance", for online betting and gaming, has been introduced in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and will gradually be rolled out to other European markets. In 2025, 33,000 awareness-raising calls were made by FDJ UNITED to players whose behaviours are considered the highest risk.
In France and Ireland, nearly 2,800 mystery visits to points of sale were carried out last year to check compliance with the ban on selling games to minors.
The Group's responsible gaming certification was renewed by European Lotteries with a maximum compliance rate of 100%.
Protecting our heritage and the environment
Social inclusion
For the 10th consecutive year, Bureau d'information et de prévision économique (BDO-Bipe) has assessed the Group's economic and social contribution in France:
2025 activity and results
The Group is structured around four business units (BUs), separating exclusive rights and competitive activities, and a holding company:
FDJ UNITED presents a restated income statement to reflect a consolidated economic view of the Group's performance over the full financial year. This presentation combines Kindred and FDJ data, in order to neutralise the timing and scope effects of Kindred's entry into the consolidation scope in 2024.
This approach aims to improve comparability between periods and provide a consistent economic interpretation of the main operating aggregates, such as gross gaming revenue, revenue, recurring operating income and recurring EBITDA.
This restated information gives an integrated view of the Group's performance and helps to make financial information easier to understand and more transparent.
Up to recurring operating profit, the 2025 figures are analysed compared with restated 2024 data; they are then compared with the 2024 reported figures.
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) amounted to €8,705.6 million, up +0.8%.
After €5,212.0 million in public levies on games (+3.2%), representing 59.9% of GGR (compared with 58.5% in 2024), net gaming revenue (NGR)2, which represents the Group's earnings from gaming, was €3,493.6 million (-2.7%).
Taking into account the -7.4% decline, to €183.9 million, in income from other activities following the disposal or closure of certain non-strategic activities, Group revenue came to €3,677.5 million, down -2.9%.
Recurring EBITDA was €902 million, down -6.5% on the restated 2024 figure, giving a recurring EBITDA margin on revenue of 24.5%.
By business
In 2025, the gross gaming revenue and revenue of French lottery and retail sports betting are expected to increase by +2.8% to €6,950.0 million and +1.4% to €2,537.9 million respectively, taking into account the impact of the tax increase in France from 1 July, amounting to €28.4 million.
In 2025, the French lottery and retail sports betting BU continued its transformation, notably completing the integration of external sales forces and opening 500 under banners points of sale, in line with the target.
Cost of revenue amounted to €1,188.5 million. Their stability reflects the slight increase in retailer remuneration, +1.3% to €1,002.4 million, in line with retail activity over the period, offset by effective control of other expenses, taking into account the integration of external sales forces. Marketing costs, including the impact of the new tax on advertising and promotion expenditure from 1 July of over €6 million, were also stable at €113.7 million, while other costs rose very slightly (+2.3%, to €322.4 million).
These achievements, including the successful execution of the performance plan, which exceeded the initial targets, resulted in recurring EBITDA of €913.3 million, up +3.0%, giving a margin of 36.0%, an improvement of +60 basis points compared with 2024.
The integration of Kindred has been finalised, and the first year within the Group has seen the following organisational changes:
The Online betting and gaming BU's GGR declined by -8.1%, notably reflecting a particularly unfavourable 2024 comparison base, marked in particular by the Euro football tournament, and the tightening of regulation in the Netherlands with effect from 1 October 2024. In addition, the cumulative effect of numerous tax increases on gaming (in France, the Netherlands, Sweden and Romania), amounting to €23.2 million, also impacted revenue, which fell by -11.8% to €907.7 million.
The BU also:
At the same time, the Group is implementing measures to meet the increased demands of regulators in all its markets.
In 2025, the Online betting and gaming BU accelerated its transformation and the implementation of its operational performance plan, including the ramp-up of marketing automation campaigns and the optimisation of customer service operations.
Cost of sales fell by -1.7% to €261.1 million. Marketing expenses, down -10.6% to €174.2 million, were notably optimised or adjusted to certain regulatory constraints. The increase in other costs, +5.2% to €290.7 million, is notably attributable to a +16.7% rise to €58.8 million in IT services related to the various platform migrations and development work on the KSP sports betting platform.
The BU's recurring EBITDA amounted to €181.6 million, representing a margin of 20.0%, compared with 28.5% in 2024.
The International lottery BU posted revenue of €169.9 million, down -10.7% compared with 2024, with recurring EBITDA of €38.3 million, versus €24.9 million in 2024. Premier Lotteries Ireland recorded growth in both its business and its EBITDA margin. These variations are attributable to the disposal of Sporting Group at the end of 2024 and the gradual cessation of low-margin B2B contracts.
The Payment and Services BU recorded revenue of €61.9 million (down -3.9%), with recurring EBITDA of -€5.1million, as the BU gradually optimises its portfolio of activities while stepping up investment to develop the Nirio brand and services.
Central costs amounted to €226.0 million, compared with €239.5 million in 2024 restated. Cost rationalisation under the performance plan more than offset the €13.2 million in total costs related to the employee shareholding operation in the first half.
Recurring EBITDA came to €902.0 million, down -6.5% in 2024.
As a result, the recurring EBITDA margin is 24.5% in 2025, compared with 25.5% in 2024.
The group's recurring operating income thus stood at €565.6 million, slightly below that of 2024. The depreciation and amortisation amounted to €336.5 million compared with €369.2 million in 2024.
After taking into account non-recurring operating income and expenses of €199.1 million, compared to €39,2 million in 2024, mainly relating to impairments of intangible assets recognised during the allocation of the purchase price allocation (€165.8 million), Group operating income came to €366.5 million, down -30.7% in 2024.
The conversion rate of recurring EBITDA into cash corresponds to recurring EBITDA effectively transformed into cash after deducting capital expenditures (CAPEX) and the change in working capital requirements (WCR) for the period, expressed as a percentage of recurring EBITDA.
To ensure comparability between financial years, certain components of free cash flow may be restated from time to time in the calculation of this indicator. These restatements mainly cover non-recurring CAPEX in the Group's business cycle, as well as calendar effects impacting the change in the Group's WCR.
Capital expenditure by the Group in 2025, excluding the additional equalization payment of €97.0 million paid following the European Commission's decision of 31 October 2024, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 15 May 2025, amounted to €272.3 million (€149.9 million in 2024) and breaks down as follows:
The standardised change in working capital related to operations (adjusted for calendar effects, unclaimed prizes and payments related to the intangible asset recognised for securing exclusive operating rights in 2020) resulted in a surplus of €52.6 million.
Thus, based on recurring EBITDA of €902.0 million, free cash flow amounted to €782.4 million, up from €674.9 million in 2024, representing a conversion rate of 87% compared with 85% in 2024.
Net financial debt, an indicator of the Group's net financial position, was €1,721.4 million at end-December 2025, compared with €1,817.5 million at end-December 2024, giving a stable leverage ratio (net financial debt / recurring EBITDA) of x1.9.
Outlook
In 2026, FDJ UNITED is aiming for slight growth in revenue, with a stable recurring EBITDA margin of 24.5%, based on an increase in GGR and affected by additional gaming taxes of nearly €90m.
By BU, growth in GGR is expected to be higher for the Online betting and gaming BU than for the French lottery and retail sports betting BU. Given the tax increases, revenue growth for the two BUs should be fairly uniform, and recurring EBITDA margins stable compared with 2025.
In addition to the impact of the tax increases on betting and gaming that took effect during 2025 (in France from 1 July and in Romania from 1 August), the Group will bear a further increase in the Netherlands from 1 January, as well as a significant increase in the tax on online gaming in the United Kingdom from 1 April.
Given the timetable for implementing the tax increases and the high comparison base in the first half of 2025, GGR and revenue growth is expected to be more pronounced in the second half of the year, both for the Group and for the French lottery and retail sports betting and Online betting and gaming BUs.
The impact of these increases will be partially offset by the performance measures introduced by the Group from the beginning of 2025, the gradual effect of which is now expected to be nearly €100 million in 2026, compared to €50 million initially forecasted.
The 2026 French Finance Act also renewed the exceptional profit tax for companies generating over €1 billion in revenue in France, introduced in 2025, with an estimated impact of €27 million for FDJ UNITED.
Over the 2026 financial year, the Group expects to reduce its net financial debt by around €100 million, enabling a decrease in the leverage ratio.
By BU:
In 2026, the French lottery and retail sports betting BU is continuing to implement a more efficient sales force organisation and will be stepping up the creation of under banners points of sale, with nearly 700 openings planned, with the aim of offsetting closures and maintaining a good network across the country. The online lottery continues to prioritise the recruitment of new players while ensuring responsible play at the highest standards.
The calendar impact of the gaming tax increases introduced in July 2025 is expected to be close to €30 million.
2026 will continue to see a large number of events and activities in the games portfolio, as well as initiatives to develop cross-selling:
In 2026, the Online betting and gaming BU organization will evolve to successfully complete its transformation and the implementation of its operational performance plan, including the ramp-up of marketing automation campaigns and the optimisation of customer service operations, supported by artificial intelligence.
All markets are expected to contribute to GGR growth. Revenue growth will reflect expected gaming tax increases of nearly €60 million (calendar impact of the 2025 increases in France and Romania and impact of new taxes in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands).
The business will benefit
FDJ UNITED presented its medium-term outlook for 2025-2028 at its Capital Markets Day on 24 June 2025. This did not take into account the new taxes on online betting and gaming in the United Kingdom and Romania, which were not known at the time.
The performance plan has been increased to more than €150 million by the end of 2028, compared with the €120 million initially planned.
The Group aims to complete its portfolio of technology assets with a proprietary sports betting platform that will be deployed by the end of 2027.
On this basis and taking into account its outlook for 2026, FDJ UNITED expects, over the 2026-2028 period and on a constant tax basis, a gradual acceleration in the growth of its revenue, which should be around +5% in 2028. Its other medium-term projections, including a recurring EBITDA margin of over 26% in 2028, are unchanged, with:
Dividend
FDJ UNITED's Board of Directors, at its meeting of Wednesday 18 February, approved the Group's 2025 financial statements. At the Annual General Meeting on 23 April 2026, the Board will propose a dividend of €2.10 per share, up from €2.05 in respect of 2024, representing a payout ratio of 80% of adjusted net profit, in line with the Group's commitments.
The dividend will be paid on Thursday 30 April. The ex-dividend date will be Tuesday 28 April, with a last trading day for the attached dividend on Monday 27 April.
The audit procedures on the consolidated financial statements have been performed and the audit report on the certification of the financial statements is in the process of being issued.
A financial presentation and the 2025 consolidated accounts, in French and English, are available on the FDJ UNITED website: https: //www.fdjunited.com/publications-et-resultats/
Next financial release
FDJ UNITED will publish its revenue for Q1 2026 on Tuesday 21 April after the market close.
The Group will hold its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 23 April 2026 at the Palais des Congrès in Issy-les-Moulineaux.
Forward-looking statements
This document may contain forward-looking statements based on estimates and forecasts. By their nature, these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and factors beyond the control of FDJ UNITED or the Group's ability to predict them, particularly those described in the reference document available on the website.
These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those stated or implied. Forward-looking statements reflect the Group's views only as of the date of this document and FDJ UNITED undertakes no obligation to revise or update them.
Forward-looking statements should be used with caution and discretion, and under no circumstances can FDJ UNITED or its management be held liable for any investment decision made on the basis of these statements.
The information presented in this document does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy shares in FDJ UNITED, or an invitation to participate in any investment activity whatsoever.
About FDJ UNITED
FDJ UNITED is a leading betting and gaming operator in Europe, with a vast portfolio of iconic brands and a reputation for technological excellence. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in over ten regulated markets, the Group offers a diversified, responsible range of games, both under exclusive rights and open to competition: lottery games in France and Ireland via an extensive point-of-sale network and also online; sports betting at points of sale in France; and online games open to competition (sports and horse-race betting, poker and online casino games, in markets where these activities are authorised). FDJ UNITED has placed responsibility at the heart of its strategy and promotes recreational betting. The Group is listed on the regulated market Euronext Paris (FDJU) and included in the SBF 120, Euronext 100, EN EZ ESG L 80, STOXX Europe 600 and FTSE Euro indices.
For more information, go to www.fdjunited.com
Notes and references
1 Reported data: including Kindred from 1 October 11 – Restated data: on a like-for-like basis, as if Kindred had been acquired on 1 January 2024 and reflecting the scope actually retained by FDJ UNITED.
2 Gross gaming revenue (GGR) = stakes – player winnings / Net gaming revenue (NGR) = GGR – public levies on games.
3 Revenue: net gaming revenue and income from other activities.
4 FDJ UNITED recalls that taxation on betting and gaming relates to the gross gaming revenue, which is divided between public levies and the operator.
5 Notably in the Netherlands from 1 January, in France from 1 July and in Romania from 1 August.
6 Recurring EBITDA: recurring operating income adjusted for depreciation and amortisation expense.
7 Free cash flow: cash flow generated by operations after investments related to operations.
8 Net financial debt corresponds to non-current financial assets, current financial assets and cash and cash equivalents, net of non-current financial liabilities and current financial liabilities, less: current and non-current deposits and guarantees given; cash subject to restrictions; and sums allocated exclusively to the winners of the Euromillions and EuroDreams games.
9 Adjusted net profit: consolidated net profit restated for amortisation of intangible and tangible assets recognised or revalued during the allocation of the purchase price of business combinations; impairments of intangible assets recognised during the allocation of the purchase price of business combinations; in 2024, cash-neutral effects related to foreign exchange hedging of acquisitions, recorded under other non-recurring operating expenses, and the 2024 catch-up amortisation of the additional balance recognised to adjust the initial amount related to securing exclusive operating rights; and changes in deferred taxes resulting from these items.
10 In addition to the full-year impact of the 2025 increases in France and Romania, further increases are planned in 2026: from 1 January in the Netherlands and from 1 January in the United Kingdom.
11 Effective tax rate: before the share of profit or loss of joint ventures.
12 PPA: price purchase allocation.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260223190264/en/
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