France's competition authority has approved Banijay Gaming's plan to acquire JOA, a leading French casino operator with 33 casinos. The decision, made on November 4, 2026, is a major step for the country's gambling industry and could bring Betclic and its casino network under one owner.
This decision, called 26-DCC-215, is notable because it is the first time France's competition authority has reviewed a merger that combines online gambling with land-based casino operations in one group.
With this approval, an important regulatory step is done. However, the deal is not yet officially complete.
This decision, called 26-DCC-215, is notable because it is the first time France's competition authority has reviewed a merger that combines online gambling with land-based casino operations in one group.
With this approval, an important regulatory step is done. However, the deal is not yet officially complete.
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Why France Approved the Banijay Gaming and JOA Merger
The French competition regulator assessed whether merging Banijay Gaming's online gambling with JOA's physical casinos could harm competition or put other operators at a disadvantage.Banijay Gaming runs Betclic, a well-known online sports betting and poker brand. JOA, by contrast, operates traditional casinos throughout France.
The regulator focused on how online poker and casino gaming at physical locations might affect each other, and whether the merged company could use its strength in one area to improve its position in another.
In the end, the authority decided the deal was unlikely to harm competition and approved the acquisition with no conditions.
This means Banijay Gaming did not have to sell any casinos or agree to special competition rules to get approval.
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What the Decision Means for France's Gambling Market
France separates regulated online gambling from traditional casino gaming. Online sports betting, horse-race betting, and poker are allowed with a license, but online casino games like slots and roulette are still mostly banned. This deal between Banijay Gaming and JOA is important because it connects two types of gambling businesses that follow different rules.
It could also encourage other gambling companies to consider the benefits of combining digital platforms with physical casinos.
Looking ahead to 2027, the main question is whether France's gambling industry will see more mergers as companies search for new ways to grow and compete.
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DivaJackpot Analysis: A New Direction for European Casino Groups?
The Banijay Gaming deal highlights a larger trend in Europe's gambling industry. Companies known for online betting may start considering physical casinos to expand their presence.For Banijay Gaming, owning JOA's 33 casinos is an opportunity to build a strong presence in France's land-based casino market. For other companies, this deal could serve as a model as they consider future moves that combine digital and physical gambling.
However, getting competition approval does not mean the rules have changed. France's gambling restrictions remain in effect, and any new products must follow current laws.
The main point is not just that 33 casinos were acquired. It is that the French competition authority was willing to approve a gambling group covering both online and land-based markets after assessing its potential impact on competition.
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