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Banijay Gaming has agreed to buy JOA, giving the Betclic and Tipico owner a network of 33 casinos across France and a much larger land based base in one of its core markets.
Good to know
- JOA runs 33 regional casinos across France and ranks as one of the largest casino operators in the country by venue count.
- Banijay Gaming will own 100% of JOA if the transaction closes.
- Completion should come in the second half of 2026, subject to employee consultation, merger control and casino regulatory approvals.
Banijay Adds French Casino Scale After Tipico Deal
Banijay Gaming wants a broader gambling business, not only another online brand. The JOA deal gives it physical casino reach across France, which fits neatly beside Betclic online operations and the Tipico deal in Germany and Austria.
The financial terms were not disclosed. Banijay said the acquisition will be financed through equity and debt, with JOA acquired from funds managed by Blackstone and Kings Park Capital. The deal follows a put option agreement and still needs the usual approvals before closing.
JOA brings a local casino network that online operators usually cannot build quickly. That matters in France, where land based casinos remain central to the legal gaming mix. JOA also generated €430 million in annual gross revenue in 2025, according to InterGame.
Banijay already changed its gaming profile through Tipico. The October 2025 Tipico agreement valued Tipico at €4.6 billion and Betclic at €4.8 billion, and Banijay said the combined Betclic and Tipico structure would create the fourth largest European sports betting and gaming group.
JOA now adds a French land based layer to that same plan. Instead of relying only on digital sports betting and casino products, Banijay can link venue customers, brand reach, loyalty activity and online gaming technology in a more joined up model.
JOA Management Stays In Place
François Riahi, CEO of Banijay Group, framed the deal as a continuation of the Tipico strategy.
“The acquisition of JOA is fully relevant with this evolution. As in Germany and Austria, we will become a leader in land-based gaming in another of our core countries: France,” he said.
“We welcome happily the JOA teams in Banijay Group, where they will find a positive entrepreneurial environment to continue their growth and create value. Very happy also to enlarge our set up in France, with assets and people all over the country.”
JOA chairman Laurent Lassiaz will continue to lead the casino group with the current management team. That gives the deal continuity for staff, customers and local partners while Banijay takes ownership.
Lassiaz said Banijay brings “expertise in technology and digital innovation” that can help speed up JOA omnichannel development, “while allowing us to preserve the entrepreneurial spirit and local roots that have always been our strength”.
For Banijay, the timing is clear. Betclic gives it a strong French digital brand. Tipico adds Germany and Austria scale. JOA brings French casino floors, regional customers and a new route to combine land based gaming with online betting and casino activity.
FAQ
What did Banijay Gaming buy?
Banijay Gaming agreed to acquire JOA, a French casino operator with 33 regional casinos across France.
Who owns JOA now?
JOA will be acquired from funds managed by Blackstone and Kings Park Capital.
When will the JOA deal close?
Banijay expects completion in the second half of 2026, subject to employee consultation and regulatory approvals.
Will JOA management change?
No immediate leadership change was announced. Laurent Lassiaz will continue to lead JOA with the existing management team.
Why does Banijay want JOA?
JOA gives Banijay Gaming a larger land based casino presence in France and supports its omnichannel strategy alongside Betclic and Tipico.
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