{"id":11307,"date":"2025-10-30T12:15:49","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T12:15:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sbceurasia.com\/en\/?p=11307"},"modified":"2025-10-30T12:15:53","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T12:15:53","slug":"nicolas-beraud-banijay-gaming-grabs-western-front-of-euro-gambling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sbceurasia.com\/en\/2025\/10\/30\/nicolas-beraud-banijay-gaming-grabs-western-front-of-euro-gambling\/","title":{"rendered":"Nicolas B\u00e9raud: Banijay Gaming grabs Western Front of Euro gambling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cBetclic<\/strong> and Tipico<\/strong> share a common understanding of how to operate in highly regulated environments and this is a strength,\u201d states Nicolas B\u00e9raud<\/strong>, Chairman of the new Banijay Gaming unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jake Pollard<\/strong> breaks down the numbers and prospects of a new giant and its direct impact on the competitive make-up of European gambling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The acquisition by Betclic\u2019s parent company Banijay Group of a 65% stake<\/strong> in Germany\u2019s leading bookmaker Tipico has redefined the European online sports betting industry and means France can now boast of having two operators in the top five of Europe\u2019s leading gaming operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The agreement was October 28 and SBC-Gaming&Co<\/strong> spoke with Betclic founder and CEO, and now chairman of the board of Banijay Gaming, Nicolas B\u00e9raud, to find out what this \u201cnew European champion in sports betting and online gaming\u201d has planned and how it intends to drive on from here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new entity has more than 6.5 million players, is present in six countries and has revenues of more than \u20ac3bn and, as Beraud notes, the agreement features numerous benefits for both groups. \u201cBy combining the strengths of Betclic, Tipico and Admiral, we are creating a digital and omnichannel group that is stronger and more resilient,\u201d he said.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt also diversifies our geographical risks and gives us the means to accelerate our development and strengthen our position in sports betting, our core business. We are entering a new phase in our journey: that of a European group focused on sustainable growth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An observation that is often made about Betclic is that it has been highly successful in highly regulated and taxed markets such as France, Portugal and Poland. How did this background impact its decision to invest in Tipico, which also operates in a tightly controlled and restricted German market?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBetclic and Tipico share a common understanding of how to operate in highly regulated environments and this is a strength: this rigour drives us to be better, more innovative and more responsible,\u201d Nicolas B\u00e9raud said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Germany\u2019s federal structure may also add a layer of complexity, but the group has \u201cthe experience and teams to operate in this type of environment, while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and player protection\u201d, he adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tipico, unlike Betclic, is very much centred on \u2018home\u2019, or German-speaking, markets. Can we expect further expansion or launches in other European markets or more M&A activity by Betclic in the future?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur immediate priority is the convergence and stability of our three organisations. But we have always had an entrepreneurial culture: when the fundamentals are solid, we naturally look towards growth. In the medium term, the group has always clearly stated its intention to open up new growth opportunities in Europe and other continents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s impossible not to mention the black market when discussing Germany, how will B\u00e9raud and his new colleagues tackle the issue? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe illegal market remains a real issue in Germany, as it does in France and Poland. When regulations are too restrictive, players turn to unauthorised platforms, which are accessible in just a few clicks,\u201d he remarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTipico is now the leading player in the German legal market, with more than 1,250 licensed outlets and strong legitimacy with the authorities. It would be a trusted player in the context of more open regulation of the German online casino market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe hope that the new German coalition\u2019s stated intention to tackle the illegal market will quickly translate into action. Clear and enforced regulation is the best guarantee for protecting players and bringing lasting stability to the market.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Returning to France, bet365 is set to launch in the market before the 2026 World Cup. Does this make it the perfect time for Betclic to become a pan-European giant in terms of market share, competitiveness and financial power?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe possible arrival of new players such as bet365 does not change our trajectory,\u201d he says, but he also notes that France being \u201chighly regulated and heavily taxed automatically limits our room for manoeuvre, while current budget debates seem to show that fiscal stability is clearly not yet a reality in France. Expanding internationally is therefore a necessity, not an option.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, Betclic\u2019s latest agreement comes at a time when European markets are entering a phase of consolidation and, with moves including Entain\u2019s<\/strong> buyouts of STS<\/strong> in Poland and Flutter<\/strong> acquiring Snai<\/strong> in Italy, \u201cseveral major M&A transactions taking place in our industry over the past five years, giving rise to increasingly large operators. This must be taken into account,\u201d adds B\u00e9raud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThanks to our new size, we are gaining investment power, technological agility and marketing strength. This will enable us to continue innovating, promoting responsible gaming and offering the best possible experience to our players.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Banijay, Europe\u2019s largest entertainment and media production firm, has agreed to acquire a majority 65% stake in Tipico from private equity owners CVC Capital and the bookmaker\u2019s founders. The new entity will combine the Betclic, Tipico and Admiral Austria brands and establish a group with 2024 revenues of \u20ac3bn<\/strong> and adj. EBITDA of \u20ac850m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n