The French lottery operator, Française des Jeux (FDJ), observed a substantial growth in its revenue for the year 2021. The total revenue for the year climbed to €22.6 billion ($25.7 billion), reflecting a 17.5% increase compared to the previous year. This figure also signifies a 10.1% rise in comparison to 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The primary source of revenue, lottery operations, generated €17.3 billion, a significant increase from the €15 billion recorded in 2020. Meanwhile, the sports betting division witnessed a remarkable 24.7% surge in revenue, reaching €4.64 billion.
The total amount wagered by customers throughout the year amounted to €189.8 billion, representing a 10.8% increase from 2020. Lottery game bets accounted for €147.3 billion, with instant lotteries contributing €89.8 billion and draw games contributing €57.4 billion. Sports betting bets reached €42.2 billion.
The company’s expenditures for marketing and communication totaled €414.7 million for the year. General and administrative costs amounted to €199.4 million, while other expenses reached €16.3 million.
Operating profits for the year reached €391.8 million, a notable increase from the €292.7 million recorded in 2020. Financial debt and other costs amounted to €7.1 million, while net profits from other financial instruments and joint ventures added €32 million to the revenue.
Consequently, profit before tax reached €4.166 billion. After deducting €1.225 billion in income tax, the net profit for 2021 stood at €2.942 billion, representing a 37.7% increase from the previous year.
The French gaming firm FDJ unveiled its 2021 financial report, revealing that its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) hit €522 million, a 22% surge from the preceding year.
FDJ Group President and Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Pallez stated that 2021 was a year in which all of FDJ’s operations returned to their pre-pandemic growth path. Due to accelerated digitalization and expansion of its sales network, the group’s 2021 performance was notably better than 2019 levels.
“These outcomes show the effectiveness of our strategy and have prompted us to elevate the 2025 objectives announced at the group’s initial public offering, including growth and EBITDA profitability,” Pallez added.
“Simultaneously, we continue to fulfill our social responsibilities, which have been significantly fortified since the onset of the pandemic. FDJ will continue to balance financial performance and non-financial commitments for all stakeholders.”
In 2021, FDJ collaborated with retail and e-commerce investment firm Plug and Play Retail and agreed to sponsor the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
Furthermore, the company is being examined by the European Commission for breaching EU law with its privatization actions.
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