Betclic Group ceased operations in Benin in January 2026 after disagreements with local authorities over the country’s gambling tax framework, according to the report. The 2025 Finance Law sets a 25% tax on gross gaming revenue for online and remote gambling, while casinos and physical betting outlets face a 10% rate.
Benin’s differing tax rates for online and physical gambling help explain Betclic’s exit and affect operator costs.
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Banijay Entertainment's gaming arm has acquired JOA's network of 33 regional casinos across France. The deal is expected to complete in the second half of the year, subject to employee representatives' consultation and regulatory approvals; financial terms were not disclosed. JOA chairman Laurent Lassiaz will continue to lead the business.
Banijay Group reported that sports betting and gaming revenue rose 17.3% to €433.1m in Q1 2026, before its acquisition of Tipico completed in April. Unique active players increased 20%; sportsbook revenue rose 14% to €326.5m, while casino, poker and turf revenue grew 27%.
Bet365 says France’s Autorité Nationale des Jeux has approved it to operate online sports betting, following an application made in January through its subsidiary Hillside (New Media Malta). The operator plans to enter the French market ahead of the FIFA World Cup, while the ANJ has warned operators against excessive advertising during the tournament.
Banijay Group completed its acquisition of Tipico Group on 24 April 2026, bringing Tipico, Betclic and Admiral together under Banijay Gaming. Banijay holds 65% of the division at closing and expects about €100m in medium-term synergies, with implementation planned after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The group also announced leadership appointments for the new division and its operating businesses.
Banijay Group said its online betting and gaming division, which includes Betclic, generated €1.59 billion in 2025 revenue, up 10.2% from 2024. The group reported €425.2 million in adjusted EBITDA for the division, a 12.6% year-on-year increase.