According to a statement released by FDJ, the payment was above board and within the terms of the privatization agreement.
EU Opens Investigation Into €380M 25-Year Lottery and Sports Betting Contract Granted to French Operator FDJ EU Opens Investigation Into €380M 25-Year Lottery and Sports Betting Contract Granted to French Operator FDJThe statement goes on to add:
EU Opens Investigation Into €380M 25-Year Lottery and Sports Betting Contract Granted to French Operator FDJ EU Opens Investigation Into €380M 25-Year Lottery and Sports Betting Contract Granted to French Operator FDJ, the European Commission revealed that the investigation was opened following two complaints that the French state gave preferential treatment to FDJ. The statement also reveals that the payment and 25-year exclusivity deal could contravene EU rules on state market aid.“The Commission will verify the conformity of the remuneration with market conditions and does not exclude at this stage that the measure may provide an undue economic advantage to Française des Jeux,”
However, a commission executive added:
“The opening of an in-depth investigation gives France and all interested parties the opportunity to comment on the measure in question. It does not in any way prejudge the outcome of the investigation ”
It’s not yet clear what form of punishment FDJ might face should the operator be found guilty of breaching EU rules.
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.