In an H1 2021 trading update, French operator Groupe FDJ has revealed a 9% year-on-year increase in revenue, to €1.1bn ($1.3bn).
The revenue showcases stakes of €9.2bn, an 8% growth in all activities: 4% in lottery, 25% in sports and betting, while all distribution channels had online stakes worth 12%.
EBITDA of €261m represented a margin of 24.1%, which was boosted by a deferral of commercial expenses.
Recurring operating profit and net profit was €198m and €146m respectively.
The group also adds it is “reaffirming its commitment to responsible gaming and the prevention of underage gambling, by systematically accompanying its lottery and sports betting advertisements with dedicated messages.”
The group says its outlook for 2021 is to maintain momentum and accelerate its commercial investments in the second half of the year.
FDJ expects to record stakes worth around €18.8bn, for revenue of €2.2bn in 2021, with an EBITDA margin “greater than or equal to 22%.”
Stéphane Pallez, FDJ Chairwoman and CEO, said: “The second quarter confirmed a recovery in our business to levels above those recorded before the crisis. Our stakes are increasing, both online and in our point-of-sale network.
“Over the half-year, we accordingly recorded an increase of nearly 9% in revenue compared with the same period in 2019. Barring new restrictions in response to developments in the health situation, the Group expects to maintain good momentum in the second half and is confident in its business and results prospects in accordance with its responsible gaming model.”
