Banijay Entertainment Delays Tipico Integration to Prioritize 2026 World Cup Growth Amid Strong FY25 Results

Banijay Entertainment reports €1.6B gaming revenue for FY25 but delays Tipico integration until after the 2026 World Cup to maximize player gains.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 6, 2026, 9:53 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from iGB

Record Growth and Strategic Patience

Banijay Entertainment’s gaming division reported a robust fiscal year 2025, with revenues climbing to €1.6 billion ($1.8 billion). Despite 2025 being a "gap year" without major international football tournaments, the sportsbook segment—which accounts for 76% of gaming revenue—saw a 6.8% increase. CEO François Riahi attributed this success to a 23% rise in unique active players and improved cross-selling between sports betting and iGaming. However, the group’s most significant move is the decision to keep Tipico and Betclic as separate operational entities through the first half of 2026 to avoid any technical or marketing disruptions during the upcoming World Cup in North America.

The World Cup Growth Engine

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled for June, Banijay is pivoting all resources toward player engagement. Riahi noted that the event is a "strong moment" for revenue and that the Tipico team is currently focused on rolling out new app features specifically designed for the tournament. By delaying the merger, Banijay hopes to leverage Tipico’s independent brand strength in continental Europe to capture a larger market share. The group currently expects to become the fourth-largest European sports betting player once the integration is finalized post-tournament.

Regional Success and Market Headwinds

The FY25 report highlighted successful expansion into the Ivory Coast iGaming market and the launch of a proprietary poker platform in France. Despite these gains, the group faced significant fiscal pressure in its home market. Total tax expenses surged by 29% to €142.5 million, driven largely by increased advertising and gaming taxes in France. To counter these headwinds, the company implemented disciplined cost management, which successfully boosted its adjusted EBITDA margin to 26.7%.