FDJ completes purchase of operator of the National Lottery
La Française des Jeux (FDJ) has completed the purchase of the shares of Premier Lotteries Ireland, operator of the National Lottery, from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, An Post and An Post Pension Fund.
This purchase has been approved by the Regulator of the National Lottery.
The National Lottery is, and will continue to be, owned by the Irish State for the benefit of Good Causes, regulated by the Regulator of the National Lottery and operated by Premier Lotteries Ireland DAC.
We would like to assure you that the National Lottery games will continue as usual.
PLI will continue to deliver its core purpose, to operate a responsible world-class lottery for the people of Ireland, raising much-needed Good Cause funds for the benefit of local communities throughout Ireland.
FAQs:
Who are the new shareholders of the National Lottery Operator?
La Française des Jeux is France’s largest gaming company and the operator of the French national lottery, the second largest lottery in Europe and the fourth largest worldwide. It is regulated in France, is publicly listed and quoted on the Paris Stock Exchange.
Will this transaction change how funding is raised for Good Causes?
The National Lottery is and will continue to be, owned by the State for the benefit of Good Causes, regulated by the Regulator of the National Lottery and operated by Premier Lotteries Ireland DAC. This transaction does not change how funding is raised by the National Lottery for Good Causes.
Will La Française des Jeux look to introduce new games or alter games in other ways?
PLI is will continue to be regulated in Ireland. As always, any new games or changes to existing ones will be subject to regulatory approval. Similarly, any new or proposed changes to a game would need to go through a triple-locked process:
- they must be consistent with the provisions of the National Lottery Act, 2013;
- they must adhere to the terms of PLI’s operating licence;
- they must be approved by the Regulator of the National Lottery following regulatory assessment.
How long does PLI hold the licence to operate the National Lottery?
PLI continues to hold the licence to operate the National Lottery until 2034 and will do so; this purchase does not alter that in any way.
