France: French MPs worried about Française des Jeux’s capital

Wednesday, December 20, 2017 1:34 PM

Two deputies in charge of evaluating gambling in France warned on Thursday against bringing in private capital to the Française des Jeux (FDJ ) with their current regulations.

According to MPs Olga Givernet and Mand Régis Juanico this will have to be preceded by an in-depth reflection on ways to make a private shareholding compatible with the obligations and missions public service.

For these two parliamentarians, “If the current dominant public shareholding of the FDJ […] can lead to a certain self-limitation, especially in the search for new and more addictive games, it may not be the same with private shareholders, focused on maximizing the profitability of the company”.

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Juanico pointed out that it is a subject of health and public order and emphasised that a private investor wants a return on investment, which is contradictory with the strategic orientations of the FDJ.

Full article: Liberation.fr (French)