Banijay Group CEO François Riahi has made it clear that the company will not abandon its media content division in favor of its rapidly expanding gaming segment. During the company’s third-quarter earnings call, Riahi assured analysts that while gaming has seen impressive growth, the media sector remains a core focus. “We’re pleased with our progress in sports betting and gaming,” he stated, highlighting the significance of acquiring Tipico. Despite this move into gaming, Riahi emphasized, “We see substantial potential in our content side and have no plans to sell this division.”
Banijay’s media content division, which operates separately from its gaming interests, is heavily invested in global media production, including television and film. This includes Banijay Media Germany, a creative marketing agency, and Banijay Branded Entertainment, focused on branded content.
In October, Banijay unveiled its plan to acquire a majority stake in German operator Tipico, which includes the Admiral business purchased from Novomatic. The deal involves securing a 65% stake in Tipico, with expectations to finalize by mid-2026. After closing, Banijay plans to merge Tipico with its Betclic brand, reinforcing its position in the gaming market.
This strategic merger follows the earlier integration of Betclic with Banijay, leading to the formation of FL Entertainment, a publicly listed entity. In May 2022, the company rebranded to Banijay Group and established the Banijay Gaming sub-division to strengthen its online sports betting and gaming operations.
Banijay’s financial results for the first nine months ending September 30 revealed a robust performance with total revenue at €3.22 billion, a 3.2% increase year-on-year. The content and production-focused segments, Banijay Entertainment and Banijay, contributed significantly, generating €2.09 billion, reflecting a slight 0.4% rise.
However, the spotlight was on Banijay Gaming, where revenue surged by 8.7% to €1.13 billion, powered by growth across all sectors. The number of unique active players rose 23% year-on-year, indicating strong brand engagement. The sportsbook segment led gaming revenue, bringing in €857 million, up 5.3%, despite the challenging comparisons to 2024’s Euro tournament and certain unfavorable sports outcomes in September.
The online casino segment also shone brightly, with double-digit growth of 16.4%, generating €179.1 million. This success was largely due to ongoing momentum in Portugal, a recent launch in the Ivory Coast, and effective cross-selling strategies. Poker revenue soared by 32.7% to €76.2 million, marking it as the fastest-growing category. Additionally, turf activities showed a positive trend, contributing €17.8 million, up 17.8%.
Reflecting on these results, Riahi noted, “Banijay delivered solid growth and a strong performance during the first nine months of 2025 across all activities, underscoring the strength of our diversified model.”
While some industry analysts speculate that Banijay might eventually lean more towards gaming due to its lucrative returns, others believe the company’s commitment to its roots in media will remain strong. A contrasting perspective is that diversifying too broadly could dilute the brand’s focus, potentially impacting its market share in core areas.
Banijay’s strategic approach of maintaining a balance between media production and gaming expansion may serve as a model for others in the industry looking to capitalize on varied revenue streams. The group’s ability to effectively manage and grow both segments highlights the potential of a diversified business model in navigating the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
As the company moves forward, maintaining a steady hand on both divisions could prove advantageous, allowing Banijay to harness opportunities in both the traditional media and digital gaming worlds. In a rapidly changing market, Banijay’s steadfast commitment to both sectors signals a belief in the enduring value of content creation alongside the promising future of gaming.
Erik Agary is a seasoned writer at True Games Reviews, specializing in gaming, casino games, and interactive entertainment. With a passion for all things digital, Erik dives deep into the latest trends and developments in the gaming world, offering insightful reviews and detailed analysis. His expertise spans across multiple gaming platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage that resonates with both novice and experienced gamers alike.
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