FDJ 2014 online revenues increase 17%

French operator la Française des Jeux (FDJ) has reported a 17% year-on-year increase in 2014 online revenues and pledged a renewed focus on its digital strategy to boost long-term growth.

Full-year revenues from the Paris-based firm’s digital arm grew from €410m in 2013 to €478m following the launch of new lottery products and increased sports betting activity as a result of the World Cup.

The company’s sports betting arm recorded a 20% rise in revenues while sales from its online sports betting business ParionsWeb soared 45% year-on-year.

According to president and CEO Stephane Pallez, the firm will now embark on a new strategy dubbed “FDJ 2020” in order to compete more effectively in what she described as an “uncertain economic environment”.

“It aims to set priorities to allow FDJ, with its marketing success and its ability to innovate, to position itself among the growth sectors of the French economy,” Pallez said.

“In particular, the modernisation of the commercial organisation and adaption of digital services to the expectations of its customers are major challenges and opportunities for the company,” she added.

Pallez was appointed chief executive of the firm in November after previously working as deputy executive director and more recently deputy financial officer at France Telecom.

She succeeded Christophe Blanchard-Dignac whose mandate expired on 21 October.

Last year FDJ stepped up its commitment to responsible gambling and signed former footballer Bixente Lizarazu to lead a new media campaign during the World Cup aimed at preventing underage gambling.