French sports betting operators prosper from World Cup football betting

France’s progress and eventual victory in the recent World Cup football championship Russia delivered prosperity both on the field and off, according to betting figures released by national regulator ARJEL on Thursday.

The sports betting numbers showed that French operators handled twice the number of bets on this year’s World Cup than was the case at the last presentation of the prestigious football competition in 2014.

ARJEL revealed that French gamblers wagered a record Euro 690 million, with Euro 381 million bet through the twelve locally licensed online sports betting operators, and another Euro 309 million wagered via the national retail network of state-owned Française des Jeux (FDJ).

Combined retail and online turnover at FDJ was reported at Euro 333 million.

Overall, the French national team’s progress through the early stages of the competition attracted a total of Euro 363 million in bets, whilst the final levels leading to the French victory generated bets of Euro 310 million, and Euro 17 million was triggered by prop bets.

France’s final hurdle – the match against a determined Croatia, attracted Euro 67.2 million in French wagers.

ARJEL notes that the betting handle on the seven matches France played on its path to victory attracted over 25 percent of all Russia World Cup bets at Euro 180 million.

In related news from France, on Thursday Française des Jeux announced betting partnerships with four top Ligue 1 football clubs, revealing that it has invested in the success of Olympique de Marseille, FC Nantes, Olympique Lyonnais and AS Monaco.

Whilst the agreements do not cover shirt branding, FDJ will benefit from a four-year deal that delivers valuable brand exposure at the team stadia and a strong association with the teams’ players and brands.

Related and similar