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Banijay Gaming expands with acquisition of French casino

Banijay Gaming has acquired JOA, a French casino operator, boosting its strategy in a move that could influence gaming dynamics in Kenya.

By Charlotte Mercer·10 July 2026·3 min read
Banijay Gaming acquires JOA, enhancing Kenya's gaming scene

Banijay Gaming, a significant player in the gaming industry, has expanded its presence by acquiring JOA, a French land-based casino operator. This acquisition, reported by EGR Global, is a strategic step for Banijay in strengthening its omnichannel approach, although the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed.

Banijay Gaming, known as the parent company of Betclic, has been making tactical moves to merge online and offline gaming experiences. The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) in Kenya has been vigilant in ensuring that operators like Banijay comply with stringent regulations, especially as they venture into new markets. This acquisition aligns with a broader trend where companies aim to provide cohesive experiences across both digital and land-based platforms, reflecting a shift in market dynamics as of [10 July 2026].

A spokesperson for Banijay Gaming confirmed in a 6 July statement: 'This acquisition of JOA demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our gaming portfolio and delivering unmatched experiences by combining the strengths of both online and offline gaming environments.'

OperatorParentAcquisition DateMarket Focus
JOABanijay Gaming6 July 2026Omnichannel

What this means for Kenyan casino players

For Kenyan casino players, Banijay Gaming's move offers a peek into the future of gaming, where the distinction between online and offline experiences is increasingly fading. As the BCLB ensures solid consumer protections within its jurisdiction, players might anticipate similar hybrid experiences from local operators. This could mean more innovative offerings from Kenyan brands, enhancing user interaction and engagement in gaming activities.

The broader context of the acquisition

While Banijay Gaming's acquisition of JOA is noteworthy, it's part of a larger trend within the gaming sector. The BCLB's latest register check (10 July 2026) indicates a growing interest in omnichannel strategies among major operators. Although the precise financials are not disclosed, historically, such acquisitions tend to be smaller compared to significant domestic deals, suggesting that while impactful, their scale may not match that of local giants.

If you're keen on understanding how these industry shifts might impact your gaming experience, visit our best BCLB casinos page for more insights and updates.

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Wanjiru Karanja
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Why trust us? Wanjiru reports on the Kenyan online-casino and sportsbook market from Nairobi. Before joining the desk in 2022 she spent three years at a consumer-finance newsroom covering Mpesa, mobile money and the BCLB licensing regime, which is exactly the muscle this beat needs. She opens an account at every casino we recommend, funds it via Mpesa, plays, cashes out and publishes the exact times. Her focus: real Mpesa payout speed and which offshore casinos are honest with Kenyan players. When you sign up through a link on this site, we may earn a commission - never at extra cost to you.