IGT to upgrade French lottery central system, extend omnichannel capabilities

International Game Technology PLC’s subsidiary IGT Global Services Limited has signed a seven-year agreement with La Française des Jeux (FDJ), operator of the French National Lottery, the company announced on Wednesday.

Due to the newly-signed agreement, IGT will upgrade the current lottery central system to IGT’s Aurora platform. The new system, with its enhanced functionality, is expected to go live in the first quarter of 2023, according to a press statement.

Once installed, Aurora’s framework will be connected to FDJ’s player and retailer account management platforms, enabling end-to-end integration of classic draw games into FDJ’s new digital omnichannel architecture. 

The deal marks an important milestone, given the lottery’s status as the second largest in Europe and the fourth-largest lottery in the world. FDJ Group currently offers lottery games and sports betting to the general public both at points of sale and online. It is listed on the Euronext Paris market.

“Omnichannel lottery experiences enhance player engagement and are what consumers will come to expect as part of the overall player journey as lotteries continue incorporating more digital solutions,” said Jay Gendron, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Lottery.

It is expected that the enhanced omnichannel aspects that IGT will add to the lottery’s infrastructure, combined with the improved performance and flexibility of the Aurora platform, will help FDJ maintain its current status within the European market.

“It is a major program in FDJ’s strategic plan, and we are pleased to pursue our longstanding collaboration with IGT to make this important step a success,” said Xavier Etienne, FDJ Executive VP Technology & International.

The new deal extends FDJ’s partnership with IGT, which has served as the primary lottery’s central system supplier since 2000. In addition to the central system, IGT also provides FDJ with instant ticket vending machines, instant tickets, technology training, and maintenance.

“As FDJ’s lottery central system partner for more than 20 years, IGT has a keen understanding of the innovative technology needs of its business,” added Gendron. IGT’s Aurora lottery central system works to “transform, manage, and grow” lottery businesses. 

“Now that we have successfully scaled FDJ’s digital offer, thanks to our new omnichannel architecture and our proprietary iLottery platform, it is time to launch the upgrade of our central draw games engine to next-level omnichannel capabilities,” concluded Etienne.