Novomatic Finalizes Acquisition of Vikings Casinos

Novomatic, one of Europe’s largest gaming giants, has just completed its acquisition of France’s Vikings Casinos.

The deal gives Novomatic full control over 11 French casinos with over 1,000 gaming terminals, following regulatory approval.

This strategic acquisition deepens Novomatic’s footprint in a high-potential market while enhancing its global growth ambitions.

With the transaction now closed, Novomatic is set to accelerate its European expansion and revamp the Vikings portfolio under its global umbrella.

Novomatic Acquires Vikings Casinos to Cement European Gaming Dominance

Key Points

• Novomatic now owns Vikings Casinos, which operates 11 casinos and employs over 300 people in France.
• French regulators approved the acquisition, validating Novomatic’s credentials in gaming compliance and operational excellence.
• This acquisition strengthens Novomatic’s European position, while supporting broader global expansion efforts in regulated markets.

Novomatic Finalizes Strategic Acquisition of French Casino Group Vikings Casinos

July 2025 – Austria/France – Global gaming technology powerhouse Novomatic AG has officially completed its acquisition of Vikings Casinos, a respected French land-based casino operator. The transaction follows full regulatory approval from all relevant French licensing authorities and marks a pivotal moment in Novomatic’s long-term strategy to expand across key international gaming markets.

Announced earlier this year, the deal includes control of 11 land-based casinos across France—including several prime properties on the Côte d’Azur—and more than 1,000 gaming terminals. The acquisition also includes Vikings’ experienced workforce of over 300 employees.

A French Success Story Joins a Global Brand

Founded in Falaise in 1998, Vikings Casinos has evolved into a respected mid-tier gaming group within France’s regulated market. Originally launched as a joint venture between Vikings SAS and Jeux C. Casino Consultant, the group has maintained stable leadership and regional expansion. Today, the company is chaired by Romain Foucher, who will continue to oversee operations during the transition phase.

Novomatic CEO Stefan Krenn welcomed the acquisition, calling it a “significant step” in the company’s European and global expansion plans:

“France is one of the most dynamic and demanding gaming markets in Europe. With this investment, we are not only strengthening our leading position in Europe, but also sending a clear signal for our long-term expansion strategy on a global level.”

The approval from French regulators confirms their confidence in Novomatic’s operational integrity, compliance record, and technical capabilities.

France: A Strategic Market for Growth

The French land-based casino sector remains a highly regulated and competitive environment, with limited licenses and high consumer demand in urban and coastal tourist hubs. Vikings Casinos offers Novomatic immediate access to this lucrative landscape, including license-secured venues in strong local markets.

Novomatic is expected to invest in technology upgrades, loyalty systems, and digital integrations to modernize the Vikings experience, all while maintaining compliance with French gaming laws and social responsibility frameworks.

A Broader Strategy for Global Expansion

This deal aligns with Novomatic’s larger restructuring and M&A activity. Earlier in 2025, the company sold its Atlas Group, including the Admiral brand, to Germany-based Tipico Group, signaling a shift toward focusing on core international markets.

Meanwhile, Novomatic launched a takeover bid for Ainsworth Game Technology, where it already owns a 52.9% stake. However, that deal has met obstacles—including resistance from activist investors and complications arising from a corruption investigation involving Ainsworth CEO Harald Neumann, who previously served as Novomatic CEO.

Despite these headwinds, Novomatic remains committed to scaling its operations in regulated land-based and digital gaming environments worldwide.

Novomatic’s acquisition of Vikings Casinos not only strengthens its presence in France but also represents a calculated and strategic move to reinforce its position as a leading player in the European gaming market. With full regulatory approval, a reputable local partner, and scalable assets, Novomatic is well-positioned to modernize and grow the Vikings portfolio while aligning with its global expansion roadmap.

As competition heats up across Europe, Novomatic is sending a clear message: it is investing in licensed markets, upgrading infrastructure, and prioritizing long-term stability. For the French gaming sector, this could usher in a new era of innovation, modernization, and responsible growth—backed by one of the industry’s most established names.