FDJ and Zeal Partner to Invest in Swedish iLottery

The global iLottery scene just got a major boost—two European powerhouses are investing in Sweden’s rising lottery tech star.

French national lottery operator FDJ and German lottery giant Zeal Network SE have announced a joint investment in Random State, a Swedish iLottery and iBingo company known for its creative game design and digital-first vision.

This move signals more than just regional expansion. It’s a bold step toward shaping a globally connected, user-focused digital lottery future.

Let’s explore what this deal means for the industry, why FDJ and Zeal are backing Random State, and how innovation is redefining iLottery as we know it.

Key Points:

1. FDJ and Zeal Ventures co-invest in Swedish iLottery startup Random State to accelerate global growth.
2. The deal aims to enhance innovation, marketing power, and international reach within the iLottery sector.
3. Random State envisions a globally connected, digital-first lottery experience focused on modern user behavior.

FDJ and Zeal Double Down on iLottery Innovation with Strategic Investment in Sweden’s Random State

As someone who has watched the lottery sector evolve from paper tickets to fully digital ecosystems, I find this latest announcement incredibly telling of where the industry is headed.

FDJ (Française des Jeux) and Zeal Network SE, two of Europe’s most prominent lottery operators, have teamed up for a strategic co-investment in Sweden-based Random State—an up-and-coming iLottery and iBingo provider.

The move was announced through their respective venture arms: FDJ United Ventures and Zeal Ventures, both tasked with spotting and backing innovation within the broader gambling ecosystem.

Why Random State?

Random State isn’t your traditional lottery operator. According to Juliane Gutsmiedl of Zeal Ventures, the company offers “creative game design” and has a “deep understanding of user preferences.” That’s music to my ears, especially in a space that often lags behind casino and sportsbook operators when it comes to player engagement.

The Swedish startup is rethinking how lottery games are played and delivered. They aim to build a “globally connected, user-centric” lottery model—blending classic number games with modern UX, mobile-first design, and digital engagement tools.

From what I see, this isn’t just a financial play. It’s a bet on the future of interactive, digital lottery experiences that appeal to new generations of players.

A Strategic Step Toward Global iLottery Leadership

This partnership is well-timed. FDJ has recently laid out an ambitious growth roadmap during its Capital Markets Day, projecting 5% organic growth annually until 2028. Zeal, too, is ramping up its presence in regulated European markets while also investing in future-facing tech.

So, investing in a creative and agile company like Random State fits perfectly within both operators’ long-term strategies.

And let’s not ignore the timing. This comes as Sweden’s gambling authority, Spelinspektionen, begins reviewing its gambling laws to tackle ongoing unlicensed activity. Strengthening ties with innovative, compliant operators like Random State could position FDJ and Zeal favorably in any upcoming regulatory changes.

The Broader Context: iLottery Is Heating Up

Random State isn’t alone in the spotlight. Just this week, Hasbro teamed up with Scientific Games, adding branded games like Monopoly and Battleship to the iLottery space. This proves there’s growing competition—and opportunity—in this vertical.

The global appetite for regulated online lotteries is rising. Players want more interaction, better design, and easier access across devices. Companies that deliver this will shape the next decade of lottery growth.

FDJ and Zeal understand this. Their joint investment in Random State is about more than profits—it’s about staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

In my opinion, this investment is a smart and strategic move. FDJ and Zeal are planting a flag in the future of online lottery—one that’s digital, creative, and global.

Random State brings exactly what the iLottery industry needs: fresh thinking, fast development, and player-first innovation. With strong backing from two of Europe’s most experienced lottery operators, the company now has the fuel to accelerate.

This deal reinforces a clear message to the industry:
Innovation isn’t optional in the lottery world—it’s essential for survival and growth.

Let’s see what Random State draws next.

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