La Française des Jeux (FDJ), one of Europe’s leading betting and gaming operators, will meet investors over the next days with a view to launching its first bond issue, subject to market conditions.

FDJ recall that, on 7 November, Moody’s assigned the Group a long-term credit rating of Baa1 – stable outlook.

With a total value of €1.5 billion, in 3 tranches with maturity of 6, 9 and 12 years, the bond issue would be used to refinance most of the €2 billion bridging loan, drawn on 7 October to finance the acquisition of Kindred shares for nearly €2.5 billion. The bonds will be listed on the Euronext regulated market in Paris.

Furthermore, FDJ is finalising a €400 million syndicated loan with top-tier French and international banks, which will be repaid over 5 years. This financing is also intended to repay the bridging loan which will be settled with Group’s cash.

Celebrating 15 years of BEGE, Sofia Expo will transform itself again into the epicenter of the regional gaming industry from November 27-28. The annual gathering invites the industry’s key manufacturers, suppliers and customers for two days of business and networking. NOVOMATIC, as Europe’s largest gaming technology group, is naturally participating with a first-rate product range and unrivalled offerings dedicated to the Balkan markets.

The appealing DIAMOND X 1.55J cabinet will shine as one of the sophisticated product highlights at the NOVOMATIC stand #2.11, showcasing the latest Linked Progressives, such as CASH FLOOD Link and GODS & LEGENDS Link. Also being presented in the elegant DIAMOND X 1.55J cabinet will be the unique Linked Progressive XTENSION LINK Volume 2, which has quickly become a favourite with operators and players alike, with its clear above-floor average and regular top-floor performances in many casinos across different markets.

Visitors also shouldn’t miss out on the brand-new SUPERIA GAMES Link 1, which comprises 25 classic and recent titles from the renowned player favourites CASH CONNECTION and GOLDEN LINK. Furthermore, the outstanding BLACK EDITION II XL 3.32 will be presented with the exclusive NOVO LINE CASH CONNECTION Edition 4.

The BLACK EDITION II 3.27, with three 27” screens starring the NOVO LINE Edition X4 and Impera Line HD Edition 9, guarantees exciting gaming fun and profitable variety in video slot entertainment.

Visitors can also enjoy an exciting entertainment programme on the NOVOMATIC stand and delicious catering from AdmiralBet Pub.

Miloš Pejić, NOVOMATIC Regional Manager SEE, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming our customers to the extraordinary NOVOMATIC Experience at our stand. Whether you are focused on international markets or the Balkans, our product line up offers the best solution for everyone. We invite you to visit us, meet our team, and discover the best product variety for your needs. See you in Sofia!”

The Danish Gambling Authority has called attention to FATF’s (Financial Action Task Force) updated lists of high-risk jurisdictions: the Grey List (jurisdictions under increased monitoring) and Black List (call for actions). Among other things, gambling operators must include FATF’s lists of high-risk jurisdictions when risk assessing players.

Jurisdictions listed on the Grey List are Algeria, Angola, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, Croatia, DR Congo, Haiti, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.

Jurisdictions listed on the Black List are Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran and Myanmar.

Gambling operators are required to conduct enhanced customer due diligence (EDD) pursuant to section 17(1) of the Danish AML Act, if a player is assessed to impose a higher risk of the gambling operator being misused for money laundering or terrorist financing.

Gambling operators shall conduct this risk assessment based on Annex 3 to the AML Act (high-risk factors) which includes the FATF high-risk country lists (the so called black list and grey list).

It is not required that gambling operators perform EDD if a country is listed on the FATF’s list. EDD are only a requirement for players from jurisdictions listed in the EU Regulation of High Risk Third Country list pursuant to 17(2) of the AML Act.