Kindred Group, the operator of Unibet, has announced its complete exit from the Polish market. This move follows its acquisition by La Française des Jeux (FDJ) and aligns with the company’s commitment to operating solely in regulated markets. The decision underscores significant shifts within the organisation as it adapts to new market conditions and regulatory commitments.
Withdrawal from Polish operations
Kindred had already ceased offering casino, poker, and bingo services in Poland in October 2024. Now, the company has also discontinued its sports betting operations. The departure comes amid accusations from Graj Legalnie, a Polish anti-offshore gaming association, that Kindred was operating sports betting without proper licensing. The organisation claimed that this deprived the Polish State Treasury of significant revenue.
In response, Kindred emphasised its dedication to adhering to FDJ’s operating guidelines. The company informed Polish Unibet users about the cessation of its services, settling all sports wagers by 25 November and voiding unsettled bets. Players were advised to withdraw their funds by 30 December 2024.
Why Kindred exited Poland?
The exit aligns with the terms of Kindred’s recent merger with FDJ, which requires the group to operate exclusively in regulated jurisdictions. As a result, Kindred is ending its .com business and withdrawing from markets where it lacks proper authorisation.
FDJ’s acquisition of Kindred was finalised in October 2024 after overcoming regulatory hurdles. To address monopoly concerns, French authorities mandated that FDJ’s lottery operations and Kindred’s gaming businesses remain separate. This condition ensures fair competition and transparency in the gaming industry.
What it means for the industry?
Kindred’s departure from unregulated markets highlights the growing importance of compliance in the gambling sector. The shift reflects the company’s broader strategy of prioritising integrity and responsible gaming. Moreover, it demonstrates the increasing scrutiny placed on operators by regulators and industry stakeholders.
FDJ’s acquisition of Kindred also signals a wave of consolidation in the gaming industry. The merger positions the combined entity as a significant player in the global market, poised to compete in regulated regions while adhering to stringent rules.
