Pari Mutuel Urbain

Dominance and Range in Horse Racing Betting

Horse racing betting, which is considered the very DNA of PMU, constitutes more than 90% of the company’s overall activity, with a significant €9.1 billion in horse racing stakes recorded in 2024, of which more than €1 billion came from PMU.fr. The company offers a wide range of bets, carefully catering to enthusiasts, occasional players, and beginners alike, by making the betting experience central to its operations.

PMU’s horse racing bets are fundamentally categorized into two groups: event-based wagers, which are available only once per day on a single race – such as the Tiercé, Quarté+, and the flagship Quinté+ Max – and a wide selection of continuous bets that can be played across numerous races throughout the day.

The most substantial daily wagers include the Quinté+ Max (€2), which requires finding the first five horses in the correct order of arrival, offering various payout ranks, including Order, Disarray, Bonus 4sur5, and Bonus 3. Furthermore, the new 2023 MAX option (€1) grants the potential to multiply Quinté+ winnings by 2 or 10. Other key bets are the Quarté+ (€1.50) and the classic Tiercé (€1).

Crucially, PMU operates under a principle of “separation of masses,” meaning the stakes from the digital (e-bets) and physical point-of-sale networks are kept entirely separate. This unique structure is an obligation tied to PMU’s exclusive operator status for horse racing rights in the physical distribution network. For players seeking assistance, the Pariez spOt formula automatically selects horses based on previously recorded bets, factoring in both favorites and outsiders, which is available on all wagers except the Simple.

Additionally, the Flexi formula allows players to engage in combination bets at a reduced price while maintaining the original unit stake, with winnings calculated proportionally.

Diversification in Sports Betting and Online Poker

As a strategy for diversification following the market opening to competition in 2010, PMU expanded its offerings into online sports betting and poker. These activities serve as complementary experiences to its core horse racing business, yet they represent less than 10% of PMU’s total stakes.

The Sports Betting platform is accessible via desktop and mobile application (iOS and Android) and covers all sports and competitions authorized by the ANJ (National Gaming Authority). The service enhances engagement through video streaming, providing Live coverage of certain sporting competitions, thereby aiming to retain players and build legitimacy in the ecosystem.

Similarly, the Online Poker segment has successfully established PMU as a key reference point by competing effectively against market “pure players.” This success is attributed to the notable performance of the Team Pros PMU®, the popular France Poker Open circuit, the Hip’ Poker Tour experience, and the strategic partnership with Texapoker.

Commitment to Responsible Gaming

PMU is strongly committed to the principle that gambling should remain a form of entertainment. Since 2020, the company has implemented a robust “Responsible Gaming” policy that focuses intensely on minor protection and the prevention of excessive gaming.

This commitment is executed through a structured, six-part approach: by actively accompanying the players; thoroughly training all collaborators and partners; widely raising awareness among minors, players, and all audiences; continuously evaluating the games offered; proactively detecting risky player behavior; and finally, by thoughtfully adapting the promotion of the offer.

Central to this strategy is the dedicated website, pmuavecvous.fr. This platform provides a comprehensive array of support tools, including a self-assessment test utilizing the scientifically recognized Canadian Excessive Gaming Index, advice for parents of adolescents, and personal testimonials.

Furthermore, PMU collaborates closely with specialized organizations, such as the Hauts-de-France regional center of specialization on gaming addictions and the SOS Joueurs association, to continually refine and perfect its approach.

Critical Financial Role for the Horse Racing Industry

PMU operates as an Economic Interest Group (GIE) with a unique and mandatory mission to finance the French horse racing industry. This means that the revenue generated from its operational activity is entirely paid back to the societies that organize horse races across France.

This financial contribution is substantial, reaching €835 million in 2023 and €837 million in 2024, effectively supporting a vital sector that accounts for more than 40,000 direct and indirect jobs across the territory. Beyond financing the industry, in 2024, the company also returned a significant €782 million to the State in the form of taxes.