Horse Racing Overhaul: PMU Launches Super Pick5 to Counter Betting Decline

The French gambling landscape is witnessing a significant shift in horse race betting. Pari-Mutuel Urbain, widely known as PMU, has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its betting products. This decision stems from a concerning trend: a noticeable decline in traditional horse racing wagering activity. To reverse this, the company is betting on a new product called Super Pick5, specifically designed to boost traffic during the 5pm to 7pm window.

Industry veterans know that such innovations are often the final lifeline when traditional formats lose their appeal. PMU intends for Super Pick5 to become a second major daily event alongside the established Quinte+. The launch is scheduled for November 5, 2026, supported by a massive advertising campaign across television, radio, and digital platforms. The goal is not just to find new players, but primarily to reactivate the core customer base that has drifted away from the turf recently.

Numbers and facts

The mechanics of the new Super Pick5 follow the original format but introduce more attractive prize tiers. Each entry costs €2. Players must attempt to predict the finishing order of the top five horses in a race. PMU estimates the average payout for the 'Ordre' category—predicting all five horses in the exact order—at an impressive €53,000. Even without a perfect sequence, players can win. A 'Super Désordre' result, where the five horses are correct but only three are in the right positions, pays out an average of €1,250.

A key element for increasing excitement is the new progressive jackpot. If no player hits the Ordre category, the funds move into a pool that PMU claims could reach several hundred thousand euros. The current status of this jackpot will be displayed transparently on kiosks, terminals, and within the PMU+ app. To ensure the product functions effectively and maintains stable odds, Super Pick5 will only be offered on races with a minimum of 12 starting horses.

Background

This launch does not occur in a vacuum. PMU is struggling with declining participation, increasing the pressure to become more modern and digital. The technical foundation for these changes has already been laid. In October 2026, the migration of gaming servers will be completed, enabling more complex betting logic. PMU has hinted that this is just the beginning, with a total overhaul of its flagship Quinte+ product expected in the coming months.

"Super Pick5 aims to reactivate PMU's core target audience: re-engaging regular bettors through a renewed game mechanic and giving points of sale a real lever for generating traffic during the after-work period." - PMU Company Statement

The strategy pursues three clear goals. First, it aims to create a new growth driver by increasing stakes and average bets compared to the current Pick5. Second, it seeks to recruit new demographics to horse racing. Finally, PMU intends to regain control through innovation, reaffirming its leadership in the market and differentiating itself from competitors.

Why it matters for German players

For German horse racing fans, the situation is complex. While PMU operates under state protection in France, the German market is strictly regulated by the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021. German players wishing to bet on French races must ensure they use providers listed on the official whitelist of the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). International portals without a German license, such as those from Malta or Curacao, are illegal for persons residing in Germany and offer no legal protection.

Strict limits also apply in Germany: a cross-operator deposit limit of €1,000 per month is monitored by the LUGAS system. Even if French jackpots sound tempting, German bookmakers must integrate them into their systems while complying with local player protection regulations. While the €1 per spin limit for online slots does not apply to horse racing in the same way, licensed German providers strictly monitor customer betting behavior. Those betting in Germany benefit from the security that winnings will actually be paid out and that addiction prevention is taken seriously.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For German operators with a GGL license, the innovation in France primarily represents competitive pressure in the sports betting sector. Horse racing is a niche market but can generate high turnover. German providers must evaluate whether they can include similar pool bets or progressive elements in their programs without violating the GGL's strict advertising and design guidelines. The migration to new server structures, as PMU is currently doing, is also a relevant topic for German companies to ensure smooth LUGAS connectivity.

The development in France shows that standing still in the gambling market is dangerous. German providers must also constantly optimize their products to remain competitive against the black market. The GGL whitelist provides the necessary legal framework to bring innovations to customers safely and legally.