Europe

The Irish government will not raise taxes on betting for its 2018 budget, as the Finance Ministry took note of industry submissions warning the Oireachtas of potential job losses should new charges be implemented. Irish news sources report that the Department of Finance had been reviewing three industry options, with a view to raising circa €50 million from bookmakers or …

Paddy Power has ended its four-year relationship with London marketing agency Lucky Generals, as the bookmaker’s lead creative agency. UK marketing news sources report that Lucky Generals chose not to re-pitch its services for the account, which had been placed under review by Paddy Power marketing during 2017. Moving forward, Paddy Power’s multi-million £/€ advertising account will be serviced by …

Swedish gaming company Cherry has increased its stake in affiliate firm Gaming Lounge, taking its total holding to 95%. Three years after its wholly owned subsidiary, Cherry Malta Ltd, acquired 51% of the shares in the company, the gaming group has resolved to take onboard a further 44% that will be financed through a combination of cash and a new …

From sponsorship to the ever-expanding world of football media coverage, when it comes to the business of football, SBC has you covered. This edition looks at “exploitative” ticket prices, Barcelona being reported to FIFA and an intriguing new owner at Barnsley.  ____________________ Getting the ‘Moneyball’ rolling at Barnsley It could be a big 2018 for Barnsley FC, after the Championship …

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has put forward a second round of proposals to reform the Horserace Betting Levy, including the closure of the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB). The governmental department has proposed the use of a Legislative Reform Order (LRO) to “reduce administrative and financial burdens on business relating to the administration of the Horserace …

Scout Gaming Group and Nordic Leisure have entered into an agreement to deliver a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platform. As part of the deal Nordic Leisure are to gain full access to the Scout Gaming DFS platform, enabling them to offer a complete DFS solution across its subsidiaries and to all of its customers. It is expected that Scout Gaming’s …

FTSE online gambling group GVC Holdings has today detailed its proposed bid for bookmaker Ladbrokes Coral Plc, putting forward a takeover deal that could be worth up to £4 billion, creating a new multi-channel, multi-market gambling group. Bringing clarity to its initial bid (first announced 7 December), GVC’s proposition values Ladbrokes Coral at 160.9p per share, equating to approximately £3.2 billion. However, deal …

Editec has chosen industry platform provider BtoBet as the technological partner to drive its collection of online brands towards sustained growth across Africa. The London-headquartered Editec, which operates under the brands of Premier Bet, SBA, Guinee Games, and R&S Betting, already holds a strong presence in several regions across the continent, along with an established retail estate and network of …

Despite rumblings of a substantial financial takeover of the club, Newcastle United are proving popular with punters when it comes to relegation betting. Oddschecker has revealed that The Magpies have attracted 31% of all total bets on which team will be relegated come the end of the season, with trouble in paradise looming over St James’ Park. A string of …

Yggdrasil Gaming has further extended its reach within the Italian market following a deal with gaming operator Snaitech. The content agreement will give Snaitech access to selected Yggdrasil titles that are certified under Italian regulations. In addition, Snaitech is also to have access to Boost, its collection of in game promotional tools with a focus on player engagement and retention, …