Retail

Two international investment firms are reportedly interested in acquiring Scientific Games Corporation’s (SGC) lottery divisions, according to Bloomberg. Citing ‘people familiar with the matter’, the outlet reported that Brookfield Asset Management Inc.’s private equity arm and Apollo Global Management Inc are interested in purchasing the Nasdaq-registered igaming provider’s lottery unit. SGC disclosed that it would pursue a ‘strategic divestment’ of …

A group of MPs, from both the Conservative Party and the Labour Party, have criticised National Lottery operator Camelot for shifting towards app-based games rather than traditional paper-slip draws. According to The Guardian, the parliamentarians have argued that app-based games such as instant win titles pose a higher risk of problem gambling to customers, whilst simultaneously reducing the amount of …

Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands gambling regulator, has launched its application process for the stewardship of its monopoly horseracing totaliser licence.   The monopoly contract, which is currently maintained by French racing operator ZEturf, is set to expire on 30 June 2022. KSA new contract will cover a five year period from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2027, guaranteeing a single …

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has confirmed that it will be piloting its new research schemes on gambling participation and prevalence during the period of October 2021 and March 2022.  The Commission stated that it had moved onto the next phase of its headline project to improve the quality of adult gambling participation and prevalence statistics available to stakeholders.   Entering …

David Knott has been appointed as the new CEO of the UK National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF), after serving in the role in an interim capacity for four months. In his first role as NLCF CEO, Knott has commissioned the ‘Putting Communities First’ report, outlining the fund agenda to support local communities over the next 12 months as the organisation …

Entain Plc is reported to be backing the upcoming ASX IPO of Racing and Sports PTY – the dedicated premium data, content and media supplier for Australian horseracing.  Sydney-based investment fund Ord Minnett confirmed that Racing and Sports would be elevating its target IPO raise to AUS $29 million (€19m) in order ‘to accommodate a cornerstone investment by Entain’. Though …

SIS (Sports Information Services) has appointed Dr Laila Mintas and Giovanna D’Esposito as Non-Executive Directors, in order to ‘support its international expansion’. The multi-channel 24/7 live betting services supplier has detailed that both appointees have ‘many years’ experience’ at leading data and technology companies, and will ‘add significant strength’ to the company’s board. On the European side of operations, D’Esposito …

SpringOwl, the independent buyout firm of activist gambling investor Jason Ader, has outlined its support for Aristocrat’s $3.7 billion (£2.7bn) takeover of Playtech Plc.  This morning, Playtech confirmed that it had approved Aristocrat’s 680 pence per share (58% premium) offer to be recommended to investors of the FTSE250 technology group. SpringOwl is listed amongst Playtech’s private investors that will vote …

Sisal SPA has announced the formation of a UK Advisory Board that will be led by Baroness Karren Brady (CBE).  Competing in the UK government’s Fourth National Lottery competition, Sisal has formed a high-profile advisory to provide its bid team with expert oversight on the management of raising money for good causes via the National Lottery. A Conservative Party life-peer …