iGaming Daily

Host Charlie Horner is joined by SB' Editor-at-large Ted Menmuir and SBC News Editor Ted Orme-Claye to examine major European gambling developments beyond the UK budget. They discuss the impact of the UK's machine games duty increase, Flutter's Betfair exit from Italy, Veikkaus's planned Viabet launch in Denmark, and the political and tax pressures shaping 2027.

Key Topics
  • The UK’s 25% increase in machine games duty was described as a compromise compared with more severe potential increases, but operators and industry groups warned of significant costs.
  • Rank Group estimated an approximately £9 million cost while maintaining its profit expectations; Entain estimated about £25 million, and the BGC said up to 9,000 jobs could be at risk.
  • The panel urged gambling businesses to avoid being pulled into divisive party politics and to keep engaging with government on high-street plans.
  • Flutter is closing Betfair’s Italian sportsbook, casino, and exchange operations, citing regulatory conditions and the lack of a viable business case.
  • Flutter is focusing on integrating its Italian assets, Sisal and Snaitech, following major acquisitions, while its Betfair exit is expected to have minimal corporate impact and no significant Italian job cuts.
  • Finland’s state-owned Veikkaus plans to launch the Viabet consumer sportsbook in Denmark next year, extending beyond its established B2B activity.
  • The planned opening of Finland’s betting market to multiple licences next July could prompt Veikkaus to seek new markets and respond to offshore competition.
  • The speakers identified tax, political change, and the pace of industry transformation as defining forces for European gambling, with major elections ahead in markets including Spain, France, and Germany.

Host: Charlie Horner
Guests: Ted Orme-Claye & Ted Menmuir
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: Anaya McDonald

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What is iGaming Daily?

A daily podcast delving into the biggest stories of the day throughout the sports betting and igaming sector.