This Week’s Top News Stories

1. Playtech announces its H1 results. Its adjusted revenue for the six months to June 30 rose 5% year-on-year to €906.8m, adjusted Ebitda rose 11% to €243m and its adjusted post-tax profit rose 23% to €105.4m. CEO Mor Weizer says: "This set of results is further proof of the excellent progress we've made this year. We've executed our strategy to grow and improve the B2B business, delivering broad-based growth with strong contributions across our key markets, high operating leverage and tight cost control. We're also delighted to have agreed a revised strategic agreement with #Caliplay, our partner in Mexico, which ensures we are well placed to capture significant growth in the coming years. Our plan to accelerate our presence in the US and Canada is already delivering, with revenues trebling in the period. We see a huge opportunity in this market and are pleased to have supported multiple customers with their own growth plans, while also delivering the first major milestone in our partnership with Hard Rock Digital . With US customers now able to experience Playtech-powered games in multiple states, soon our customers outside the US will get the opportunity to play games streamed direct from Las Vegas as part of our new agreement with MGM Resorts International ."
2. French giant #FDJ has informed the market that Kindred Group plc investors have accepted its offer to acquire the online gambling group. FDJ has been authorised to acquire 196m of Kindred's Swedish depositary receipts, taking ownership of 90.66% of the Unibet owner's capital. It said in a statement: "This €2.5bn transaction creates a European champion with a diversified and balanced profile, based on monopoly activities like lotteries in France and Ireland, and online sports betting and gaming in open competition across Europe.”?
3. William Hill has been named as the new headline sponsor at Ireland's #Dundalk Stadium for all horseracing fixtures on Wednesdays and Fridays between now and April 11. Some 37 fixtures will have the bookmaker's signage at the track, including on the starting stalls and winning post.
4. Betfred has named Cath Ryan as its new head of brand and customer experience. Her most recent role was as head of brand and creative at Pets At Home. She has also worked for Nike, Adidas and N Brown. She said: "I'm thrilled and excited to join Betfred and contribute to its ambitious goals. I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive exceptional brand and customer engagement." Betfred CEO Joanne Whittaker said: "Cath’s expertise in sports marketing and her innovative approach to brand development make her a perfect fit for Betfred. Her extensive experience and visionary approach will be invaluable as we enhance our brand and deepen customer connections. We’re excited to welcome her to the team.”?
5. The Gambling Commission has released consumer behaviour stats relating to Euro 2024. Participation rate difference between male and female punters went down as the tournament went on, it was revealed.?
6. DAZN has secured the exclusive broadcast rights for the new Super League Basketball. All games will be shown for free to audiences worldwide. Dazn CEO Shay Segev said: "We want to use our reach and industry-leading technology to bring these competitions to existing and new audiences, fostering a truly fan-centric global community. Super League Basketball is at a turning point in its history and is a property with exceptional potential for commercial growth – we are delighted to add it to our growing international portfolio of basketball and to join them in building an exciting future. Dazn is rapidly becoming the global home of basketball and SLB will form an important part of this.”

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