Industry News
Paddy Power Co-founder Accuses Industry of Scaremongering Over Tax Hike Warnings
The co-founder of Paddy Power has accused industry chiefs of scaremongering after they warned new gambling taxes could push punters towards the black market.
Stewart Kenny, who resigned from the bookmaking giant in 2016 and has since become a vocal critic of the sector over problem gambling, claimed it was a red herring. He admitted using the “black market” argument during his time in charge, adding: “I’m embarrassed to admit this…we knew it was way exaggerated but it is the perfect way of saying ‘the government will lose money’ – but in fact it won’t.”
Among those issuing the black market warning is Paddy Paddy’s now owner.
His comments came as top bosses launched a fightback in the wake of calls for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to hike gambling taxes to fund welfare spending and tackle harmful gambling. It follows another round of bumper results from some of the industry’s big players who, together, are forecast to rake in profits of £4billion globally this year.
Peter Jackson, chief executive of Paddy Power parent company Flutter, which recently predicted annual profits would surge by around 40% to £2.45billion, said: “it’s really important (to) keep customers in the legitimate market where we can make sure we can look after them.”
Sean Wilkins, finance chief at William Hill owner Evoke, which analysts estimate will make £362million this year, said higher taxes will “only lead to a growth in the black market.” And Stella David, chief executive of Ladbrokes owner Entain, warned of “the law of unintended consequences”.
Pressure is growing for the government to use a consultation on updating the tax treatment of bookmakers to hit the sector with fresh levies. The Office for Budget Responsibility has forecast current levies will bring in £3.8billion for the Treasury this financial year.
The post Paddy Power Co-founder Accuses Industry of Scaremongering Over Tax Hike Warnings appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Century Casinos Inc. announced that Lyle Randolph, a long-term regional Vice President and General Manager of the Company, will take over as Executive Vice President of Operations for the US.
Mr. Randolph will be appointed to this new role effective May 15, 2026. As Executive Vice President of Operations for the US, Mr. Randolph will oversee the Company’s seven U.S. properties. These casinos comprise a combined 4701 slot machines, 93 table games, 2127 hotel rooms, and over 20 food and beverage venues.
Mr. Randolph is a veteran gaming and hospitality executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in casino operations, hotel and food & beverage management, capital development, and multi-property strategic oversight. He began his gaming career in 1995 at Casino Aztar in Missouri. When Isle of Capri Casinos acquired the property, he became General Manager of both Caruthersville and Cape Girardeau. Throughout his leadership tenure, he successfully navigated the properties through multiple ownership transitions involving Isle of Capri Casinos and Eldorado Resorts while operating under the leadership and mentorship of notable gaming industry executives including James Perry, Virginia McDowell, Eric Hausler, Gary Carano, and Tom Reeg. These experiences provided exposure to a broad spectrum of leadership philosophies ranging from entrepreneurial founder-led management and family-driven regional gaming growth to highly analytical, public-company expansion strategies. During his tenure with Isle of Capri Casinos, Mr. Randolph received the company’s Jack Galloway Award recognizing leadership and operational achievement.
Since Century Casinos’ acquisition of the Missouri properties in 2019, Mr. Randolph has served as Vice President of Operations for both Missouri casino properties. Mr. Randolph has overseen more than $80 million in combined capital development projects, which has resulted in Adjusted EBITDAR growing over 70% under his leadership.
In addition to his operational responsibilities, Mr. Randolph has remained active in civic, charitable, and industry leadership initiatives throughout his career, including statewide advisory appointments and leadership roles with regional business, tourism, humanitarian, and gaming organizations, underscoring his understanding of the value of responsible corporate citizenship. Mr. Randolph’s established track record as a results-oriented and effective leader will continue to drive the Company’s growth within the gaming and hospitality industry.
The post Century Casinos Announces Appointment to Top Leadership Role in the US appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
ENJOY Gaming has expanded its live casino portfolio with the launch of Greek Roulette, an automated roulette product that adds multiplier mechanics to standard table gameplay.
The title is set in an ancient Greek-themed studio and uses an automated wheel. Alongside traditional inside and outside bets, each round includes a Lucky Numbers feature that randomly selects between one and twelve numbers and assigns multipliers of up to x777.
If a straight-up bet lands on a Lucky Number, the company said the standard payout is replaced by the assigned multiplier.
Elena Shestak, Art Director at ENJOY Gaming, said: “Greek Roulette demonstrates how traditional table products can be refreshed through careful design, forming part of a wider effort to evolve our live and automated portfolio consistently.
“By introducing Lucky Numbers and dynamic multipliers within a traditional framework, we’re focused on modernising established formats in ways that feel natural, recognisable, and distinctly ENJOY.”
The post ENJOY Gaming launches Greek Roulette with Lucky Numbers multipliers appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Games Global has paid out a €10,475,169.87 jackpot to a CasinoFriday player after a win on Fire & Roses Joker King Millions
, the supplier said.
Games Global said the prize is one of the largest payouts on its King Millions progressive jackpot network. The win came on Fire & Roses Joker King Millions, a title developed by Triple Edge Studios and connected to the King Millions network.
Ofir Gal-Mor, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience & Innovation at Games Global, said: “This €10,475,169.87 payout underlines the scale and reach of the King Millions network across our operator partners. We are proud to support CasinoFriday in delivering premium progressive content, and this result demonstrates the continued performance of Fire & Roses Joker King Millions within regulated markets.”
The CPO at Funnz, added: “We are delighted to congratulate our player on securing this remarkable €10.4 million King Millions jackpot win. At CasinoFriday, our focus is on providing high-quality entertainment to our community, and this milestone demonstrates the strength of our partnership with Games Global and the performance of its progressive network.”
Games Global said its progressive jackpot portfolio includes Mega Moolah, WowPot, King Millions, Maple Moolah and Lotsaloot, with a combined prize value exceeding €28m.
The post CasinoFriday player wins €10.48m on Games Global’s King Millions network appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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