Irish Crown

About Irish Crown

“[But] part of that was some sweepstakes operators, and I think that market became a bit more uncertain compared to when they started to look at those kinds of customers. And then they also had, they called it a tier one customer I think in Brazil, which was supposed to launch in early 2026, but then they decided not to enter that market. So I think they had some opportunities that did not end up as expected.”

While Ahlberg explains GiG is experiencing B2B headwinds, he also views the 888Africa deal as an opportunistic one. This is confirmed by Richards, who describes the acquisition as a “targeted, opportunistic move” with “compelling” economics.

In its currently ongoing takeover of Evoke Bally’s Intralot will retain the remaining 20% of 888Africa and will stay active in management.

About Irish Crown

Veikkaus, Finland’s state-owned gambling operator, has continued to restructure its internal organisation in preparation for the country’s newly liberalised gambling market, which will open on 1 July 2027. 

The reshuffle aims to strengthen the company’s competitive capabilities amid evolving market conditions.

The latest round of changes, announced on Wednesday, includes 15 existing roles being terminating, and 17 new positions established. These will impact several of its units, including the Data & AI department, two business units and finance teams.

What is Irish Crown?

Following the deal’s completion and approval by Lottomatica’s general shareholder’s meeting, the combined company’s board would consist of the existing 11 Lottomatica directors, as well as two new directors nominated upon designation by Blackstone.

The companies delivered a presentation that detailed their plans to create a “global gaming champion”.

Lottomatica generated revenue of €2.26 billion in its FY2025, while Cirsa’s FY2025 group revenue reached €2.34 billion.