Flutter Entertainment is to make a significant investment in Brazil’s expanding gaming market. The company is in talks to acquire Betnacional, one of Brazil’s largest gambling operators, in a deal estimated to be worth ￡1 billion.

Betnacional, currently the fifth-largest gambling operator in Brazil, is owned by the British-based NSX Group and was established in August 2021. Despite its relatively recent entry into the market, Betnacional has managed to secure a market share of approximately 7.3 percent.. This places it behind market leader Betano, which holds a commanding 25.1 percent share, and Bet365 and Entain, which hold 16.3 percent and 9.4 percent respectively.

Betnacional’s strength lies in its robust gaming business, with a particular emphasis on casino gambling and poker. However, the company has recently shifted its focus towards sports betting, targeting Brazil’s passionate football fan base. This move coincides with the upcoming regulation of betting in Brazil, set to go live on 1 January.

Flutter’s interest in Betnacional is seen as a move to expand its global footprint and take advantage of the impending regulation of betting in Brazil. The company, which owns FanDuel, the leading American operator, recently relocated its primary stock market listing from London to Wall Street, reflecting its growing focus on the American market.

Peter Jackson, Flutter’s CEO, has highlighted the potential of the Brazilian market and the company’s strong balance sheet, which provides the flexibility to pursue deals or return cash to shareholders. Analysts, have expressed optimism about Flutter’s potential in Brazil, anticipating that the company could drive significant cost and revenue synergies from the deal.

In addition to its potential acquisition of Betnacional, Flutter is also rumored to be considering a partnership with Boyd Gaming in a potential $9 billion bid for Penn Entertainment, an American rival. This comes amid criticism from an activist investor over Penn’s interactive strategy.

As Flutter prepares to release its second-quarter financial results, its shares were up $1.35, or 0.7 percent, at $189.65 in early afternoon trading in New York. The company’s diverse portfolio of online sports betting and iGaming brands, including FanDuel, Sky Betting & Gaming, Sportsbet, PokerStars, and Paddy Power, positions it well to capitalize on new market opportunities.

The acquisition of Betnacional represents a significant step in Flutter’s strategic expansion and underscores the company’s commitment to investing in promising markets. As regulated betting goes live in Brazil, the deal could provide Flutter with a strong platform to establish a dominant position in one of the world’s most passionate sporting nations.

Flutter's shares are up $1.35, 0.7 per cent, at $189.65 in early afternoon trading in New York.

SiGMA East Europe Summit powered by Soft2Bet, happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September

Imagine Live has announced its partnership with Betlive, marking its entry into the developing Georgian market. This collaboration aims to enhance the live gaming experience for Georgian players, introducing them to a world of interactive and immersive gaming.

Georgia, located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, has seen a significant increase in its gambling industry in recent years.?Despite strict regulations and reforms, the sector has managed to achieve impressive growth. The partnership between Imagine Live and Betlive is set to further invigorate this dynamic market.

The partnership is tailored to cater specifically to Betlive’s clientele. The studio will feature two blackjack tables and one roulette table, all equipped with Imagine Live’s interactive features.

These features have been customised to align with local preferences, ensuring a gaming experience that resonates with the unique tastes of the Georgian user base

Hakob Manukyan, CEO of Imagine Live Armenia, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “This is a significant milestone for Imagine Live as we bring our GLI-certified high-quality live gaming experiences to the Georgian market. Together, we aim to set new standards for dedicated live dealer casinos in the iGaming industry and help partners provide an unforgettable and premium gaming experience to their players.”

Gega Topuridze, Chief Revenue and Product Officer at Betlive, agreed with Manukyan and added, “Our collaboration with Imagine Live is a strategic move that brings cutting-edge live gaming technology directly to our Georgian audience. The introduction of Imagine Live’s blackjack and roulette tables, designed specifically for our players, marks a new level of gaming excellence.”

As part of its expansion efforts, Imagine Live also recently secured a gambling license from the Swedish Gambling Authority, allowing it to offer its gaming portfolio in Sweden. This move signifies Imagine Live’s commitment to broadening its reach and delivering its innovative gaming solutions to a global audience.

Ben Gazzola, (pictured above), a rising star in the poker world, recently clinched a significant victory at the Maryland State Poker Championship’s $2,200 Main Event. This win not only marked a career milestone for Gazzola but also showcased his prowess and strategic acumen in the game.

Hailing from Hagerstown, Maryland, Gazzola has been steadily making a name for himself in the poker circuit. With total live earnings of $155,110 and a best live cash of $28,525, Gazzola has been climbing the ranks and establishing his presence. His recent victory at the Maryland State Poker Championship has almost doubled his previous earnings.

The championship, held at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Maryland, spanned from 31 July to 12 August, 2024. The event drew poker enthusiasts from around the globe, adding to the excitement and competitive spirit of the tournament.

How Gazzola started in the poker world

Gazzola’s journey to the top was not without its challenges. He faced stiff competition from PokerStars’ Parker Talbot, a formidable opponent known for his strategic gameplay and impressive track record. Talbot, who started playing poker while studying at Ottawa University, quickly became a high-stakes regular and a popular figure in the poker streaming scene on Twitch.

Despite the intense competition, Gazzola emerged victorious, denying Talbot the championship title. His win not only earned him a substantial prize but also the respect and recognition of the poker community.

Reflecting on the final day action, Gazzola’s performance was nothing short of impressive. He rose to the challenges of the game with strategic precision, outlasting his competitors and securing his place at the top. His victory was showcase of his skills, determination, and deep understanding of the game.

Gazzola’s win at the Maryland State Poker Championship leaves no doubt that we will see more great things from this promising player.

The Norwegian Poker Championship, the country’s most prestigious poker event, is set to return to Norway this September. This annual event, running from 28 September to 8 October, offers Norwegians a unique opportunity to participate in an organized poker festival on their home turf.

The championship comprises a series of 29 events, eight of which are open to international players. The series kicks off at noon CEST with the 2,500 Norwegian krone (kr) Big Bet Mix. Pre-registration began on 22 June via the Betzzi registration portal, with a fee of 20,000 kr, an amount designed to comply with the Norwegian government’s maximum global monthly loss limit.

Poker, a game of strategy and skill, has a rich history in Norway. Once considered a game for drifters and tricksters, played in smoke-filled casinos and dodgy back rooms of bars, poker has transformed into one of the world’s most popular card games. The game’s popularity in Norway surged after Chris Moneymaker’s unexpected victory at the World Series of Poker in 2003. Despite the country’s strict gambling laws, the government has relaxed some restrictions, allowing poker games to take place under certain circumstances.

The buy-ins for the championship tournaments are capped at 20,000 kr, while regional qualifiers have a limit of 5,000 kr. All events will take place at the Thon Congress Gardermoen, a conference centre located at the Thon Hotel Oslo Airport.

Last year’s championship was a memorable event.?The final table of the Main Event saw over 900 players whittled down to one champion, Lars Hareid, (in photo above), who walked away with the title and a prize of €110,768.?The championship also featured the participation of chess superstar and world champion Magnus Carlsen.

This year’s championship promises to be just as exciting, with high stakes, intense competition, and the thrill of the game that has captured the hearts of Norwegians and players worldwide. As the countdown to the championship begins, players are honing their skills and strategies, ready to go all-in for the ultimate poker showdown.

SiGMA East Europe Summit powered by Soft2Bet, happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September