Welcome to the Weekend Report, where iGB looks at the news that you may have missed across the last few days. This week: Betfred warns of UK shop closures, Dutch Lottery financial officer exits and Kambi pens Betnation deal in the Netherlands.
Betfred could close all UK shops
Bookmaker Betfred has warned it could close all its UK high street betting ships if gambling taxes rise as feared.
According to The Guardian, Betfred is considering shutting all 1,287 of its shops. This would put 7,500 jobs at risk across the UK.
The government is considering introducing higher tax rates for gambling companies active in the UK. Chancellor Rachel Reeves will set out the plans during November’s budget.
Flutter Entertainment also recently said it plans to close shops in the UK and Ireland. Entain and Evoke also said they could shut branches in response to higher tax.
Aerssen departs Dutch Lottery
The Dutch Lottery has announced that Jet Roos-van Aerssen is stepping down as chief financial and risk officer (CFRO).
Aerssen worked for the operator since May last year, having succeeded Arjan Blok as CFRO. Blok went on to become CEO of the Dutch Lottery.
Prior to joining the organisation, Roos-van Aerssen worked in various international and national financial roles. This included stints with Talpa Network, Aegon and General Electric.
“Jet has made a significant impact on our organisation and our contribution to sports and exercise in the past year-and-a-half,” Blok said. “We have come to know her as a professional and appreciate her commitment to the Dutch Lottery. We wish Jet every success in the future.”
Kambi scores betting partnership with Betnation
Also in the Netherlands, Kambi Group has agreed to a multi-year partnership with online operator Betnation.
Kambi will deliver its turnkey sportsbook solution to Betnation in the country. This includes a range of sports betting technology and services, such as a betting engine and trading and risk management capabilities.
Betnation has operated an online casino in the Netherlands since October 2022.
“Kambi’s reputation for excellence, cutting-edge technology and a commitment to regulated markets made them the natural choice as our new sportsbook provider,” Betnation CEO Robert Schouten said.
BetMGM extends with NFL’s Steelers
BetMGM has extended its partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL.
The deal will run to 2029, with BetMGM serving as an official sports betting, online casino and gaming partner.
BetMGM and the Steelers will introduce new fan-focused experiences, as well as continue the “Decade of Black & Gold Sweepstakes”. The latter awards one fan in Pennsylvania or West Virginia with 10 years of season tickets and hospitality tent passes for Steelers home games.
“This partnership extension allows BetMGM to continue delivering experiences that reflect the energy and passion of Steelers Nation,” said Casey Hurbis, BetMGM chief marketing officer.
Svenska Spel details community funding programme
Svenska Spel has launched a new initiative to fund local sports clubs in the Gotland region of Sweden.
Föreningsdrömmen Gotland will distribute SEK1 million ($106,124) each year. This will see 10 clubs in the region receive SEK100,000 each.
Clubs interested in the funding can begin to apply from 12 November. Funds can be used to fund equipment, travel, camps or support their own initiatives.
“Sports are an important meeting place for children and young people. It is where joy is born, where dreams grow and where community takes shape,” Svenska Spel CEO and President Anna Johnson said. “With Föreningsdrömmen, we want to give more people the chance to be involved and feel the joy and belonging that sports create.”
Betfred, the Dutch Lottery and Kambi all feature in the Weekend Report.