Hot Star

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Industry consultant Jari Vähänen, formerly a senior executive at Veikkaus, estimated the entire business could be valued at up to €4.5 billion following the liberalisation of the market.

Veikkaus is adjusting to a partial liberalisation of Finland’s gambling market under the new Gambling Act, which was ratified in January 2026. 

From July 2027, the company will lose exclusivity over betting and iCasino products, which will become licence-based, while retaining exclusive rights for lottery games, scratchcards, slot machines and physical table games. 

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On Tuesday, OpenBet announced it had agreed to acquire sportsbook specialist OmniLogic. 

According to OpenBet, the deal is aimed at strengthening the supplier’s presence in regulated lottery markets and expanding its sportsbook capabilities tailored for Tier 1 operators. 

The deal, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to be finalised later in 2026.

About Hot Star

Stella David, Entain’s CEO, called for the government to move ahead with the ban immediately, arguing clubs were already aware of the planned changes.

“Premier League clubs that have struck new deals with unlicensed gambling operators knew the risks,” she said. “The government made clear in February that it would bring in a ban and it should do so immediately: even if that means clubs ordering new kit mid-season.

“Inconvenience is not an excuse for inaction.”