Flutter Considers Italian Lottery Licence Bid in Partnership with Scientific Games
Flutter is reportedly considering a joint bid for Italy’s national lottery licence alongside Scientific Games and private equity firm Brookfield. While the operator has not confirmed the move, recent statements and strategic developments suggest a growing interest in the bid.
Speculation Around Flutter’s Lottery Ambitions
Gambling Insider has reached out to Flutter regarding reports of a potential collaboration with Scientific Games for an Italian lottery bid through Sisal, its local lottery brand. However, the operator declined to comment, instead referring to previous statements made during its Q4 earnings call.
During the call, Flutter’s CFO Rob Coldrake addressed inquiries about the company’s bidding strategy, stating:
“We’re not going to talk about our bidding strategy. It’s commercially sensitive. We will be very disciplined and to the extent that we go ahead, we will put on as good a show as we can.”
Scientific Games has also been contacted for comment, but no official response has been provided.
Strengthening Market Presence Through Acquisitions
The potential bid follows Flutter’s acquisition of Pluto (Italia), the parent company of online casino operator Snaitech, in early March. The move, pending regulatory approval, has drawn criticism from local campaigners, who argue that Flutter’s growing presence in both the lottery and online gambling sectors could lead to aggressive cross-selling tactics.
Market analysts had anticipated that Flutter’s approach to the Italian lottery licence would be addressed in its earnings report. CEO Peter Jackson confirmed that the company was still evaluating its strategy, stating that Flutter was “pulling thoughts together” ahead of the 17 March application deadline. However, the latest reports suggest that a decision may already have been made, with Scientific Games positioned as a key partner.
Scientific Games’ Role in the Lottery Industry
Scientific Games brings extensive lottery expertise to the table, having recently secured a 10-year contract to operate the New Mexico Lottery. The company also maintains partnerships with major lottery operators such as FDJ in France and Allwyn, the UK’s national lottery licence holder.
A partnership between Flutter and Scientific Games could strengthen their position in the Italian lottery market, leveraging their combined expertise in gaming products and services. However, concerns about potential competitive advantages and market dominance may continue to draw scrutiny from regulatory authorities.