Mega Thunder

About Mega Thunder

Fred Done, the 83-year-old founder of Betfred and Britain’s highest-paying taxpayer this year, has issued a stark warning about the impact of further tax increases on the gambling industry. 

In an interview with the Financial Times over the weekend, Done cautioned that additional tax hikes could result in widespread betting shop closures, harm related sectors such as horse racing and accelerate the decline of the high street.

Betfred currently operates approximately 1,094 retail shops across the UK. Done highlighted the concrete risks of Machine Gaming Duty – taxes on gambling machines – doubling from 20% to 40%, a move reportedly under consideration by Chancellor John Healey ahead of the Autumn Budget.

What is Mega Thunder?

Angelozzi, who is set to lead the combined company as CEO, told analysts on the post-announcement call that the deal was expected to be a “low-risk proposition” given the consistent growth demonstrated by both Lottomatica and Cirsa in recent years.

Between H1 2024 to H1 2026, Lottomatica and Cirsa have grown their revenues at CAGRs of 13% and 11% respectively.

“The combined entity will be able to deliver the same rate of growth and the same rate of shareholder distribution, but with a larger pro forma free float and liquidity,” Angelozzi outlined.

How to play Mega Thunder

Pragmatic Play Enters South Africa with CDP Gaming Technologies Deal

Pragmatic Play, a leading game content provider to the gaming industry, has confirmed a partnership with CDP Gaming Technologies to take multiple verticals live with the leading South African brand, Yesplay.

The supplier has entered into a partnership distribution agreement with CDP Gaming Technologies (Holders of Manufacturers License in South Africa), a B2B partnership that will allow CDP to resell Pragmatic Play products in South Africa. The supplier will make its market debut by initially providing its Live Casino offering throughout the nation, with Slots and Virtual Sports to be provided in the near future.