Betfair co-founder Andrew Black made headlines recently with a heartfelt tribute to a nurse who cared for him during a heart attack he suffered on Boxing Day 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Black, a noted figure in the gambling industry, thanked Breege Skeffington, a Coronary Care Unit Manager at St George’s Hospital in London, by naming a prize-winning racehorse after her. This gesture highlights the importance of developing personal connections and brings Betfair back into the spotlight amid a transformative time for the company.

Racing ahead with gratitude

Lockdown restrictions in 2021 meant that Black faced a gruelling recovery process and had to do this without the comfort of friends and family. During his time in hospital, Skeffington’s kindness shone through as she spent time talking to Black about horses and racing. Black described this support as transformative and said, “Her taking the time out to keep me company really meant something to me, as recovering from a heart attack is a difficult situation. 

“I felt so vulnerable being in hospital, and she really helped me.” 

The nurse’s namesake horse has since become a champion, winning prestigious races, including one with a pulse-racing £280,000 prize (US$ $341,600 USD/€324,800). While watching Royal Ascot on TV, Skeffington only discovered the tribute, where Black shared the story. Later, she met the filly at Goodwood Racecourse and said, “I am honoured and privileged that Andrew has named one of his thoroughbred horses after me.”

Black’s gratitude highlights the broader dedication of healthcare workers who played vital roles during the pandemic.

Betfair and Flutter Entertainment’s 2024 story

This story coincides with a significant year for Betfair and its parent company, Flutter Entertainment. Flutter’s portfolio includes FanDuel, Sky Betting & Gaming, Sportsbet, PokerStars and Paddy Power, and it has faced both challenges and opportunities, mainly because of unpredictability in sports betting.

In late 2024, Flutter revised its U.S. revenue projections after a streak of NFL wins for bettors. This significantly impacted the gross gaming revenue (GGR) projection to the tune of US$438 million (£354.78 million/€407.34 million). Flutter also predicted a US$260 million (£210.6 million/€241.8 million) hit to adjusted earnings before EBITDA because of this.

Flutter called the 2024-25 NFL season the most “customer friendly” since online sports betting’s inception. Promotions, boosted odds, and prop bets fuelled bettor engagement but also inflated liabilities. A significant loss of US$74 million (£59.94 million/€68.82 million) occurred when the Detroit Lions defeated the San Francisco 49ers.

Despite this late setback in 2024, the UK and the English Premier League yielded favourable outcomes for Flutter, raising their estimated 2024 revenue and adjusting their EBITDA figures. On the brighter side, Flutter Entertainment predicts that its core profit will double by 2027, with the U.S. accounting for almost half.

Technology and responsible gaming

Betfair and Flutter remain committed to innovation and responsible gaming. They invested in AI-driven player protection systems and real-time data analysis tools to enhance their platforms. This is a win-win situation for their customers and safer gambling practices, which was heavily highlighted at the European Safer Gambling Week in late 2024.

Mobile gaming’s dominance has shaped Betfair’s strategy. 70 percent of bets are now placed on mobile devices. Live streaming, personalised recommendations and instant deposits are features that have made the Betfair app a favourite among punters. Flutter continues to modernise and optimise its apps to ensure seamless and more secure experiences for its global customer base.

Additionally, Flutter continues introducing customer-focused initiatives such as loyalty programmes and enhanced in-play betting features.

Future projects and market expansion

Looking ahead, Flutter forecasts considerable growth driven by international markets. The U.S. and Brazil are key territories. The company projects to double its core profit there by 2027. As previously stated, the U.S. market is expected to contribute almost 50 percent to Flutter’s revenue.

Flutter also remains committed to sustainability, and its ESG (environmental, social and governance) initiatives include transitioning to renewable energy by 2030. Its efforts synchronise with broader industry trends. Today’s younger market expects operators to balance profitability with environmental responsibility. Furthermore, Flutter’s economic contributions, like job creation and tax revenues, play a key role in its predominant markets.

Challenges and opportunities

Flutter’s recent setbacks show the unpredictable nature of sports betting. Bookies enjoy an easy ride for so long, and unexpected outcomes affect operator margins. Flutter’s resilience is rooted in its ability to adapt. Refining promotions and leveraging in-play betting is a delicate balance between mitigating risk and maintaining customer engagement and retention.

Broader regulatory issues also present challenges. Navigating differing rules throughout the global gaming landscape presents challenges and requires first-rate compliance strategies.

With 2025 promising a packed sporting calendar full of punts, prizes, and betting surprises, including marquee events in many sports, Flutter should capitalise on heightened betting activity and the bets put on by the causal bettor. The competitive sports betting market demands continuous evolution to succeed in a crowded market.

Beyond the boardroom

Andrew Black’s tribute to Breege Skeffington is a cautionary tale that there is life beyond the boardroom. Human connections persist despite the cutthroat nature of fast-paced industries such as iGaming.

For Betfair and Flutter, 2024 is a testament to resilience in the face of challenges. 2025 sees vast opportunities for those who evolve with the ever-changing landscape. Operators focusing on innovation, sustainability, and community engagement will remain at the forefront of the iGaming industry.

Andrew Black’s journey reflects the delicate balance between humanity and profitability, demonstrating how quickly things can change. In this competitive world, Betfair and Flutter Entertainment’s future relies on localisation and how they can stay in tune with the needs of their customers.

*A heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI) is a serious medical emergency in which the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. and also offers . Call your local emergency number immediately if you think someone may be having a heart attack – the faster you act, the better the chances of recovery.

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