Hearthstone

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The existence of a new competitor does not automatically mean sportsbook revenue will collapse. But valuations do not require proof of collapse to fall. A loss of confidence in future growth can be enough.

And now sportsbooks are joining the prediction market race themselves. DraftKings has moved into the market, while Flutter is also developing its presence. That could make prediction markets an additional source of revenue rather than a straightforward threat.

But it also requires investment at exactly the time shareholders are demanding better returns. Flutter’s recent results illustrate the tension. US adjusted EBITDA fell sharply in the first half of 2026, while the company continues to invest in FanDuel Predicts and other initiatives aimed at future growth.

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While VIP managers welcomed AI for prioritising their workload, the report suggested they remained cautious about delegating a final judgment to opaque automated systems. 

The report’s authors noted that VIP managers “are not asking to be replaced” but desire tools that assist by triaging and pointing out priority players, while humans maintain relationship control and make final decisions.

Respondents identified several priorities for improving VIP operations. These included an integrated system combining player data, communication history and task management. 

What is Hearthstone?

Allwyn has announced the appointment of former Playtech executive Francesco Rodano as its new group head of responsible gaming. 

Rodano spent almost ten years spearheading policy at Playtech as the supplier’s chief policy officer. Then between January last year and August 2026, he led its global player-protection efforts as chief sustainable gambling officer.

During his tenure, Rodano was instrumental in deploying an AI-powered behavioural analytics platform, BetBuddy, which is designed to identify and intervene in potentially harmful gambling behaviours.