SAMBA

What is SAMBA?

In May, the NFL sent a letter to the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission with a list of certain event contracts it deemed objectionable. By July, the league doubled down with public comments to the CFTC after the agency issued draft regulations for the contracts. The NFL cited props on player injuries, penalty totals and missed field goals as those that fit the bill. Goodell, however, conceded that the NFL has held discussions regarding prediction markets as public policy evolves.

Two other leagues, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League, have each signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the CFTC that allows participating teams to partner with the operators.

“We don’t think we have to be first in this, we feel like we’re going to be right,” Goodell said. “The best thing to do is be patient and make sure you keep the integrity of the game number one.”

About SAMBA

OpenBet describes OmniLogic as “the partner of choice for lotteries worldwide”.

Nikos Konstakis (pictured above), president of OpenBet, described the acquisition as “a natural extension” of the company’s ongoing strategy to serve operators in the most regulated and demanding markets. 

He emphasised lotteries were a pivotal focus area for future growth, saying they “remain the core focus of our growth strategy, and OmniLogic has built a strong reputation in this sector through long‑standing customer partnerships and a deep understanding of their requirements”.

About SAMBA

The company has committed to paying market-based compensation for exclusive operations, estimated at around €1 billion for a 10-year licence period, with a significant front-loaded payment scheduled for 2026.

In further preparations for the competitive market, Veikkaus this week joined the market’s trade body, the Finnish Gambling Association, which has long lobbied for market liberalisation.

Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.