Spanish Passion

About Spanish Passion

iGB is now accepting submissions for its 2026 Most Influential Women initiative. We’re looking for entries reflecting the vast diversity of the sector and its talent, across all markets, channels and departments.

We will accept admissions via this form until 1 October. Please do nominate all the impressive women around you, including peers, friends, colleagues, bosses, partners and even yourselves!

Initiatives like MIW help the sector shine a light on those championing change and charting the industry’s next big movements.

What is Spanish Passion?

Lottomatica and Cirsa have agreed a blockbuster merger that would create the second-largest listed gaming and sports betting operator in the world.

Announced on Wednesday, the all-share deal is expected to close in Q2 2027, forming a combined group with a pro forma adjusted EBITDA of around €2 billion ($2.3 billion).

Cirsa’s implied pro forma value, before synergies, corresponds to an multiple of approximately 6x its expected 2026 EV/EBITDA which will be between €800 million and €820 million, according to the operator’s most recent earnings.

About Spanish Passion

Ruby is being funded by numerous gaming entities that want to see Alabama legalize gambling and sports betting. His donor list, along with VGW, includes DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

VGW gave $20,000 to state Sen. Andrew Jones (R-District 10) and $15,000 to Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger (R-District 4). State Sens. Donnie Chesteen (R-District 29) and Will Barfoot (R-District 25), along with Republican candidate John Roberts, who is running in the second district, each received $10,000 from VGW.

Longtime gaming and lottery advocate, Sen. Greg Albritton (R-District 22), also collected a $10,000 check from the sweepstakes firm.