Balloon Mania

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Jean-Michel Costes has also left the board after concluding his role at France’s Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ). 

Costes was involved with GREF at a time when numerous European regulators, including the ANJ, focused on tightening advertising regulations and boosting player protection frameworks. The forum thanked Costes for his dedicated service.

Replacing Miller as treasurer is Ian Angus, director of policy at the UK Gambling Commission where, since 2020, he has been closely engaged in policy development. This includes the Gambling Act white paper and its recommendations on financial risk assessments.

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It noted the role of machine gaming revenue in sustaining shops outside of race days, which in turn supports local economic activity, including around £50 million annually devoted to British horse racing. 

Entain warned that a sharp rise in MGD could prompt customers to migrate out of the regulated market, estimating that up to £1 billion in gambling stakes could shift to the black market.

The company cited analyses from the Office for Budget Responsibility which suggested previous gambling tax rises had reduced expected tax receipts, including a £500m reduction in forecast receipts for 2029-30. This revenue, writes David, would flow to the black market. 

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Greg Abel took over as CEO of the $1 trillion organization in early 2026. While Buffett continued to visit the office daily, he indicated he is now ready for a slower pace.

“Recently, I celebrated my 96th birthday with family and friends, including one of my great-grandchildren, who had just turned one. He’s moving a bit faster than I am these days,” Buffett wrote in a letter to shareholders. The billionaire credited Abel with exceeding his “sky-high” expectations, giving him complete confidence in completing the transition.

“The timing is right. I will become chairman emeritus and remain a director. My son, Howard, will succeed me as chairman,” Buffett told investors. “The company is in excellent hands, and I look forward to remaining a shareholder alongside you.”