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Veteran businessman and pioneer in the sports betting industry, David Power, has unfortunately passed away at the age of 77. Known for his role as the founder of Paddy Power, his influence and innovations in this sector will be greatly missed.

Irish entrepreneur and founder of sports betting company Paddy Power, David Power, passes away at the age of 77.

Sports betting pioneer and Paddy Power founder David Power passes away at the age of 77.
Sports betting pioneer and Paddy Power founder David Power passes away at the age of 77.

Veteran businessman and pioneer in the sports betting industry, David Power, has unfortunately passed away at the age of 77. Known for his role as the founder of Paddy Power, his influence and innovations in this sector will be greatly missed.

David Power, co-founder of Paddy Power and a key figure in the rise of Flutter Entertainment, has passed away at the age of 77 in Dublin's Beacon Hospital. Power's passing marks the end of an era for the gambling industry, where he played a significant role in shaping its landscape.

Born into a family active in the industry since 1895, Power's career as a bookmaker was predetermined from birth. However, he initially aimed for a career in accountancy before joining the family business full-time at the tender age of 23, following his father's death.

In 1988, Power co-founded Paddy Power with Stewart Kenny and John Corcoran. In the early days, Power expanded the branch network, starting with 40 betting offices. The company's growth continued, culminating in its merger with Betfair in 2016, forming Flutter Entertainment, a global powerhouse in the gambling and sports betting market.

Paddy Power was the first bookmaker to launch its own app in 2010, a move that revolutionised the industry and set the stage for its future growth. Today, there are hundreds of betting offices bearing the Paddy Power logo, a testament to the brand's enduring popularity.

Flutter Entertainment's portfolio includes other prominent brands such as Betfair, FanDuel, and Pokerstars. The company's strategic acquisitions and expansions have enhanced its position in the market, with recent highlights including the acquisition of 54.6% of The Stars Group (owner of PokerStars) in 2025, and securing full ownership of FanDuel, a leading US sports betting and online gaming brand. These moves have significantly contributed to the success of Flutter Entertainment, making it one of the largest gambling corporations worldwide.

Under the leadership of CEO Peter Jackson, Flutter Entertainment continues to focus on international market expansion and leveraging media partnerships to capture US sports betting opportunities. The company's strategic partnerships, such as FanDuel teaming with CME Group to offer innovative betting products on stocks and commodities, reflect its commitment to innovation and growth.

Flutter Entertainment is not only economically successful but also socially committed, donating millions of dollars to charitable causes in 2023. As we bid farewell to David Power, we remember his contributions to the rise of Flutter Entertainment and the impact he has had on the gambling industry.

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