A spectacular deal made with one eye across the Atlantic

Even in an industry which has seen big name after big name snap up rivals or join forces over the last decade, the deal to bring together Flutter Entertainment and The Stars Group is spectacular.

Fierce competition, ever more stringent regulation and increased taxation have been the drivers behind the gambling sector's consolidation but this is a deal done with more than one eye on the potential riches in the United States.

The US Supreme Court's decision last year to legalise sports betting has led to a stampede from European operators to gain a foothold in a market predicted to surpass that of the United Kingdom by 2023.