Paddy Power film project to explore bookmaker’s rise and industry impact

Paddy Power film project is set to bring the bookmaker’s story to cinemas. Playhouse Studios, based in Ireland, is producing the film. The story is adapted from 'Punters: How Paddy Power Bet Billions and Changed Gambling Forever,' published in 2021 by Aaron Rogan, Deputy Editor at Business Post.

The film will explore the journey of the company from its early days to its place as a global betting brand. The project aims to capture the mix of ambition, risk, and controversy that shaped the operator’s path.

Cast, direction and story origins

A group of well-known Irish actors will appear in the film, including Brian Gleeson, Colm Meaney, Alex Murphy and Aidan Gillen. Matt Lipsey, who directed several episodes of 'Ted Lasso,' will lead the project as director. Playhouse Studios confirmed the news in November 2026 by sharing the Variety article on LinkedIn.

The film’s script is based on Rogan’s book, which details how the company’s founders used bold advertising and unconventional tactics to build a major betting business. Playhouse Studios’ CEO, Peggy Cafferty, praised Rogan's writing and said the creative team captured the company’s rise and the risks it took.

She described the production as fearless and said the narrative will appeal to audiences beyond Ireland, focusing on the drama and wit of the true story.

Stewart Kenny’s influence and critical voice

The film will focus on Stewart Kenny, co-founder and former CEO of the operator. Kenny was central to the company’s early advertising, which helped it stand out in the betting sector. He has since become a vocal critic of the gambling industry.

The synopsis describes the story as showing how a few risk-takers changed betting, but also highlights the dangers and social costs linked to gambling. Kenny’s current stance as an industry critic adds another layer to the film’s perspective.

The project is expected to draw interest from those inside and outside the betting world, given Kenny’s journey from leader to outspoken opponent.

From local bookmaker to global group

The company began as a bookmaker in Ireland and Britain, growing into a major force in both markets. In 2015, it merged with Betfair, forming a dominant group in the region. The operator’s 2018 purchase of FanDuel in the United States marked its entry into the US market.

In 2020, the business changed its name to Flutter Entertainment. Flutter now operates in around 100 countries and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, with a market value above $14 billion.

The group includes brands such as Sky Betting and Gaming and Betfair, and is one of the two largest operators in the US through FanDuel.

Film themes and production details

The film will highlight how the operator’s founders changed betting through bold marketing and risk-taking. The synopsis says the story will show both ambition and the potential dangers of gambling, noting that hundreds of thousands of lives have been affected. Cafferty said the story stands out for its scale, dark humour, and tenacity.

No one with a current or former stake in the company or in Flutter Entertainment is involved in the film. There is no official release date for the project yet, but the production has generated interest within the sector and beyond.