Paddy Power

History and Founding

Paddy Power was born in 1988 when Stewart Kenny, David Power, and John Corcoran – each running small, independent bookmaking chains – combined their 40 shops to compete with larger British entrants entering the Irish market. The name “Paddy Power” was chosen partly as a proud Irish statement and partly because it was the name of David Power’s son. From the outset, the company cultivated a cheeky, anti-establishment brand identity that resonated with Irish punters, prioritising customer service and relatable humour over the stiff corporate image of its competitors.

Digital Transformation and Growth

The digital transformation began in 2000 with the purchase of paddypower.com, a pioneering move that allowed Paddy Power to capture a growing online audience. The online platform soon surpassed the retail business in revenue, and in 2000 the company listed on both the Irish and London Stock Exchanges. Paddy Power continued to innovate: it launched the first bookmaker app on the Apple App Store in 2010, and its “#WhatOddsPaddy” feature – a curated feed of bets placed by other users – became a hallmark of social betting.

Merger and Corporate Evolution

In 2016, the company merged with Betfair to form Paddy Power Betfair, a transaction that created a global gambling leader with combined strengths in sportsbook and exchange betting. The group was renamed Flutter Entertainment in 2019. Under Flutter, Paddy Power has retained its distinct brand while benefiting from the group’s scale, technology, and regulatory expertise. The brand continues to operate both online (sportsbook, casino, poker, bingo, daily fantasy sports) and through a network of retail betting shops in Ireland and the UK.

Marketing and Sponsorships

Paddy Power is renowned for its high-profile marketing stunts – such as offering refunds on losing bets due to controversial events – and for its charitable partnerships, including donating over £2 million to Prostate Cancer UK through its World Darts Championship sponsorship. In 2025, it became the NFL’s official sportsbook partner in the UK and Ireland, launching a free-to-play game. The company has also been a vocal advocate for responsible gambling, with co-founder Stewart Kenny publicly describing gambling as a “major social problem” and calling for stricter regulation.

Present Day

Today, Paddy Power is fully integrated into Flutter Entertainment’s structure, with its leadership reporting through Flutter International. The brand remains a top-tier player in the UK and Irish markets, known for its idiosyncratic “punter-first” ethos and continuous product innovation.