On Thursday, the Kentucky Supreme Court gave an important ruling in The Stars Group case. Kentucky gambling market will now witness Flutter Entertainment paying $1.3 billion to The Stars Group.

Award reinstated by the court

Judging against Irish bookmaker Flutter Entertainment, the Supreme Court reinstated a $1.3 billion award. The original award was made by the Franklin Circuit Court for $870 million. The case was brought about by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 2010. The payment did not include interest payment. It is likely that the commonwealth goes after interest payments as well.

Democratic governor Andy Beshear commented on the ruling and said,

“This will never be enough to make up for the damage to Kentucky families and to the state from their years of irresponsible and criminal actions, but this is a good day for Kentucky.”

Talking to local news station Wtvq-Tv, he said that this ruling provides the state a better position to emerge from the pandemic. It would help Kentuckian families, uplift their business, and provide quality health care. He also talked about providing strengthening the state’s public school system and bring good news for teachers and other public employees.

Is Flutter planning a legal recourse?

Flutter Entertainment owns brands like Paddy Power Betfair. It merged with The Stars Group in 2019. The company is currently looking at its legal options. It said that the case is related to subsidiaries of The Stars Group before the companies merged. The firm highlighted that the Supreme Court has reinstated the $870 million award made in 2015 with a 12% per annum interest.

It noted that the gross gaming revenues that The Stars Group earned during the relevant period were only $18 million. It said that the group is confident that the amount payable will be smaller than the reinstated judgement.