Vlad Kaltenieks, CEO of Boyle Sports, says higher taxes and regulatory change in the UK do not alter Boyle Sports’ long-term commitment to the market, outlining plans to invest up to £100 million over the next three years.
During a fireside chat at ICE Barcelona 2026, Kaltenieks tells Katie Goldfinch that the operator anticipates policy shifts when setting its strategy and views the evolving landscape as an opportunity rather than a setback.
“We are quite committed to continuing on the journey and finding the right opportunity for us,” he says, pointing to the strength of Boyle Sports’ racing-led proposition and its ability to blend retail and online experiences.
Kaltenieks added that differentiation comes from a personalised approach and a deep-rooted presence in racing, allowing customers to make more informed betting choices. This positioning enables the business to compete effectively with larger operators, even as costs rise.
Higher taxes, tighter regulation and a ‘cautious optimism’ strategy
With smaller operators expected to exit or seek partnerships under increased regulatory and tax pressure, consolidation could accelerate. Boyle Sports is open to M&A across digital and retail, provided opportunities align with its UK and Ireland focus, according to Kaltenieks.
In Ireland, the company welcomes formal regulation and the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, having already adopted voluntary codes and contributed to responsible gambling initiatives.
While acknowledging opportunities in Europe and Africa, “we’ve decided to focus purely on the UK and Ireland”, he adds, describing the outlook for 2026 as one of “cautious optimism”.
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