Peter Jackson took over the day-to-day running of the betting group in January of last year.

Paddy Power-Betfair has poured cold water on suggestions the US betting market could substantially open up in the wake of Pennsylvania liberalising its gaming laws.

Paddy Power shareholders are in line for a fresh €80m windfall, via a special dividend payout, if the leading Irish betting services firm succeeds in its planned merger with UK-based online rival, Betfair.