Paddy Power's Founding Story Is Being Adapted into a Film

Playhouse Studios is working on a feature film that tells the founding story of Irish betting brand Paddy Power. According to the production's synopsis, the story will explore the growth of the gambling industry and its human cost.

The project is based on the book Punters: How Paddy Power Bet Billions and Changed Gambling Forever by journalist Aaron Rogan, published in 2021. The book describes how Paddy Power grew from a betting shop in Ireland into a major gambling business. Co-founder and former managing director Stewart Kenny is at the centre of the story.

The brand later became part of Flutter Entertainment following its merger with Betfair. According to the production's synopsis, the film will address the problem of addiction alongside the expansion of the industry. This project will be the first original screenplay production from Playhouse Studios to be announced.

The cast will include Brian Gleeson, Colm Meaney, Alex Murphy and Aidan Gillen. Matt Lipsey, known for his work on the series Ted Lasso, is preparing to direct. Dale Longmore and John Quinn are adapting the book, and they are writing the screenplay together with Brian Durnin.

Playhouse Studios managing director Peggy Cafferty said the story combines dark comedy with the consequences of the company's rise. Rogan said he began reporting on Paddy Power ten years ago and expressed his satisfaction that the studio has taken an interest in this story. The release date of the film has not yet been announced.