Launches and sign-ups 19 August 2015
Launches and sign-ups from the egaming industry in the last seven days (13 August 2015 to 19 August 2015)
GBG announces deal with Playtech
GBG has signed a deal with Playtech to offer a number of its licensees instant, global ID verification through its IMS platform.
The deal will ensure that a number of Playtech’s customers are offered instant access to the world’s leading identity intelligence solutions without the need for further integration or technical infrastructure.
Playtech has more than 120 global licensees, including some of the world’s biggest gaming and betting brands, all of which have access to its advanced platforms, software, industry-leading content and technology.
“In the gaming sector, operators are keen to build an environment of trust that protects both player and business. That starts with the collection and verification of the personal data that gets shared across a player’s lifecycle,” Peter Murray, head of gaming at GBG, said.
Betsafe tells customers they can’t win in new ad campaign
Betsson brand tackles “elephant in the room” in attempt to appeal to bettors’ competitive nature
Betsafe is attempting to differentiate itself from market rivals with its new “honest” advertising campaign in which it tells customers they are destined to lose, following research that revealed punters feel patronised by most bookies’ marketing.
The campaign, which has been given the tagline “no bullshit betting”, is led by a television advert featuring a champagne-quaffing chief executive gloating about her success at running a betting business.
“Life is all about the challenge – who celebrates the status quo? I certainly don’t and I’ve turned that mind-set into making a living – a good living at your expense,” the chief exec tells the camera.
“Betting it’s actually quite simple – when you lose, we win. When you win, in some ways we still win because winners want to keep winning,” she adds.
Oddschecker unveils on-site betting functionality
Oddschecker has launched an upgrade of its desktop product featuring a new design and integrated betting functionality which allows customers to place bets without leaving the odds comparison site for the first time.
The beta version of the sports betting affiliate’s website has been in development for several months and will initially run alongside its main web product, enabling the firm to test new ideas and features.
On-site betting functionality is already available on Oddschecker’s mobile products, however desktop players were previously referred to bookmakers’ websites when clicking through the price comparison site.
Seven days in launches and sign-ups:
Ladbrokes Aus unveils industry-first Cash In tool
Ladbrokes Australia customers can now top up their online accounts with cash at their local newsagent, thanks to a new tool launched by the operator last week.
The Ladbrokes Cash In technology has been rolled out to over 1,000 newsagents throughout the country, meaning punters can hand over cash at the counter and immediately bet with it online.
The operator said the move “completed the cash cycle” for the online customer, having launched a Ladbrokes ATM card last year allowing instant access to online funds.
Sportech confirms Contagious Gaming acquisition talks
Sportech has confirmed it has received a proposal from Toronto-based gaming and software supplier Contagious Gaming to acquire the firm in its entirety.
In a statement Sportech said an offer from Contagious Gaming, if made, would be above the London-based firm’s current share price of 62.63p as of 13 August.
The deal, if approved by Sportech shareholders, would compromise a majority in cash and the remaining balance in new Contagious Gaming shares.
Amaya enters daily fantasy sports market via Vicitv acquisition
Amaya Gaming last week announced it has entered the daily fantasy sports (DFS) sector after acquiring Texas-based operator Victiv for an undisclosed sum.
The Montreal-based gaming giant said the current Victiv team would manage its new DFS business, which will be rebranded to StarsDraft.
The site will initially launch on StarsDraft.com in select US markets and will later be made available through the PokerStars platform.
Mr Green makes Italy debut
Online casino operator Mr Green has launched in the Italian market, seven months after agreeing to acquire mybet Italia and its accompanying licence.
Mr Green CEO Per Norman confirmed to eGaming Review that the firm was now live in the country ahead of Friday’s Q2 results, adding that the firm had added a “large number of games” for the launch.
While the Italian regulator AAMS requires new entrants to hold a licence, it is not currently issuing new licences to operators meaning acquisition was Mr Green’s only route into Italy.
Betfair strikes fifth Premier League partnership deal
Betfair has continued its aggressive marketing push into Premier League football after announcing a new sponsorship partnership with Southampton FC, its fifth such arrangement with a side in the most-watched league in the world.
The deal will see Betfair tap into Southampton’s ‘Predict The Score’ function which allows fans to guess the final result, first goal scorer and the minute of the first goal at home games.
“We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Southampton,” Stephen Mault, Betfair’s head of media, PR and sponsorship, said.
NetPlay TV completes £3.2m digital marketing acquisition
NetPlay TV has completed a £3.2m acquisition of digital marketing company Otherside Inc. as the SuperCasino.com and Vernons.com owner looks to diversify its business in a bid to boost revenues.
Under the terms of the deal the AIM-listed operator will pay an initial cash consideration of £2.7m and an additional £500,000 over a 12-month period depending on the performance of its new asset.
Otherside was founded in 2005 and provides digital marketing, display media and affiliate solutions to its customers via its proprietary online marketing platform.
Full Tilt to launch new rewards program
Full Tilt last week revealed details of its new rewards program called Players Club featuring a new progressive jackpot, with the move aimed at rebalancing its ecosystem and attracting more casual players.
Full Tilt managing director Dominic Mansour said the vast majority of players currently gain very little benefit from rewards schemes because they primarily reward players that “put in the most volume”.
“We are breaking that mould to ensure that more players receive more rewards and more entertainment than ever before,” Mansour said in a blog post on the Full Tilt website.
Tau Gaming readies debut TV marketing campaign
Former Metro Play MD Jamie Walters’ new egaming venture Tau Gaming is to launch its first TV marketing campaign next month, coinciding with the launch of a new slots product and expansion into a new offices.
The London-based operator’s debut TV advert for its SecretSlots brand, which launched in March, was created in collaboration with TV production company Koala Ltd and will air across multiple TV channels in September.
Speaking with eGaming Review, Walters said the ad aims to reinforce the online slots product’s core message of revealing secrets unavailable at other sites about the games to the players.