Launches and sign-ups 11 December 2013
Launches and sign-ups from the egaming industry in the last seven days (5 December to 11 December 2013)
Ladbrokes begins migration to Mobenga platform
iOS and Android apps launched last week as operator moves to Playtech software
Ladbrokes has begun the migration of its mobile sportsbook customers to its new Mobenga platform with the release of an overhauled mobile app.
Ladbrokes released the updated version of its sportsbook application to iOS customers on Sunday and a company spokesperson informed eGaming Review that Android customers are to follow today, with the migration expected to be completed by the end of the week.
The app release comes as part of a phased roll-out of the platform, with various features to be added in the coming weeks.
The migration to the Playtech-owned Mobenga platform comes as part of a wider migration to Playtech’s egaming software suite first announced in March this year and now considered integral to rejuvenating Ladbrokes’ poor digital performance.
Playtech wins Holland Casino online contract
Dutch casino monopoly Holland Casino has selected Playtech as its partner to launch online gambling products once the country’s regulation permits.
The deal represents a coup for Playtech given Holland Casino’s strong brand presence in the Netherlands and the likelihood it will be the first operator allowed to launch online gaming products.
Playtech will develop a platform for Holland Casino, which will include roulette, blackjack, slot machines, bingo and poker.
Seven days in launches and sign-ups:
888 in major sportsbook advertising push
Gibraltar-licensed operator 888 has launched a new UK advertising campaign backed by a “significant investment” as the company looks to grow its sportsbook business prior to the FIFA World Cup.
The ‘Bet You Can’ campaign, which was created in partnership with branding agency BEAR, will run on Channel 4 and Sky TV channels, as well as through outdoor advertising, mobile and online.
The campaign comes after 888 signed a deal with Unibet’s B2B subsidiary Kambi Sports Solutions in May to receive a fully managed sportsbook solution.
Ladbrokes to leave Microgaming for iPoker this month
Ladbrokes will complete its switch from Microgaming’s poker network to Playtech’s iPoker by the end of this month as the operator’s egaming overhaul gathers pace.
The move signals a further step forward in the operator’s migration to Playtech’s suite of egaming software, which Ladbrokes hopes to complete early next year.
News of the switch comes in the same week that Unibet also announced its intention to leave Microgaming’s MPN in favour of a standalone poker product developed in partnership with Relax Gaming.
Sportech and NYX Gaming enter US partnership
Sportech has extended its product range in the US market to include gaming after entering a joint venture with NYX Gaming Group to provide B2B services to licensed operators in regulated states.
The partnership will see Sportech able to offer a full suite of games including bingo, casino, poker, and slots via the NYX platform to potential new licensees, as well as Sportech’s racetrack and casino clients across the US.
Sportech and NYX will each hold a 50% interest in the joint venture company, and will equally share both the set-up costs “ expected to be less than $400,000 “ and the profits.
Easyodds launches brand new website and in-play service
Odds comparison site and leading affiliate easyodds has this week unveiled its revamped website featuring a new in-play service.
The in-running function enables customers to monitor and compare live up-to-the-minute odds from six leading operators across a number of sports including football, tennis and darts.
Easyodds said the service will be enhanced over time with the addition of further sports and the provision of in-running statistics and other features.
Sportech forecasts upgraded as Data Tote deal cleared
Sportech’s acquisition of greyhound and horse race betting services provider Data Tote has been cleared by the UK Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
The £3.1m deal was first announced in September, however the OFT asked for comments on the transaction on 4 November and Sportech stated it was willing to fully co-operate with the trade body to ensure the deal went through.
Having assessed the acquisition for its potential effect on the tote betting technology sector, the OFT found it to not qualify for further inspection or referral to the Competition Commission, and has now cleared the deal to complete.