Exclusive: CORE Gaming execs re-enter UK market with slots studio start-up

Former CORE Gaming executives Justin Chamberlain and Frank Hutchinson are primed for a return to the UK’s online gambling market with slots studio start-up HungryBear Gaming.

The duo worked as director and COO for Midlands-based HTML5 casino content developer CORE Gaming respectively, before the company was acquired by Sky Betting & Gaming (SBG) in 2016.

The acquisition allowed SBG to develop exclusive content for its Sky Vegas brand, while the deal saw Chamberlain and Hutchinson sign a two-year non-compete restrictive covenant after leaving the business in 2018.

However, the contractual agreement ends this week and the pair have revealed plans to launch their new HungryBear Gaming brand in the UK and European online gambling markets.

The firm has been supplying slots content to Canadian and North American operators over the last few months via the Scientific Games SG Digital Connect platform, while an agreement has been reached with a major European aggregator as HungryBear Gaming eyes expansion on the continent.

“This new venture will see us pick up where we left off in the industry two years ago, but with far more experience of the sector and corporate experience courtesy of our previous acquisition by SBG,” said Chamberlain.

“We have an established and experienced team, contracts in Canada and the US already secured, live content, and a growing games portfolio already in the making.

“We are absolutely thrilled that some of the most talented and technically skilled members of the original CORE Gaming team have decided to follow us in this hugely exciting venture.

“It gave us the ability to start with a completely fresh approach with a full arsenal of knowledge and experience to supply highly immersive and innovative content from day one,” he added.

Chamberlain is also the CEO and founder of real-money online gaming ad network start-up Onload Media.