Launches and sign-ups 13 April 2016
Launches and sign-ups from the egaming industry in the last seven days (7 April 2016 to 13 April 2016)
Playtech unveils ‘Zeus’ – first game in Age of the Gods series
Playtech has launched its long-awaited Zeus slot title, the first in a long line of amazing content in the new Age of the Gods suite of progressive jackpot network slot games.
Zeus is the first of seven mind-blowing Age of the Gods omni-channel slot games to be launched with the remaining six titles coming during the rest of 2016.
The King of the Gods is first game in the series with the in-house designed five-reel, 25-line slot containing neon graphics, unique bonuses and new features guaranteed to engage and thrill players across Playtech’s casino network of top tier licensees.
Players receive godlike wins across the Playtech progressive jackpot network that offers the largest prizes in the industry across more than 70 big hitting games.
Bet365 opens new Manchester technology hub
Operator to establish first UK base outside of Stoke with space to house 70-strong development team
Bet365 is preparing to open a new technology-focused base in Manchester, the operator’s first UK office outside of its Stoke headquarters.
The new office is scheduled to open in early May and the firm is currently in the process of hiring as many as 70 staff which will support and develop the operator’s back office sports betting applications.
According to bet365 head of software development Dom Hawley, Manchester was chosen for its technological expertise and transport links, which will enable the firm to attract talent from further afield as well as allow staff to move between Manchester and Stoke at relative ease.
The intake of staff will also be boosted by a clutch of graduates after the operator teamed-up with the local Keele University.
Virtual sports provider reaps $3.5m investment
Virtual sports and 3D casino supplier Leap Gaming has received a $3.5m investment from FastForward, an AIM-listed company which invests in “innovative technologies”.
The deal, announced on Monday, will see FastForward acquire more than 41% of the business – a 29% initial subscription, followed by another 11% within 30 days.
As part of the agreement, FastForward will also have the right to appoint two managers to the board of Leap Gaming.
Seven days in launches and sign-ups:
Bet365 partners bettingexpert.com to launch in-play tipping app
Bet365 is partnering with bettingexpert.com to launch an in-play tipping app, which the sports affiliate claims will “revolutionise” live betting.
Bettingexpert LIVE provides punters with a range of real-time tips on bet365’s live betting markets and also enables customers to place wagers in-app via the Stoke-headquartered bookmaker.
The new mobile product, which is available via the Apple App Store, features tips from both expert tipsters and bettingxpert.com’s 350,000 user base, while also offering weekly cash prizes for the best-rated tipsters.
Gala becomes first bingo brand to join Senet Group
Gala Bingo has joined its sports betting counterparts to become the first bingo brand member of the UK’s responsible gambling body, the Senet Group.
The self-regulatory group announced that the brand’s retail business, Gala Leisure, and online arm, Gala Interactive, have followed the likes of Paddy Power Betfair, William Hill and Ladbrokes in joining the industry watchdog.
“Today marks an important milestone as more sectors from across the gambling industry recognise the importance of promoting responsible gambling standards,” Wanda Goldwag, chair of the Senet Group, said.
BetStars obtains ABP status
Amaya’s online sportsbook brand BetStars has struck a deal with British Racing to become the latest online-only operator to obtain Authorised Betting Partner (ABP) status.
The deal, announced in time for the Grand National, will see BetStars make a voluntary contribution to the British horseracing industry in exchange for a number of promotional benefits and commercial arrangements with British racecourses.
“The birth of betting in the UK was driven by horseracing and it’s important that it is given the opportunity to grow and flourish,” Ian Marmion, BetStars trading director, said.
Gaming Realms goes live with Britain’s Got Talent casino
Gaming Realms has unveiled a Britain’s Got Talent-branded online casino as part of a three-year partnership with TV and digital content firm FremantleMedia.
BGTGames.com is now live on the operator’s proprietary ‘Grizzly’ platform, featuring a number of casino and slots games including a Britain’s Got Talent themed Slingo game.
The launch of the new site, in time for the start of the 10th series of the popular TV show, will be backed by a “significant” marketing campaign across both TV and digital platforms.