Launches and sign-ups 15 April 2015
Launches and sign-ups from the egaming industry in the last seven days (9 April to 15 April 2015)
Betsson lines-up 100m Europe-Bet swoop
Two firms understood to be negotiating a deal which would see Betsson acquire the Georgia-based operator
Betsson AB is in advanced discussions to acquire Georgian operator Europe-Bet in a deal thought to be worth around 100m, eGaming Review understands.
According to sources, the two firms have been locked in talks for the past few months with Betsson keen to strike an agreement for a firm which last year generated EBITDA of approximately 18m.
A person close to the matter told eGR that Betsson had secured an exclusivity period until the end of June to tie-up a deal with other parties also thought to have an interest in buying the operator.
Betway aims for top with Dream Bingo brand relaunch
Betway is targeting a leading position in the online bingo sector following a strategic overhaul of the vertical which will see it focus investment on its Dream Bingo brand.
The operator, which also runs Betway Bingo and BingoOnTheBox.com on its own closed, Microgaming-powered network, has released a new-look Dream Bingo site and launched a big-money TV ad campaign this week.
The renewed efforts follow the appointment of former Boylesports CMO James Arnold as bingo director – Betway account six months ago, who has since hired former GTECH and Playtech man Lee Knott as head of bingo – Betway account.
Bwin.party strengthens 888 ties with Foxy-branded casino
Bwin.party has said brand consistency was the primary reason behind the firm’s decision use 888’s Dragonfish platform, rather than its own proprietary casino, to power the new FoxyCasino.com site.
FoxyCasino.com launched on 888’s Dragonfish platform a fortnight ago, and offers players more than 150 games including titles such as Millionaire Genie and Rainbow Riches, table games such as roulette and blackjack, plus live dealer casino.
And speaking to eGaming Review, bwin.party director of games Golan Shaked said the firm decided not to use its own proprietary casino platform to ensure “consistency under one brand”, with FoxyBingo also using Dragonfish.
Amaya sells remaining B2B assets to NYX for £80m
Amaya Gaming last week announced the disposal of its last remaining B2B assets through the sale of its online casino platforms Chartwell and Cryptologic to NYX Gaming for CA$150m (£80m).
The Toronto-based firm said that NYX had agreed to purchase Chartwell and Cryptologic for a total cash consideration of CA$150m, with the transaction expected to close by the end of the third quarter this year.
As part of the deal, Amaya and NYX will enter into a supplier licensing agreement for six years that will see NYX provide casino content for Amaya’s PokerStars and Full Tilt sites.
Gaming Realms sells Bingo Godz and Castle Jackpot
Gaming Realms has struck a deal to sell its Bingo Godz and Castle Jackpot brands to European Domain Management (EDM), as it looks to focus on the development of brands operating on its own platform.
The AIM-listed firm agreed to sell the brands, which run on the same Bede Gaming platform as other EDM brands including Bingo Stars, for £500,000.
EDM will pay £200,000 in cash, and a further £300,000 over the next 17 months with Gaming Realms set to reinvest the cash into its recently launched casino brand Spin Genie, which operates on its proprietary platform.
Camelot unveils new brand for National Lottery
Camelot has announced a new brand identity for its National Lottery portfolio of games, which will look to raise awareness of the more than £33m a week the operator delivers to good causes.
The new identity, which will be rolled out across all channels, will stress the “life changing” qualities of the lottery, both for winners and those who benefit from money donated.
Developed with brand consultants Wolff Olins, it will also attempt to closer tie Camelot’s online instant win games and scratchcards to the National Lottery brand by consolidating them under the Gamestore umbrella brand across both digital and retail channels.