Launches and sign-ups 5 March 2014
Launches and sign-ups from the egaming industry in the last seven days (27 February to 5 March 2014)
Sportsbet founder Tripp re-enters Aus market
Matt Tripp’s three-year non-compete period following Paddys deal comes to an end “ BetEasy.com.au set for April launch
Sportbet founder Matt Tripp is returning to the Australian online wagering market three years after he sold his business to Paddy Power, eGaming Review can reveal.
Having seen out a three-year non-compete period last weekend, Tripp and his business partners acquired independent sportsbook operator BetEzy and are set to relaunch a completely new site in the coming months.
BetEzy, which is understood to be roughly equivalent to the Tom Waterhouse business acquired by William Hill in terms of revenues, will be rebranded as BetEasy.
The new site is set for a soft launch on 1 April with a full release one month later. Tripp will serve as CEO while former director of legal and regulatory affairs at Sportsbet Nick Tyshing will also serve as a director.
GTECH wins OPAP online sports betting contract
Greek gambling monopoly OPAP has selected GTECH as its partner to launch an egaming business, starting with an online sports betting site.
The announcement follows a closed tender process featuring five companies, believed to have included GTECH, Playtech, Openbet and 888.
Despite recent rumours which suggested Playtech were set to be awarded the contract, OPAP confirmed in a statement GTECH’s selection and that the partnership will “initially be focused on online sports betting”.
Seven days in launches and sign-ups:
Betfair gets Bulgaria go-ahead
Betfair has been given the green light to launch its range of sports and casino products in the ring-fenced Bulgarian market, eGaming Review can reveal.
The award of separate remote licences for sports betting and casino games will see Betfair become the first UK-based operator to launch in Bulgaria since the opening of the regulated market in 2013.
The sports betting licence includes the provision for exchange betting meaning Betfair will also become the first operator to offer the product legally within the country.
William Hill in major Euro advertising push
UK bookmaker William Hill has launched a new TV advertising campaign as part of a major push into Europe ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil this summer.
The operator’s increased focus on the Spanish market follows its acquisition of Sportingbet’s Spanish-facing business Miapuesta last September. However, Hills has since dropped the Miapuesta brand in favour of bringing it under William Hill branding, as well as migrating the Spanish company’s customer database to its main platform.
William Hill has also begun a big push into the Italian market and launched its first mobile product in the country during Q4 2013.
Realistic Games secures Gibraltar licence
Slots and table game supplier Realistic Games is planning to expand both its content portfolio and customer base this year after receiving a B2B remote gambling licence from the government of Gibraltar.
The developer joins the likes of Bally, IGT and Scientific Games in receing a B2B licence from the British Overseas Territory, and will open a new office there in the coming months.
Over the past three months Realistic Games has added William Hill andBoylesports to the list of operators licensing its products, with BetVictor, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power and bet365 already signed up.
Foxy Bingo appoints new media agency
Foxy Bingo and Cheeky Bingo owner Cashcade has awarded its £8m media planning and buying contract to creative agency UM London.
UM London has already started working for the brands by negotiating the renewal of Foxy Bingo’s sponsorship of the Jeremy Kyle Show, which it has done since 2008.
The Jeremy Kyle Show sponsorship will include more than 1,000 episodes across 12 months, including all new shows, repeats, and the US version of the show.
Nevada and Delaware sign “groundbreaking” state compact
Nevada and Delaware are to permit the pooling of cross-border liquidity for the first time in the US after forming the Multistate Internet Gaming Agreement (MIGA).
The compact, signed yesterday by Delaware Gov Jack Markell and Nevada Gov Brian Sandoval, aims to boost liquidity and revenues in each state’s internet poker rooms, with the vertical having struggled in Delaware and stagnated in Nevada since going live last year.
The structure of the document is such that other states can be easily added to the agreement as and when they regulated egaming. Although MIGA is currently internet poker only, other states that join will be able to decide whether they chose to pool liquidity over online slot and casino games as well.
Bonza Gaming debuts first mobile app
Social-gambling firm Bonza Gaming has made its first move into mobile with the launch of a real-money slots app on iOS.
Bonza Slots was unveiled on the Apple App Store yesterday for both iPhone and iPad devices and incorporates seamless synchronised gameplay with the Facebook version.
The mobile app includes Bonza’s five most popular slots games currently available on the social network canvas offering and a range of social features on the homepage such as a Facebook fan page and friend invitations.
Betfair Australia targets growth with new ad campaign
Betfair Australia has selected Melbourne-based creative agency CumminsRoss to oversee a £9m advertising campaign aimed at boosting its profile and attracting new customers in the country.
The “There’s winning and there’s winning” campaign promotes the Autumn Racing season and shows a customer celebrating his win in two very different ways, a calm and collected way and the more excitable “Betfair way”.
The first campaign will launch later this week with new ads aired until December 2014. Betfair had previous worked with the AJF Partnership.
Software provider Microgaming has announced the launch of two new online casino games which are set to be released today.
The two five-reel slots titles, Untamed “ Crowned Eagle and Loose Cannon, follow last month’s launch of Avalon II: The Quest For The Grail and are available on the Isle of Man-based firm’s download, Flash and Quickfire platforms
“The addition of Crowned Eagle is the perfect extension to an already popular series of games,” Mike Hebden, head of casino at Microgaming said. “As well as this installment, our operators’ players will also thoroughly enjoy the swashbuckling Loose Cannon online slot.”
UK bookmaker Betfred has signed a deal to become the Official Betting Partner of the Crabbie’s Grand National Festival for the next three years.
The agreement will see Betfred assume sponsorship of the Bowl Steeple Chase on Grand Opening Day, the Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase on Ladies Day and the Handicap Steeple Chase on Grand National Day.
“I’m very proud to be associated with The Crabbie’s Grand National,” Fred Done, Betfred chairman, said. “We are looking forward to working with Aintree on a magnificent three days racing which, of course, culminates in the world’s most famous race, the Crabbie’s Grand National.”