Winamax plots sports betting launch
French operator takes first steps to diversify product range as French poker market continues to decline
Winamax has kicked-off plans to launch its own online sportsbook in a move which will see the operator diversify away from the troubled French poker market.
The French operator is currently recruiting for a variety of sports-related positions at its Paris office, including traders and website staff.
The decision marks the first shift in strategy by managing directors Alexandere Roos and Christophe Schaaming since the pair assumed control of the company following Canel Frichet’s departure last September.
Winamax is currently France’s largest poker operator but the vertical has been in decline in the country. Figures released by French regulator ARJEL this week demonstrated gross gaming revenue for poker to have fallen 10% year-on-year during Q1 2014 to 65m.
Total stakes also fell to 1.2bn, down 12% on the figure recorded in Q1 2013. “French online poker operators”¦ are struggling to recover an activity which began its decline more than two years ago,” ARJEL said in a statement.
Sports betting on the other hand has fared far better in the country, growing 22% year-on-year which the regulator attributed to a stronger interest in domestic football betting.
Precise details of Winamax’s plans are as yet unknown and a spokesperson for the operator declined to comment when contacted by eGaming Review.
The move follows poker rival Full Tilt’s decision to launch a sportsbook as the growing vertical is increasingly seen as an effective customer recruitment tool.