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platform through which to launch our B2C brands into the US market, once regulated”. “We now have a signi?cant ?nancial partner for our leading B2C product – the ?nal piece in the jigsaw, completing our US online strategy. The agreement sees a leading US ?nancial institution backing one of the largest gaming platform operators in the world, joining forces to tackle a potential huge market,” he said.
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B R IEFS
Microgame launches Amaya slots in Italy
Amaya Gaming launched a range of its online slots games in the dot.it market with People’s Network operator Microgame. The deal will see Microgame host products including Serengeti Diamonds, Samurai Princess and Lost Temple. Online slots were authorised for the first time in Italy last December.
Smart Gaming Group has put its B2B division up for sale and has been approached by 10 of the industry’s largest suppliers and operators in gaming, eGR can reveal. eGR understands that the firm has taken the decision to focus solely on B2C and therefore split its B2C and B2B divisions.
CAESARS
admits Barrière poker platform switch Caesars Entertainment is likely to move away from 888 and towards Barrière for its poker software in the United States in preparation to own its own platform, the operator’s chief executive has admitted. Speaking in a conference call following Caesars’ full-year ?nancial results, Gary Loveman said: “We would anticipate that we might migrate off of the 888 platform and onto the Barrière platform in due time.” However, eGR understands this is unlikely to happen ahead of the launch of Caesars’ realmoney poker launch in Nevada, where it has already been awarded an online poker licence. Once the migration to Barrière is complete, eGR understands Caesars’s will have access to its own proprietary platform.
Tender for Greek horse race betting launched
The Greek government launched the tender process for the exclusive right to operate horse race betting in the country. The 20-year contract, which will include both on and offline betting, is up for grabs for the first time.
Intralot Italia announces virtual sports launch
Intralot Italia rolled out a virtual sports offering across its retail and online operations, becoming one of the first firms to launch the newly-regulated vertical. The offering is comprised of products supplied by Inspired Gaming Group and Johannesburg-based virtual sports specialist Kiron Interactive.
ISPT pens two poker partnerships
The International Stadiums Poker Tour (ISPT) announced partnerships with Dusk Till Dawn and HendonMob as it prepares for its inaugural event at Wembley Stadium in May. At a press conference held at the stadium, DTD owner Rob Yong revealed that the Nottinghambased poker club would guarantee a €1m firstplace prize.
BETFAIR
closes in on Blue Square Bet buy Betfair is understood to be close to acquiring rival Blue Square Bet for a sum that could amount to £35m if the loss-making Rank Group-owned sportsbook achieves certain future targets, eGR can reveal. According to a source close to the matter, Betfair would initially pay a small up front fee followed by a structured earn out with further cash dependent on future pro?ts. The source added that two senior members of the Blue Square team have agreed to take redundancy rather than move to Betfair. However, it is understood the majority of the existing team of 60 will join their new employers in the coming months. It is not known whether or not managing director Mark A Jones will remain in his position. A Blue Square spokeswoman refused to comment on the basis the business is listed, although another source close to the matter told eGR that Rank executives were known to be “close” to announcing further developments on the disposal of its 10 yearold sports asset.
Williams Interactive inks Rank Group slots deal
Williams Interactive, the online arm of WMS Industries, agreed a multi-year deal to license its slot games to Londonlisted Rank Group as the supplier continues to expand its European offering.
Perform acquires Voetbalzone after strong organic growth
Sports data and live streaming provider Perform Group acquired the Netherlands’ number one independent sports site Voetbalzone for an initial consideration of €2m, with a further consideration of up to €10.5m to be paid contingent on the EBITDA of the Dutch business for the three financial years to December 2015.
Rank Group’s Meccabingo.com and
Grosvenorcasinos.com sites will have access to all of WMS’ online slots games, including The Wizard of Oz, by H2 this year, with the products to be implemented using OpenBet’s RGI.
Smart Gaming Group B2B division for sale
Live dealer specialist
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