Gaming content and technology provider Bragg Gaming announced a new content rollout with the largest casino operator in Belgium, Napoleon Sports and Casino.

Content Rollout with the Market Leader

As a result of the partnership with Napoleon Sports and Casino and obtaining its license last year, players in the Benelux country can now enjoy Bragg’s portfolio of games while the Canadian-based gaming supplier continues to expand its presence in Europe.

Commenting on the new business development, Lara Falzon, president and chief operating officer of the Nasdaq- and TSX-listed gaming technology and content company, outlined the excitement of going live in a new jurisdiction, especially when launching “with a market leader like Napoleon Sports and Casino.”

“We’re proud to continue to deliver on our new market expansion strategy, and it is a testament to the hard work of our teams and the quality of our product offering that we can align with so many at the forefront of the industry,” Falzon said, looking forward to enjoying “a fruitful relationship” with its Belgian partner while rolling out Bragg’s “exclusive content” in the country.

The rollout of content with Napoleon aligned with Bragg Gaming’s established approach of entering new regulated gaming jurisdiction in partnerships with market leaders. Napoleon Sports and Casino was acquired by Superbet Group in 2021 and is currently the largest casino operator in Belgium.

“Bragg’s reputation in iGaming is renowned and its provision goes from strength to strength, so this partnership is a natural fit for an innovative and forward-looking operator like Napoleon Sports and Casino,” commented Philippe Joos, chief product officer at Napoleon Sports and Casino.

‘Titles That Speak for Themselves’

Joos also highlighted Napoleon’s ambition to provide its players with “the most thrilling and responsible entertainment in a safe and protected environment,” and that the collaboration with Bragg Gaming “fits perfectly with that goal” by introducing to the market quality “titles that speak for themselves.”

Entering Belgium with Napoleon Sports and Casino opens up new opportunities for Bragg Gaming in an online casino market with an estimated worth of $395 million in 2022 and is expected to diversify the company’s paths to growth while expanding its footprint in a number of key regions.

At the end of last month, Bragg Gaming entered into two key partnerships. The firm initially partnered with First Look Games to ensure access for its in-house studios such as Indigo Magic, Atomic Slot Lab, as well as partners, to more than 800 approved publishers and affiliates, and later on, signed a content deal with DraftKings in New Jersey.

Endorphina, a rising developer of online slot games, has announced its foray into the Dutch market. This entry is made possible by Endorphina’s agreement with Casino777.nl, a local iGaming operator.

Endorphina to Power Casino777.nl with Games

As announced by the developer, its products will now be available in the Netherlands through Casino777.nl’s online platform. The agreement, Endorphina said, marks a strong beginning of 2023 for the company as it allows it to enter one of Europe’s most active wagering markets.

Thanks to the deal with Casino777, Endorphina’s iconic content will be rolled out in the country, allowing local customers to try out some of the developer’s hits. These will include engaging titles such as Cyber Wolf, Joker Stories and 2022 Hit Slot, among others.

An increasing number of games will be implemented into Casino777’s platform as the partnership between the two companies progresses, the announcement said. Some of the fan-favorite games that Dutch customers can expect to be added at a later date include the beloved Chance Series and the atmospheric Book of Santa.

Casino777 is the Dutch iGaming brand of the Belgian land-based gambling company Casino de Spa. The latter is behind one of the first casinos in the world and is a company with a significant footprint in Europe. Its Netherlands-oriented brand reflects its industry-leading mentality and is a major local brand that offers games from some of the best studios in the world.

Casino777 is known for its adaptability, which has helped it remain a top brand in the Netherlands. The agreement with the operator attests to the quality of Endorphina’s titles and will help the developer expand its presence in Europe.

A month and a half ago, the developer also launched its games with Staryes in Italy.

A Great Opportunity for Endorphina

Endorphina’s senior partnership manager, Zdenek Llosa, commented on the new deal. He noted that entering a new market is always an occasion to be celebrated at Endorphina. Llosa added that his team is happy to announce the agreement with the Dutch brand.

Entering a new market is a special moment within our company and we are delighted to announce our entry to the Netherlands with the help of this well-known operator – Casino777.

Zdenek Llosa, senior partnership manager, Endorphina

Llosa concluded by telling aficionados that a selection of Endorphina games is already available on Casino777.nl for them to play.

Casino777’s head of gaming, Jean-Christophe Choffray, also commented on the deal. He welcomed Endorphina to the Casino777 family and said that his team is delighted to offer its games to its players.

As Casino777.nl continues to evolve, we look forward to working with Endorphina on all its future releases and development to bring our players the best gaming experience possible.

Jean-Christophe Choffray, head of gaming, Casino777

In November 2022, Casino777 also adopted Greentube’s portfolio, further expanding its offering.

Sports media holding company Major League Wrestling (MLW) announced it has entered in partnership with online gaming operator BetOnline.AG and designated the gambling firm as its Official Sportsbook Partner.

Sports Betting Goes Hand-in-Hand with Sports

The agreement with MLW also made BetOnline the title sponsor of the organization that operates across television content, live events and ancillary entertainment in major markets in North America such as the US and Mexico.

Court Bauer, chief executive officer of MLW, noted that wagering on sports is very much “embedded in all forms of sports” and the partnership with BetOnline is natural as both partners share similar values and their products are aligned.

“Just as they are a leader in the rapidly growing sports gaming space, MLW aims to lead in a time when pro wrestling has never been hotter, and we’re looking forward to all the ways this partnership will grow,” Bauer added.

The agreement with BetOnline was announced less than a fortnight after MLW had signed its landmark distribution deal with cable network REELZ and days before its new weekly prime time series, MLW Underground Wrestling, is set to debut on February 7, featuring Alex Hammerstone, Killer Kross, Jacob Fatu, and Mads Kruger, the first-ever MLW action figures produced by BossFightShop.

‘Rabid Fanbase’ and  ‘Growing Audience’

Dave Mason, brand manager at BetOnline, was thrilled to see the gambling brand partner with MLW. He emphasized the company’s will to provide support for initiatives that are in alignment with its product and hailed MLW as “a burgeoning behemoth in the pro wrestling space.”

“BetOnline’s sponsorship allows us to heavily engage with MLW’s rabid fanbase, bringing new and exciting entertainment and gambling products to its growing audience,” Mason added, pointing to BetOnline’s history of offering odds for wrestling events of over 15 years and thrilled “to be part of MLW’s trailblazing entry into the industry.”

As one of the fastest growing wrestling leagues nowadays, MLW operates live events in New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Tijuana, while its TV programming features across more than 60 countries worldwide.

As an online gambling operator present across multiple verticals, including sportsbook, casino, poker and racing, BetOnline is striving to achieve long-lasting relationships with its customers and the entire gaming community.

In November, BetOnline announced a sponsorship deal with the organizer of the famous nine-ball pool tournament, Mosconi Cup, to become an official partner of the 2022 edition of the tournament which was scheduled to take place in Las Vegas at the end of the month.

Supplier of casino content and technology Aruze Gaming announced it has filed for bankruptcy in Nevada court as part of a company-wide restructuring plan.

Financial Restructuring Ahead

Aruze Gaming informed investors in a press release that it has filed in the US Bankruptcy Court for the State of Nevada a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, seeking protection to financially restructure the company.

Yugo Kinoshita, global chief executive officer of Aruze Gaming, highlighted the importance of the filing as part of “a critical business strategy” the company was forced to adopt “due to external factors” influencing the situation.

“We fully understand the implications associated with this action, but we believe this is the best way for Aruze to maintain the overall health of our business,” Kinoshita said, adamant that the restructuring “has no reflection on the health of Aruze.”

The casino software and content developer outlined that the filing for protection was the company’s response in the wake of a recent garnishment judgment against it which resulted from a separate judgment against its shareholder.

“We’re proud of the advances we have made to establish Aruze as a casino mainstay,” Kinoshita continued in his comments, confident that the company’s actions will help it protect its brand, legacy and portfolio of games, and eventually emerge as an even stronger business.

Aruze Gaming expressed its intention to continue operating as usual while utilizing the protections granted to any business entity under Chapter 11 to address the relative rights of its creditors, customers and employees in an orderly fashion.

Out of Blue Sky

There was no sign of bankruptcy last month when Aruze Gaming added another high-profile client to its roster of B2B customers in the US as BetMGM chose to enrich its iGaming offering in New Jersey with a selection of Aruze titles, including Ultra Stack Lion, 8 Wealthy Lions and Wolf 500g.

The partnership with BetMGM provided for more Aruze games to be added to the operator’s iGaming platform in the future, with one title, Rock Paper Scissors Instant Win, expected to go live within the coming weeks.

The latest development in the US is in stark contrast to recent events in Europe, where Aruze Gaming opened its first office in mid-January. Located in the Netherlands, the office will become the company’s European headquarters and will serve the growing number of its clients in Europe, the Middle East and Africa to assist the business in expanding its footprint.

Boasting substantial management experience and industry insight, Westbury should be the perfect candidate for the position. His new responsibilities will focus on fostering growth and bolstering Sport Generate’s worldwide brand recognition. The appointment is part of Digitain’s ongoing expansion plans as it strives to provide the best possible service to its growing client base.

Westbury Is a Skilled and Industry-Savvy Professional

The new Sport Generate CEO boasts nearly twenty years of management experience, primarily in the iGaming world. Westbury’s work for Digitain spans almost four years and has seen him rise to become the developer’s chief business officer. Digitain and Sport Generate founder Vardges Vardanyan recognized Westbury’s vast skills and industry insight as the leading factors for his promotion to CEO.

We are thrilled to have Simon Westbury on his new position, and we know that he will bring Sport Generate to new heights with his leadership and expertise.

Vardges Vardanyan, Founder of Digitain and Sport Generate

The new position marks a new high of Westbury’s career, capping years of hard work and perseverance. After graduating with a Master’s Degree in Politics from the University of Exeter, he tried his hand at management positions across various industries like energy and media before ultimately finding his home in the iGaming space. 

His four-year tenure at virtual sports betting product developer VSoftCo provided him with significant industry insights, bolstering his successful track record in business strategy, executing sales, account management, and marketing. His work on delivering B2B and B2C solutions impressed Digitain, which onboarded him as head of their international development department, eventually propelling him to his current position.

The New Position Comes with Significant Responsibilities

Simon Westbury’s vast experience and familiarity with Digitain’s inner workings make him the perfect candidate to take over as CEO of Sport Generate. The company primarily focuses on popularizing and developing professional sports as a tournament organizer. Sport Generate currently engages with 100 professional athletes, referees, and coaches across sports like table football, e-football, and e-basketball.

As CEO, Westbury will be in charge of Sport Generate’s direction, guiding the company’s strategic growth and helping the management team implement innovative and engaging products to complement Digitain’s overall goals. The new CEO expressed gratitude for the opportunity, pledging to fully utilize his skills and help Sport Generate make an impact in the market.

I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead Sport Generate at such an exciting time in the industry.

Simon Westbury, CEO of Sport Generate

If Westbury succeeds in his mission to propel Sport Generate to new heights, Digitain should also reap significant benefits. The developer primarily focuses on Europe but maintains substantial worldwide expansion ambitions. International Sport Generate success could provide the perfect opportunity to propel Digitain forward and bolster its market reach.

Sports betting operator Betfred has entered Virginia, further expanding its US footprint. The operator’s sports betting products are now available in several states, with the company now preparing to launch retail operations in Nevada.

Betfred Enters Virginia

The Virginia entry is a major development for the company, which has been steadily expanding its US reach. The launch of the sportsbook in Virginia was welcomed by the company’s chief operating officer, Bryan Bennett.

Bennett said that his team cannot wait to begin operating online sports wagering in the Commonwealth and is looking forward to activating its partnership with Loudoun United.

The agreement in question was announced in December 2022, when Betfred USA Sports was designated as the official sports betting partner of the American soccer franchise. Under the deal with the team, Betfred’s branding will be promoted on the back of Loudoun United players’ jerseys throughout the 2023 season.

Betfred’s Bennett concluded that this is a perfect time to launch sports betting because of the many upcoming sporting events.

This is the ideal time to launch sports betting with several major sporting events happening over the coming weeks and months, and of course, with the USL Championship season kicking off soon.

Bryan Bennett, COO, Betfred

The agreement with a notable sports team will help Betfred’s content gain traction in the Old Dominion. It echoes a recent development involving bet365, which employed a similar tactic during its own launch in the state. The competitor brand made its foray into Virginia yesterday and was named the official betting partner of the Washington Commanders.

Elsewhere, Betfred just penned an agreement with the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League franchise based in Nevada. Betfred will sponsor the club, which will, in turn, promote the sports betting operator across its stadium.

The agreement celebrates Betfred’s entry to the state as the company prepares to launch a sportsbook in collaboration with Mohegan Casino Las Vegas. The new venue will be located at Mohegan’s Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and is expected to be equipped with 80-inch screens, broadcasting sports in high-quality. The sportsbook will have a total area of 1,269 square feet and will be able to accommodate as many as a hundred fans of sports.

The company’s foray into the Silver State came just as the brand was recommended for a sports betting license. The Nevada Gaming Control Board thoroughly questioned the company about its intentions and vision for operations in the state.

Platform provider Hub88 unveiled HubWallet, a proprietary payment solution that leverages the company’s robust back office. The new product is expected to make payments easier, safer and more intuitive.

Hub88 Launches In-House Payment Solution

Hub88 is best known for aggregating iGaming content, which makes the launch of HubWallet an unprecedented one. The unique solution will make payments simpler for clients, allowing them to leverage a multi-faceted platform to pay directly.

The online wallet is built upon Hub88’s significant experience in both business-to-business and business-to-customer operations. The company’s dedication to quality is reflected in the new solution, which improves payment options for operators within the gambling industry.

The platform provider built its new online wallet solution in a way that makes payments faster, eliminating unnecessary steps such as manual invoicing and fee processing. Furthermore, the new solution has a built-in low-cost currency exchange, which makes it easier to be used by operators in various jurisdictions.

HubWallet is a highly-automated solution that also provides Hub88’s clients with complete banking support, ensuring safe and reliable international and domestic payments. As part of the launch, Hub88 will also provide its clients with access to the HubWallet Marketplace.

Hub88 noted that in order to support its new online wallet, the company has augmented its back-office with legal addendums, social logins and game certificates. This will reinforce the system’s capabilities while boosting its famous lightweight aggregation platform at the same time.

Castleman Is Happy about the Launch

Hub88’s head, Ollie Castleman, commented on the launch of HubWallet. He noted that he is happy to expand the company’s offering with what he called a “ground-breaking product.” Castelman noted that HubWallet seeks to reinvent payment options in gaming, allowing the company’s partners to make payments quickly and safely.

Castleman added that the new launch evolves Hub88 as a company.

With the new launch, we’ve evolved the Hub88 brand, as its brilliant integration services are now supported by a state-of-the-art payment system, making Hub88 a more comprehensive and expansive platform provider.

Ollie Castleman, Head of Hub88

Hub88 used the announcement as an opportunity to remind industry enthusiasts that it will be present at ICE London. The company will exhibit at the Bombay Group stand under the number N8-219.

In December 2022, Hub88 penned a major content distribution agreement with Livespins, adding the latter company’s socially-charged casino content to its aggregation platform. A month earlier, Hub88 also teamed up with Nexiux Solutions, an innovative, agile and dynamic iGaming tech company.

Announced Thursday, the company joins a growing roster of organizations around the globe that have already shown support for the initiative. Per the new collaboration, Betsson will embed ten principles from the Global Compact into its operations. The changes are going to affect the company’s policies related to anti-corruption, labor, environment, HR, as well as other strategic operations.

Some of the principles that are a part of the UN Global Compact initiative were already implemented by Betsson within its Code of Conduct. However, now, the company is further strengthening its operations by showing formal approval and joining the global initiative that is already supported by thousands of companies around the world.

Ultimately, the implementation of the ten principles will help Betsson uphold “its basic responsibilities to people and planet, but also setting the stage for long-term success,” a statement released by the company reveals. The collaboration will also see the company continuously improve its strategies, keep a proactive position and take practical actions.

Under the terms of the collaboration, Betsson will have to annually release a Communication on Progress report. This whitepaper will include details regarding improvement processes implemented by the company and their impact on society.

The Company Strengthens Sustainability Efforts

Jesper Svensson, Betsson Group’s CEO, said that the company is excited to support the initiative and give a boost to its sustainability efforts. Moreover, he added: “We believe in the power of business to drive positive change and are committed to using our resources to contribute to the global effort to create a more inclusive and sustainable world for all.”

“We are proud to be joining the Global Compact and taking this next step towards strengthening our sustainability efforts,“

Jesper Svensson, CEO of Betsson Group

Currently, more than 15,000 companies from 160 countries around the globe have vouched support for the UN Global Compact initiative. Additionally, 69 local networks have also backed the initiative, which is famous as the biggest corporate sustainability effort on a global scale. The implementation of the initiative’s ten principles seeks to help global companies benefit from a unified strategy that ensures the protection of the environment, human rights and at the same time combats corruption.

Without any doubt, Betsson’s participation in the initiative will have a positive impact, considering that the company is among the largest gaming groups in the world, consisting of more than 20 brands.