Global Sports Betting Roundup: Sportsbooks Steal The Headlines
It has been a busy week in the global sports betting industry. This week was dominated by news from global sportsbooks trying to ramp up their exposure in the global sports betting scene. The gold rush continues for global sports betting providers.
Kambi, BetFred, Entain, IMG Arena, Betcris, and Kindred Group all made news this week. There were also some regulation headlines that caught our eye in sports betting jurisdictions around the world.
Let's take a peek at some of the newsworthy stories that caught our attention pertaining to the global sports betting scene.
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Kambi Scores Big at EGR B2B Awards 2022
Kambi, the self-described "leading independent provider of premium sports betting technology and services to the regulated global betting and gaming industry" had a good night Wednesday at the EGR B2B Awards 2022.
Kambi took home a trio of awards including the most prestigious award of the evening, Sportsbook Platform Supplier. It was the fourth year in a row that Kambi won that prize. They also took home Top Sports Betting Supplier for the third year in a row.
Kambi's impressive Bet Builder product won the Innovation in Sports Betting Software award. Expect to hear a lot more about Kambi’s incredible Bet Builder product going forward.
BetFred Extends Rugby Partnership Reach
BetFred announced on June 16 that it has signed on to become the principal partner of the England Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair rugby teams. It seems like a natural fit as BetFred has been the title sponsor of the BetFred Superleague since 2017.
The deal includes title sponsorship of the Rugby League World Cup later this year.
Betfred boss Fred Done said:
“We are proud of the successful relationship with Rugby League that we have built at all levels since we became the title sponsors of the Betfred Super League in 2017, and to be principal partners of the three England teams preparing for a home World Cup is a perfect fit."
Ralph Rimmer, Rugby Football League (RFL) Chief Executive, said:
“Betfred have been outstanding sponsors for the sport of Rugby League for the last five years, sticking with us through the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, and this new partnership with our three England teams underlines the strength of that relationship.”
Entain Buys BetCity
UK-based sports betting firm Entain made some headlines on June 16 with a reported €850 million purchase of one of the top names in the gambling market in the Netherlands, BetCity. BetCity has done well since its 2021 launch, securing about a 20% market share in the Netherlands.
Entain's global reach keeps expanding with its deeper foray into the newly regulated Dutch market. The company has been on the cusp of the incredible growth the legal gambling industry has experienced in the last couple of years.
The BetCity acquisition is one of many moves the progressive sports betting provider is expected to make in the coming months and years. Entain has signaled that global expansion is part of its future plans.
IMG Arena Secures German Football Partnership
IMG Arena, a company that boasts a focus "on fan-first engagement through the delivery of digital content and product innovation that fuel the emotions and excitement unique to world-class sport" announced on June 15 that it has expanded its partnership with the German Football Association (DFB).
IMG Arena already had a deal in place with German Football, but the latest iteration gives them access to 63 matches in the DFB-Pokal, which is Germany's club knockout playoff competition.
The company will add the honors of providing streaming and fast path streaming rights for the DFB-Pokal to the Liga and FlyerAlarm Frauen-Bundesliga partnership they have successfully held for years. It gives IMG Arena a virtual monopoly on streaming and data provision for Germany's biggest sporting league.
Betcris Hopes to Forge European Ties Through Poland
Betcris, a highly successful sports betting brand in Latin America for two decades has formed a new partnership with TVBet, hoping that the company can gain some traction in Europe through their Poland connection.
Betcris is adding six games that will become available through their TVBET tie-up. Those games include blackjack, PokerBet, JokerBet, War of Elements, Teen Patti, and Andar Bahar and allow others to bet on the outcome of games other people play.
While not exactly sports-related, Betcris is aiming for new audiences with a unique approach to fan engagement. Eyes will be on Poland to see if this model does indeed work.
Kindred Group bringing Unibet to the Netherlands
Kindred Group has gained market access into the Netherlands thanks to a license approval from Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). The company hopes to go live soon, in order to take advantage of a bustling Dutch market.
“The Netherlands is a large and important European market and one that we look forward to operating in with a local license", CEO of Kindred Group.
Kindred is a big, new player in the Dutch market and one that is expected to make some noise in the newly regulated scene there.
Tax Battle in Macau
Macau is in the midst of tweaking some of its gambling laws and the tax rate is generating the most press. According to the latest draft, taxes on Gross Gaming Revenues would be set at 40%, up from the 35% they pay right now.
All of the major players in the market, Wynn Macau, Sands China, MGM China, Melco Resorts, SJM Holdings, and Galaxy Entertainment get an automatic six-month extension of their licenses as a "concession" from the government.
$36.5 billion was taken in by Macau casinos in 2019 — six times what Las Vegas took in that year. The industry is strong, and everybody appears to have won in Macau with the latest announcement.
Japan Easing Sports Betting Rules Rumors Denied
Japan's sports betting market made some news this week with reports that the government was about to relax some rules pertaining to their sports betting platform, but they were denied.
At present, Japanese bettors are confined to wagering on just horse racing, cycling, motorboat racing, and motorcycling. Rumors have swirled that the government was about to open up betting on football, basketball, and baseball, among others.
While there have been broad denials about the possibility of new markets for Japanese bettors, there is some good news coming out of Japan. Japan’s Sports Development Council is scheduled to meet for the first time in five years in July, where new regulations could be tabled.
Gambler Safety Regulation Movement Hits Norway
There has been a movement lately around the world to improve safety measures for bettors. Count Norway as one of the countries looking to bolster their regulations to satisfy this end.
Lotteri-og stiftelsestilsynet, the Norwegian Lotteries Authority identified player safety as a serious focus in its annual report released this past week.
Everything from the volume of games available on the casino app, to the introduction of a one-hour break for players, to even the reduction of jackpots are on the table in the regulatory body's attempt to curb the threat of gambling harm.
Make sure to keep an eye on our live odds page throughout the week to get the best lines possible and connect with others in the SBR community on our popular sports betting forum.
