Industry News

BtoBet’s Alessandro Fried Discusses Aspire Global’s Acquisition of Sportsbook and Tech Company

Published

5 years ago

September 22, 2020

Reading Time: 4 minutes

BtoBet founder Alessandro Fried has discussed about Aspire Global’s acquisition of the sportsbook and tech company and what next awaits the newly expanded iGaming group. Of one thing he is certain… the future looks very bright for the entire group.

News that BtoBet was acquired by iGaming solutions provider Aspire Global took the industry by storm. And rightly so, because through this acquisition we have assisted to the expansion of an already consolidated group which in all its elements is now at the forefront of the industry’s B2B value chain.

But what was the primary reason that led to this acquisition? There are two aspects that were fundamental. Aspire Global was seeking to increase its B2B product offering to their customers, but was missing on one of the industry’s most important verticals, which is sportsbook. It’s one of the most important in terms of market requirements, but also from a revenue generation point of view. From our side we were looking to have a partner that would push us quickly to markets which we were still missing in our global footprint. So all in all this acquisition was the ideal match with both companies finding a mutual balance in each other to achieve their goals.

During the past days it’s not the first time that I have been asked “what is next now for BtoBet”? The company will definitely continue to uphold its identity as a leading brand on the market, maintaining its own organisational chart, and pursuing a strategy that for the past years has characterised it and put it apart from the competition. This means that the relationship with our partners, the way that we deliver our services and assist all operators, will remain unaltered.

Nonetheless, there is no denying that with BtoBet now forming part of this larger group our partners can expect to have major innovative solutions put at their disposal derivating from an increased investment capacity, and at the same time accessing additional content and products that constitute the group’s portfolio.

It is worthy of mention that through this acquisition, the Aspire Global group, and BtoBet directly, will gain a significant market advantage. The group will have an incredible market cover, with BtoBet leading the way in emergent markets such as Africa and Latin America, and Aspire Global playing a leading role in more mature and new markets such as Europe or the US.

This will in itself create new market opportunities, with Aspire Global now being able to offer a holistic iGaming solution in the markets they are currently present and where up until now they were missing the sportsbook solution. All this without mentioning the tangible potential to generate significant growth, with the group providing the possibility to large customers to enter new markets through the use of a very advanced and complete solution in a very short time-to-market.

During the past days one of the primary questions that I posed myself was “in which way will Aspire Global enable BtoBet in becoming a leading sportsbook platform provider?” The quest for this answer took me to what formed an intrinsic part of our goals from the very beginning… global presence and market share. BtoBet has a very strong presence in emerging markets, but in order to reach the next step we had to push our products in markets such as Europe and the US. However, these markets require a significant amount of investment which is countered by a high level of organisational influence in order to gain access to the industry’s larger operators and bookmakers. In this sense Aspire Global was the perfect match for us, with the group offering stability and carrying a lot of clout in the betting and gambling industry on a global level.

Aspire Global’s iGaming (PAM) platform is already certified in the US and other major markets, and this means that BtoBet with its sportsbook product can now gain immediate access to these yet uncharted markets for the company. This is what we ultimately expect from this new chapter… gaining a strong entry to these new regions that still do not offer a lot of technological alternatives comparable to the ones that we offer today, and take the opportunity to bring to market a complete product covering all the elements of the iGaming value chain. Together we will be able to meet the requests and expectations of all operators that intend to work with us in all market scenarios, whether mature or emerging.

At the same time, I firmly assert that BtoBet will keep its growth momentum in Africa and Latin America. We have invested heavily in these markets in the past and our commitment to these strategic markets will remain unaffected. The very strong knowledge that we have cultivated locally during the past years have transformed BtoBet in the perfect gateway for any Tier 1 or larger Tier 2 operators that want to target these continents, and such position will be further bolstered, in the short term.

BtoBet’s acquisition by Aspire Global is testimony of the success and potential that the company keeps in hold. It all boils down to the sheer determination and talent of each and every member that forms part, and has formed part in the past, of this incredible and fast growing company. This new chapter will mark the perfect opportunity for the company to reach new heights, and we all must evaluate this as another step towards achieving a great group result.

ANESAR

ANESAR Holds its 43rd Ordinary General Assembly

Published

2 days ago

November 6, 2025

Niji Narayan

anesar-holds-its-43rd-ordinary-general-assembly

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Spanish Association of Gaming and Recreational Hall Entrepreneurs (ANESAR) has held its 43rd Ordinary General Assembly this Tuesday, November 4, in the Carlos Ferret Salat room of CEOE, in Madrid, where it once again brought together a large representation of members, in a meeting marked by reflection, collaboration and the firm will to continue working with data, arguments and responsibility.

Following the institutional opening by Javier Calderón, Director of Companies and Organisations of CEOE, aspects of mandatory statutory compliance were addressed, such as the approval of minutes, the explanation and approval of accounts and budgets, or the approval of the Annual Report of Activities.

Next, José Vall presented the president’s report, in which he emphasised that, although political decisions are often difficult to understand, “our duty is to continue providing arguments and evidence to defend the sector with rigor, knowledge, and sound judgment.” In this regard, he stressed the need to anticipate events, prepare information and coordinate common messages that reinforce the image of a sector committed to legality, prevention and responsible gaming.

For his part, Juan Lacarra, technical general secretary of ANESAR, reviewed the main current issues from a regulatory and operational perspective, addressing relevant aspects such as sanctioning procedures, opening hours, biometrics and hiring difficulties.

During the Assembly, the “Key Data and Sector Dynamics” were also presented, highlighting that there are currently 3600 gaming arcades (more than 240 have closed in the last four years) and 30,060 slot machines. It was also specified that the average spend per visit is €16, that 85% of people are accompanied by family and friends, and that 60% are men around 30 years old. Regarding employment data, it was explained that the sector supports more than 47,000 jobs, including both direct and indirect workers, making it a significant driver of employment. The ANESAR Training Plan was also emphasised, with 8725 students and 16,539 formal enrollments (data as of October 15, 2025). Furthermore, it was noted that, with a real estate investment of €260 million, gaming arcades represent one of the largest private investments in the leisure sector. A sector that, as was recalled, collects more than 320 million euros in taxes annually, which benefit hundreds of thousands of people, as well as society as a whole.

The Assembly also included the participation of experts in politics and institutional relations, such as Jaime Criado, from the firm ACENTO, who provided insights into the current political situation and its potential impact on the sector. ANESAR Vice Presidents Enric Sanahuja, Raúl Rubio and Antonio Fornés also offered their perspectives on current issues affecting the sector. Finally, Ramón Cubián, Director General of Land and Delegate for Gaming Regulation and Management of the Community of Madrid, accompanied by Gracia Martín Duarte, Deputy Director of Gaming Management and Regulation, and their team, officially closed the 43rd ANESAR Assembly.

The post ANESAR Holds its 43rd Ordinary General Assembly appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

CreedRoomz

CreedRoomz Launches New Game Show: Mr. First Live

Published

2 days ago

November 6, 2025

Niji Narayan

creedroomz-launches-new-game-show:-mr.-first-live

Reading Time: < 1 minute

CreedRoomz, a leading provider of live casino content, has officially launched its new game show, Mr. First Live. This thrilling, fast-paced bouncing ball game show takes place in a vibrant, adventure-themed studio, blending the excitement of gumball machines with an innovative, endless-runner-style bonus game.

In the main game, players match numbers on up to eight game cards, which are randomly enhanced to one of three types: Normal, Safe or Risk. Players can also choose from three bonus ticket levels Sprint, Trailblaze and Marathon, each offering a different path to the bonus round and a bigger potential win. What truly sets this game apart is its unique bonus round, where players are launched into an exhilarating, interactive adventure, collecting coins to boost their prize with up to a 10,000x multiplier.

This launch is a significant milestone that validates the provider’s strategy to create a new generation of game shows. Mr. First Live is designed to not only captivate players but also serve as a powerful new tool for the partners to drive acquisition and retention in a competitive market.

The post CreedRoomz Launches New Game Show: Mr. First Live appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

EU gambling policy

Romania Proposes Raising Gambling Age to 21 and Restricting Online Advertising

Published

3 days ago

November 5, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

romania-proposes-raising-gambling-age-to-21-and-restricting-online-advertising

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Romanian lawmakers have introduced new legislative proposals aimed at tightening gambling access and advertising rules, particularly to protect young people. The bills, submitted by MPs Raluca Turcan (PNL) and Diana Stoica (USR), would raise the minimum legal gambling age from 18 to 21 and restrict online gambling advertising between 06:00 and 24:00.

Under the proposals, individuals under the age of 21 would be prohibited from participating in gambling activities, while gambling ads would be banned across online platforms during daytime hours. The legislation also seeks to outlaw the use of influencers, athletes and public figures in gambling promotions.

Protecting young audiences

“We have an obligation to protect our children from the threat of gambling,” said USR deputy Diana Stoica, citing studies showing early exposure to slot machines and online betting among Romanian minors. According to Stoica, brain development, particularly in areas linked to impulse control and decision-making, continues until around the age of 21, making younger individuals more vulnerable to gambling addiction.

“One in four adolescents has played on these so-called ‘machines of death’ before turning 18,” she added, arguing that the legislation is a necessary step to reduce risks.

Aligning with European trends

PNL deputy Raluca Turcan called the proposed age increase a “simple change with deep effects,” noting that countries including Portugal, Greece and Moldova have adopted similar measures. She highlighted that individuals aged 18 to 21 often face increased financial pressure and impulsivity as they enter adulthood, making them a key target group for gambling marketing.

“By raising the age threshold, we protect young people during a vulnerable stage,” Turcan stated, referencing international examples where similar policies reportedly reduced early-age indebtedness and problem gambling cases.

Tighter ad rules and warning messages

The draft legislation further proposes:

A complete ban on online gambling advertising between 06:00 and 24:00
A ban on influencer and public-figure participation in gambling promotions
Mandatory visible harm-prevention warnings across digital and physical gambling environments, modeled after tobacco and alcohol regulation

The measures would amend Romania’s existing legal framework under Emergency Ordinance 77/2009.

What comes next

The bills will now proceed through the legislative process, including debate and committee review. If adopted, the changes would introduce some of the most restrictive gambling-advertising and access rules in the region.

The initiatives reflect an ongoing trend across Europe, where regulators are increasing focus on consumer protection, youth safeguards, and advertising limitations in the gambling sector.

The post Romania Proposes Raising Gambling Age to 21 and Restricting Online Advertising appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.