Affiliate Industry
Better Collective Acquires American Sports Media Company Playmaker HQ
On the journey toward becoming the leading digital sports media group, Better Collective significantly expands its efforts within social media and sports content production by acquiring Playmaker HQ for a total consideration of up to 54 mUSD, 15 mUSD of which will be upfront.
Playmaker HQ is a leading sports and entertainment media platform headquartered in South Florida, US. The sports media group specializes in providing original entertainment and sports content with exclusive athlete collaborations and creator talent mainly targeting the US market.
Currently, Playmaker HQ distributes more than two thousand monthly pieces of sports content mainly on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Snapchat, and YouTube. The group has more than 20 million followers across these platforms, increasing from seven million in 2020. Monthly, the content reaches over 500 million users. Playmaker has partnered with a wide variety of top brands including leaders in the sports apparel and fast moving consumer goods industries. Furthermore, the company has won several awards including Hashtag Sports’ “Top Snapchat Show” as well as four film festival awards.
Highlighted Acquisitional Synergies
- Adding to Better Collective’s legacy audience of sports betting enthusiasts, the group gains access to a new and large audience of highly engaged generalist sports fans which subsequently increases the value offering to Better Collective’s existing partners.
- Playmaker HQ holds extensive sponsorship sales know-how that will increase Better Collective’s ability to monetize audiences outside its core sports betting audience.
- Currently, Playmaker HQ is only active in North America, and expects to be able to scale content and know-how internationally across the group’s global presence.
Transaction Details
Playmaker HQ is experiencing rapid growth, and is targeting full year revenue of >10 mUSD in 2023 with an EBITDA-margin of 20-25%. Given the rapid growth the deal has been constructed with an earn-out component to ensure the growth continues.
Better Collective will pay up to 54 mUSD on a cash and debt free basis, including an upfront cash consideration of 15 mUSD, 1 mUSD in deferred payments, and up to 38 mUSD in performance-based earnout payments over a three year period.
In order to reach the full earn-out payment, Playmaker HQ will have to generate >75 mUSD in accumulating revenues and >25 mUSD in accumulating operational earnings (EBITDA) during the first three years post acquisition.
The acquisition will be conducted as an asset purchase meaning that Better Collective expectedly will benefit from certain tax deductions related to the acquisition price. The transaction will be funded by cash, with optionality to pay some of the earn out in Better Collective shares.
Marc Pedersen, CEO Better Collective North America, said: “We have been following Playmaker HQ for some time, and are excited to announce the transaction today. Playmaker HQ offers access to millions of sports fans in the US, the majority of which are new in the Better Collective user base. We are excited to help enhance these fans’ sports betting experience, while also being able to utilize Playmaker HQ’s know-how to scale the product and revenue stream across Better Collective’s global portfolio.”
Brandon Harris, CEO Playmaker HQ, said: “Joining forces with Better Collective marks a significant milestone for Playmaker HQ. We cannot wait to make plays with Better Collective’s world class team who will help us create amazing content, experiences and opportunities, reaching an even wider audience of sports fans globally. I know our creators are going to do amazing things with the support of Better Collective’s team and resources. We are just scratching the surface, and we are so excited to align with Better Collective to help achieve OUR vision of building the world’s leading sports media group.”
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Raketech Group Holding Plc announced an agreement to sell the Casumba assets due to regulatory developments affecting its markets.
The transaction, valued at a fixed consideration of EUR 12 million, will be paid in monthly instalments through December 2029, with no upfront cash payment. Under IFRS 9 accounting standards, the deferred consideration has been measured at the fair value of approximately EUR 7 million at closing. The EUR 5 million difference between the fixed consideration and the fair value reflects an element of ongoing credit risk and the extended payment schedule. Any further adjustments will be recognised through the profit and loss account over the payment period, in accordance with IFRS 9 requirements.
The consideration carries an 8% interest rate and will be paid in variable monthly instalments through December 2029.
The sale supports Raketech’s platform-first strategy, focusing on core markets and sustainable growth in iGaming affiliation. The decision to divest Casumba stems from recent regulatory shifts in its markets. This move aims to remove regulatory risks, and redirect capital to Raketech’s leading iGaming affiliation platform, AffiliationCloud.
The Casumba assets generated annualised revenues of approximately EUR 4.0 million with an EBITDA of EUR 2.9 million, based on the Q2 2025 run rate.
Raketech will record a non-cash loss on disposal of approximately EUR 10 million in Q3 2025. This loss primarily arises from the difference between the book value of the Casumba assets and the IFRS 9 fair value of the consideration. The loss on disposal is a one-off, non-recurring loss and will not impact Raketech’s cash flow or operational performance.
The transaction has been signed and closed on 24 September 2025.
Johan Svensson, CEO of Raketech, said: “This sale marks another step in refining our portfolio and concentrating on our core goal of creating the top commercial platform for iGaming affiliation. By divesting Casumba, we eliminate regulatory exposure and unlock resources for growth opportunities. This transaction reflects our dedication to sustainable shareholder value and financial discipline.”
The post Raketech Announces Divestment of Casumba Assets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Amusnet, a top-tier gaming provider, has announced a new partnership with Onlandia.org.ua, a prominent Ukrainian iGaming affiliate. This collaboration is designed to leverage Onlandia’s extensive market reach and dedicated platform to amplify Amusnet’s brand presence and effectively drive engagement within the Ukrainian market.
The partnership will utilise Onlandia’s platform to feature exciting game content, exclusive interviews and run various activities. It will also ensure Ukrainian players have direct access to the latest news and updates from Amusnet.
“We are excited to partner with Onlandia.org.ua. By combining their expertise in audience engagement with our top-tier portfolio, we can drive substantial regional growth and strengthen brand visibility in this key focus market for Amusnet. This collaboration represents a strategic step toward expanding our footprint and delivering long-term value to operators and players,” said Liliya Chatalbasheva, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Amusnet.
“We are delighted to begin this partnership with Amusnet. We see them not just as developers, but as reliable partners who strive to ensure their games are presented fairly and transparently. This collaboration will allow us to continue providing high-quality content for Ukrainian players, helping them navigate the world of the gaming industry,” said a representative of onlandia.org.ua.
This partnership marks a significant step for Amusnet in reinforcing its commitment to the Ukrainian market and shaping the future of online gaming in the region.
The post Amusnet Announces Partnership with Onlandia.org.ua appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Affiliate Industry
Nikita Lukanenoks Brings Slotsjudge Into Spotlight With Affiliate Leaders Awards 2025 Nomination
Content Manager’s commitment to clear, reliable casino reviews earns recognition in one of the most competitive categories at the Affiliate Leaders Awards 2025.
Nikita Lukanenoks, Content Manager at Slotsjudge, has been nominated for Affiliate Content Manager of the Year at the Affiliate Leaders Awards 2025. The nomination highlights his contribution to the platform’s growth and puts Slotsjudge alongside some of the most recognised names in the iGaming industry.
Being shortlisted in such a competitive category as Affiliate Content Manager of the Year only highlights the growing influence of Slotsjudge in the iGaming space. The platform has steadily moved from a niche review site to a recognised industry player, attracting a wider audience and building trust among players. This growth has been driven by a clear focus on high-quality, informative content that keeps readers coming back and helps them make better decisions when choosing where and what to play.
Slotsjudge stands out for the way it combines clear, practical casino reviews with helpful guides that even beginners can easily follow. This approach has not only improved how players choose casinos, but has also boosted user engagement across the platform. In addition, strict editorial standards keep every review accurate, up to date, and written in plain, straightforward language, giving readers confidence in the information they find.
“For me, it is all about creating content that is genuinely useful to players. Whether someone is completely new or already experienced, they should find clear, honest information that helps them make better decisions. In an industry that is constantly changing, I believe staying transparent and adapting quickly is the best way to keep our readers’ trust.” — Nikita Lukanenoks, Slotsjudge.
A strong work ethic in content creation has always been central to Slotsjudge’s growth and solid reputation. By providing readers with relevant information, practical tips, and regular updates, the site continues to attract new visitors, while also rewarding returning players with regular perks like Wheel of Fortune. This approach has made Slotsjudge a trusted destination for players seeking the latest insights from the iGaming world.
High-quality content has become one of the main drivers of success in affiliate marketing. In a competitive space where players have countless options, clear and trustworthy information can make a significant difference. The nomination highlights how valuable a strong editorial approach is for building credibility, driving engagement, and building trust with readers.
The post Nikita Lukanenoks Brings Slotsjudge Into Spotlight With Affiliate Leaders Awards 2025 Nomination appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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