Press Releases
LeoVegas carries out strategic measures in the UK and related cost initiatives
LeoVegas is carrying out strategic changes coupled to the UK market and the Group’s organisation. During the first quarter the brands Rocket X provide managed services for will be migrated to the Group’s own technical platform, while the Royal Panda brand will leave the UK to instead focus on fast-growing markets in Europe and the Rest of the world. This will result in a more focused and efficient operation that fully uses economies of scale in technology, product and organisation. As a result of the company’s efficiency improvement work, a planned relocation to new offices in Malta is being called off. These various initiatives will lead to annual cost savings of approximately EUR 3.7 m. One-off restructuring costs of EUR 6.1 m will be charged against operating profit for the fourth quarter. LeoVegas is also recognising an impairment loss of approximately EUR 10 m on its investment in Royal Panda.
The UK market for online gaming has changed dramatically in recent years, such as with respect to stricter demands on compliance and higher gambling taxes. At the same time, since the trade and assets of IPS (Rocket X managed brands) and Royal Panda, LeoVegas has conducted its operations in the UK on three separate technical platforms and with three slightly separate organisations, which has resulted in internal complexity. As a result, in 2019 the marketing organisations for LeoVegas UK and Rocket X were integrated into a single unit. The Group is now taking the next step by migrating the Rocket X managed brand portfolio from a third-party solution to the Group’s own multibrand platform Rhino, where all technology is owned and run by LeoVegas. Parallel with this, Royal Panda is leaving the UK market, which entails that all operations coupled to the UK going forward will be driven on the same technical platform and with a joint organisation for technology, products, customer service, marketing and compliance.
The strategic initiatives were begun during the fourth quarter of 2019 and are expected to be largely completed during the first quarter of this year. The measures are expected to generate cost synergies in areas such as marketing, products, payments and customer service, and will result in reduced complexity in compliance. The annual savings relating to the UK are estimated to be approximately EUR 2.0 m after the migration has been completed and consist mainly of lower platform and product costs and a more efficient organisation.
During the fourth quarter Royal Panda had sales of approximately EUR 1.1 m in the UK with negative profitability and is not expected to generate significant revenue during the first quarter of 2020. Revenue for the remaining operations in the UK, consisting of 13 brands including LeoVegas, 21.co.uk and BetUK, grew 15% during the fourth quarter over the third quarter and showed good profitability.
LeoVegas’ focus on efficiency and cost control during the past year, including the now-communicated measures in the UK, have contributed to a much more optimised organisation with improved processes. The number of full-time equivalent employees in the Group has decreased from just under 900 to around 800 during the past year. The Group has therefore decided to cancel its contract for new, larger premises in Malta in 2021 and will instead stay in its existing facilities during the coming five-year period. The annual cost savings compared with the previously planned move will amount to EUR 1.7 m per year.
The initiatives will give rise to total restructuring costs of EUR 6.1 m, which will be charged against operating profit (EBIT) for the fourth quarter. The costs are mainly related to early cancellations of third-party agreements on platforms and products, penalties for cancellation of the new lease in Malta, discontinuation costs for Royal Panda’s operations in the UK, and impairment of LeoVegas Gaming’s intangible assets coupled to Rocket X’s previous technological development. In addition to this, LeoVegas is recognising an impairment loss of approximately EUR 10 m for its investment in Royal Panda. All of the cited costs will be reported as items affecting comparability in the fourth quarter interim report. The operating profit in the fourth quarter will also include a capital gain of EUR 11.4 m from the previously communicated sale of the subsidiary Authentic Gaming, which will also be reported under items affecting comparability.
“The strategic initiatives we are now carrying out will create optimal conditions to be successful in the large, but at the same time complex, UK market,” comments Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO. “The consolidation of brands into one and the same platform will contribute to large economies of scale in the Group – both by allowing us to fully utilise our multibrand technology and through a more efficient organisation. Already during the second half of last year, the LeoVegas and Rocket X managed brands in the UK began to perform favourably, and the new structure gives us a good starting point to increase both growth and profitability in the UK market during 2020. At the same time, Royal Panda – which has struggled with weak performance in the UK but has performed well in other markets – can now focus fully on growth outside of the UK and also launch the brand in a couple of new markets in and outside of Europe.”
LeoVegas will publish its interim report for the fourth quarter of 2019 at 8 a.m. CET on 14 February.
Expanse Studios, a B2B iGaming content provider and subsidiary of Meridian Holdings Inc., has announced a strategic partnership with Stake to deploy its proprietary gaming content across Stake’s global gaming platforms.
The collaboration marks another step in Expanse Studios’ global expansion strategy and strengthens its presence in the rapidly growing online gaming ecosystem.
Through the agreement, Expanse Studios will distribute its portfolio of titles via Hub88’s aggregation infrastructure, enabling Stake to integrate the studio’s games seamlessly across its international platforms. The partnership is designed to extend Expanse’s global reach while offering Stake players access to a range of engaging and high-performing games.
Strategic Partnership to Expand Market Reach
The collaboration between Expanse Studios and Stake reflects the increasing importance of partnerships in the global iGaming industry. Content developers are increasingly relying on aggregator platforms to expand their distribution networks, reach new audiences, and scale their offerings efficiently.
According to Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios, Stake represents one of the most influential brands in the global gaming sector. By integrating through Hub88’s technology, Expanse Studios can deliver its content directly to Stake’s extensive international player base.
This partnership allows the studio to strengthen its B2B distribution strategy while gaining access to one of the most widely recognized gaming platforms in the industry.
Deployment Through Hub88 Aggregation
The technical integration is made possible through Hub88, a well-known aggregation platform that connects game developers with online casino operators. Aggregators play a crucial role in modern iGaming infrastructure by simplifying content distribution and enabling developers to deploy games across multiple operators simultaneously.
By leveraging Hub88’s infrastructure, Expanse Studios can efficiently roll out its games to Stake’s ecosystem without requiring complex individual integrations. This approach accelerates deployment timelines and supports scalable distribution across multiple markets.
Such partnerships demonstrate how aggregation technology continues to shape the future of the online casino industry, making it easier for studios to deliver content globally.
Featured Titles in the Stake Integration
As part of the partnership, Stake will gain access to several of Expanse Studios’ most popular titles. These games highlight the studio’s diverse portfolio and demonstrate its ability to cater to different player preferences.
Super Helib
One of the flagship games included in the integration is Super Heli, a crash-style game that has become one of the studio’s standout titles. The game offers a 97% return-to-player (RTP) rate and combines fast-paced gameplay with a dynamic multiplier system, creating a highly engaging experience for players.
Crash games have become increasingly popular in the iGaming sector due to their simplicity, fast rounds, and high excitement levels.
Wild Icy Fruits
Another featured title is Wild Icy Fruits, a high-speed slot game that delivers a classic slot experience with modern mechanics. The game emphasizes quick gameplay cycles and vibrant visuals, appealing to players who enjoy traditional fruit-themed slots with a contemporary twist.
VASO Psycho
The integration also includes VASO Psycho, a celebrity-branded slot that introduces high volatility and a massive 10,000x multiplier potential. This title showcases Expanse Studios’ ability to incorporate branded entertainment into its gaming portfolio while maintaining strong gameplay mechanics.
Together, these titles provide Stake’s players with a varied selection of experiences, ranging from fast-paced crash games to high-volatility slot gameplay.
Addressing Diverse Gaming Markets
The partnership between Expanse Studios and Stake highlights the company’s strategy of addressing multiple segments within the online gaming industry.
Expanse Studios has increasingly focused on combining social casino mechanics with traditional iGaming distribution models. This approach allows the company to appeal to a wide range of players while adapting to different regulatory and market environments.
By deploying its games through Stake’s global platform, Expanse Studios gains access to both traditional online casino audiences and newer gaming communities that favor fast, skill-influenced formats such as crash games.
A Growing Portfolio and Global Network
Expanse Studios has steadily expanded its presence in the global iGaming sector. The studio currently maintains partnerships with more than 1,300 B2B operators worldwide and offers a portfolio of over 70 proprietary gaming titles.
This growing network reflects the company’s focus on scalable growth through strategic collaborations, aggregator partnerships, and content innovation.
As the iGaming industry continues to evolve, developers like Expanse Studios are prioritizing flexible distribution models that allow them to enter new markets efficiently while maintaining consistent game quality.
The Future of iGaming Distribution
The partnership with Stake illustrates a broader trend within the iGaming industry. As competition intensifies, content developers are increasingly leveraging aggregation platforms and strategic alliances to accelerate global expansion.
By integrating with large-scale operators and leveraging advanced distribution infrastructure, studios can reach wider audiences while maintaining streamlined technical operations.
For Expanse Studios, the collaboration with Stake represents another milestone in its ongoing effort to strengthen its international footprint and deliver engaging gaming content to players worldwide.
As the company continues to expand its portfolio and operator network, partnerships like this are likely to play a crucial role in shaping its future growth.
A similar article about iGaming partnerships and content distribution can be found on Gambling Insider, a leading authority in the iGaming industry: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news
Example topic coverage: iGaming platform partnerships, content integrations, and developer distribution agreements.
The post Expanse Studios Partners with Stake to Expand Global iGaming Distribution appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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Professional Fighters League and Sportradar Announce Comprehensive Global Betting Distribution Partnership
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced a strategic agreement with Sportradar for global betting data and betting streaming rights, marking a major evolution in how fans engage and experience the excitement of the PFL.
The exclusive agreement establishes Sportradar as a foundational pillar of the PFL’s global betting and gaming strategy, spanning the full betting lifecycle, from official data and pricing to live streaming, in-play markets, and real-time fan experiences. Together, PFL and Sportradar are delivering one of the most advanced and integrated betting ecosystems available in professional mixed martial arts.
The distribution of PFL betting content and AV content to Sportradar’s global network of 800 sportsbook operators creates additional opportunities for the League to engage with fans worldwide and opens new revenue generating opportunities.
Sportradar’s access to official PFL data fuels a comprehensive range of in-play betting markets, including innovative next generation solutions such as the League’s first-ever official real-time betting product to unlock live wagering opportunities during fights.
Furthermore, Sportradar distributes the official PFL stream to licensed sportsbooks worldwide through its Watch & Bet network. This allows operators to offer live PFL fights within regulated betting environments, driving increased visibility for the league and incremental betting engagement across global markets.
“Partnering with Sportradar allows the PFL to deliver a best-in-class betting product that matches the scale, professionalism, and global ambition of our league,” said PFL CEO John Martin. “From live streaming and official data to in-play betting and fan engagement tools, this partnership materially strengthens our commercial offering and supports long-term growth as the PFL continues to expand its global event calendar.”
Moritz Gloeckler, EVP Rights and Strategic Projects at Sportradar, said: “The PFL is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing sports leagues in the world right now and Sportradar is well positioned to help the League capture that fan interest. We’re pleased to work with them to create innovative solutions that drive engagement and transform the fan experience.”
Strategically, the partnership supports revenue growth, drives increased betting activity and global handle, and enhances fan engagement through immersive, real-time experiences. It plays a central role in expanding the PFL’s audience and commercial footprint heading in 2026 and beyond.
The post Professional Fighters League and Sportradar Announce Comprehensive Global Betting Distribution Partnership appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
RLX Gaming, the iGaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, has successfully launched its comprehensive content portfolio with Fanatics Casino in the United States.
RLX Gaming’s extensive library of in-house and third-party titles is now available to Fanatics Casino players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, following a soft launch in the Keystone State.
Top-performing RLX Gaming slots including Temple Tumble, Bonsai Dragon Blitz, and The Great Pigsby have been rolled out, alongside a wide selection of other releases from some of the industry’s most creative studios.
Fanatics Casino is available in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia on iOS and Android and offers players a chance to explore a wide array of classic and modern casino games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, progressive jackpots and video poker. Each game is crafted to deliver authentic casino action, ensuring endless entertainment.
The latest pivotal partnership reaffirms RLX Gaming’s dedication to providing dynamic, global-ready content that drives innovation in the online casino sector.
Matthew Hockenjos, Commercial Account Manager for North America at RLX Gaming, said: “Our collaboration with Fanatics Casino represents a major milestone for RLX Gaming as we strategically broaden our footprint across North America.
“Fanatics Casino’s focus on delivering outstanding entertainment is perfectly aligned with our core mission, and we are excited to bring our engaging slot experiences to its players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”
Kieron Shaw at Fanatics Casino, added: “We are delighted to integrate RLX Gaming’s extensive and captivating portfolio into our platform. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to offering a premier online casino experience, guaranteeing our players access to top-tier titles with a proven resonance for players across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”
The post RLX Gaming expands US reach through Fanatics Casino launch appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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