Latest News
Kindred acquires Relax Gaming to strengthen its focus on product differentiation and customer experience
Kindred Group has signed an agreement to acquire the remaining outstanding shares in Relax Gaming, a leading and rapidly growing B2B iGaming supplier, at an implied valuation of up to EUR 320 million for 100 per cent of the shares on a cash free and debt free basis. Kindred has been invested in Relax Gaming since 2013 and the transaction will allow Kindred to acquire the remaining 66.6 per cent of the outstanding shares. The acquisition accelerates Kindred’s strategy to increase its focus on product and customer experience by strengthening Kindred’s product control and product differentiation capabilities.
Kindred Group plc (Kindred) has signed an agreement to acquire the remaining 66.6 per cent of the outstanding shares in Relax Gaming. The transaction values the company at up to EUR 320 million on a cash and debt free basis (Enterprise value) and a total value of the outstanding shares of approximately EUR 295 million (Equity value). Kindred will pay an initial consideration, settled in cash upon completion, of approximately EUR 80 million (on a cash and debt free basis). In addition to the initial consideration, the maximum earn-out payments amount to EUR 113 million and may become payable in 2022 and 2023, subject to Relax Gaming achieving certain earnings thresholds. The transaction will be financed through Kindred’s existing cash and credit facilities.
Relax Gaming is a market leading B2B iGaming software supplier that designs and develops online casino games, supported by an open distribution platform for third party aggregation as well as proprietary poker and bingo products. The company was founded in 2010 and has today c. 240 full-time employees with four main hubs in Malta, Estonia, Sweden and Serbia. Kindred has been invested in Relax Gaming since 2013 and was prior to the transaction the largest owner with 33.4 per cent of the outstanding shares.
“Through this acquisition we add a rapidly growing and profitable B2B business with a world-class product portfolio, giving us greater control over our casino, poker and bingo offering, putting Kindred in a significantly better position to achieve our long-term strategy to increase our focus on product differentiation and customer experience”, says Henrik Tjärnström, CEO at Kindred Group.
“Joining Kindred Group comes as a natural next step in our long-standing cooperation with Kindred across all our product verticals. Kindred’s strengthened presence will allow Relax Gaming to further invest in and accelerate the expansion of our B2B offering across the globe. We will continue the Relax Gaming journey as a separate B2B entity with unchanged product portfolio and overall strategy, staying true to our values and respecting the hard-earned trust of our customers. Our continued independence is a key element of the transaction, and I am happy to remain on the board of Relax Gaming”, comments Patrik Österåker, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board at the Relax Gaming.
Relax Gaming currently supplies poker and bingo content on an exclusive basis to Kindred along with high quality casino content. The acquisition is expected to generate annual run-rate synergies of EUR 8 million within the next three years for the Group driven especially by lower investment needs and reduced cost of sales. With Relax Gaming as an important addition to the Group, Kindred will be able to further develop its own proprietary product portfolio, and thereby secure unique content differentiation in line with the Group’s strategic direction.
In order to secure continued integrity of Relax Gaming’s B2B customers, Kindred’s intention is to keep Relax Gaming as an independent entity within the Group with a separate Board of Directors and management team. Kindred’s ambition is to continue to invest in Relax Gaming to cement its position as a leading B2B iGaming supplier by further strengthening Relax Gaming’s product offering and by broadening their B2B customer base. In conjunction with the completion of the transaction, all existing employee share option programs in Relax Gaming will be exercised, and Relax Gaming’s management, who is committed to the future success of the company, will retain an ownership of c. seven per cent of total fully diluted shares in the company and Kindred’s ownership in Relax Gaming will be c. 93 per cent after the completion of the transaction and the exercise of the options.
In the last twelve months leading up to May 2021, Relax Gaming generated revenues of approximately EUR 25 million with an EBITDA of approximately EUR 10 million.
The transaction is conditional to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2021.
J.P. Morgan has acted as financial advisor and Cirio Advokatbyrå has acted as legal advisor to Kindred in connection with the transaction.
Roschier Attorneys Ltd acted as the legal advisor to the shareholders of Relax Holding Limited in the transaction.
Powered by WPeMatico
Christer Fahlstedt
Paf has halved its loss limit since 2018
Nordic gaming operator Paf is taking another decisive step toward responsible gambling by lowering its mandatory annual loss limit for all customers from €16,000 to €15,000. The move is part of a long-term strategy focused on sustainability, player protection, and ethical revenue growth.
With this latest reduction, Paf has now cut its original loss limit—first introduced in 2018 at €30,000—by 50%. The mandatory cap applies across all gaming categories and to every platform operated by the company.
“We are extremely proud that through concrete actions and long-term investments in responsible gaming, we have now halved the first loss limit we introduced in 2018,” said Christer Fahlstedt, CEO of Paf. “It clearly demonstrates that we are serious about our ambition to be a sustainable entertainment company.”
Long-term ambition: €8,000 annual loss limit
The new €15,000 threshold represents another step toward Paf’s previously stated long-term goal of lowering the annual loss limit to €8,000 per player.
“We have been transparent about our ambition to lead the development toward a healthier gaming market,” Fahlstedt added. “Unlike many operators, we are prepared to say no to revenue that comes from unsustainable gaming. However, this transition must happen gradually to ensure long-term stability in a highly competitive market.”
High-intensity player segments phased out
As part of the reduction, Paf will continue to reshape its customer segmentation model. Revenue from the so-called orange segment—players with annual losses between €15,000 and €30,000—will be phased out entirely over time.
Paf has already eliminated revenue from its red segment, which previously consisted of customers losing more than €30,000 annually. The latest changes further reinforce the company’s shift away from high-intensity gambling behavior toward more sustainable play levels.
“Removing the orange segment is a deliberate and important decision,” said Daniela Johansson, Deputy CEO and Chief Responsibility Officer at Paf. “It clearly signals that we do not want revenue that isn’t sustainable over time—especially when our mission is to create long-term benefits for society.”
Call for shared limits across the industry
In addition to mandatory loss limits, Paf customers can set their own voluntary lower limits. While these safeguards have proven effective in curbing harmful behavior, Paf emphasizes that broader industry action is needed.
“Loss limits have a real and measurable impact on player behavior and can stop problems before they escalate,” Fahlstedt said. “But customers can easily switch operators. That’s why common national deposit limits are essential, and why unlicensed gambling must be addressed.”
Paf was the first international gaming operator to introduce mandatory loss limits, and the company continues to advocate for stronger, shared responsibility standards across regulated markets.
The post Paf has halved its loss limit since 2018 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
BLAST
BLAST Names Polymarket Official Prediction Partner for BLAST Premier and BLAST Slam in 2026
Competitive entertainment company BLAST has announced a new partnership with Polymarket, the world’s largest prediction market, naming the platform its ‘Official Prediction Partner’ throughout 2026. The collaboration will span BLAST’s Counter-Strike and Dota 2 tournament properties, BLAST Premier and BLAST Slam, bringing prediction-driven engagement to fans across multiple global tournaments.
Polymarket will be integrated across seven of BLAST’s global Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 events, beginning this week at BLAST Slam VI in Malta. Both Dota and Counter-Strike events will also feature bespoke content pieces used in broadcast as well as desk segments highlighting the platform’s integration into BLAST’s events.
Polymarket will receive prominent visibility across live broadcasts, arena events and digital content, as BLAST continues to expand how fans engage with top-tier competitive entertainment. Polymarket branding will be featured consistently across BLAST’s broadcasts via digital integrations and physical prints.
Beyond broadcast, the partnership extends into live arena events, where Polymarket will be incorporated into the on-site fan experience through features such as the Polymarket Fancam as well as the ability to host creators and streamers within the arena via dedicated event streaming booths.
Alexander Lewin, SVP of Commercial Revenue at BLAST said: “Esports is evolving rapidly into a more interactive, data-driven entertainment experience, and we are delighted to team up with Polymarket to bring exciting new engagement opportunities to our fans all around the world. Together, we’re creating something that feels native to esports culture: fast, live, and deeply connected to the action. This partnership is about enhancing how fans experience competition, whether they’re watching online or inside an arena. We’re proud to join Polymarket’s industry-leading group of partners, alongside the NHL, UFC and the MLS among others, reflecting the growing global recognition of BLAST’s events.”
Matthew Modabber, CMO of Polymarket, said: “Esports has long been dominated by traditional sportsbooks, but prediction markets open the door to a more transparent and community-driven way for fans to engage with competition. Partnering with BLAST brings that experience to a global audience and helps make prediction markets a natural part of how people watch, debate, and follow competitive gaming. We see this as the beginning of a new chapter for fan participation in esports.”
The BLAST Premier 2026 calendar includes taking Counter-Strike to global destinations, including Rotterdam, Fort Worth and Hong Kong, alongside the continuation of the BLAST Slam circuit. BLAST’s next event is the BLAST Slam VI in Malta (3rd-15th February), with 12 of Dota’s best teams battling at the largest fixed studio in Malta.
The post BLAST Names Polymarket Official Prediction Partner for BLAST Premier and BLAST Slam in 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Gamblers Connect
NeverEnding Partners with Gamblers Connect to Expand Services
Gamblers Connect, the acclaimed iGaming media and affiliate platform, is excited to reveal a new strategic partnership with NeverEnding Tech, the “anti-bureaucracy” iGaming content creator that is quickly transforming the video slots industry.
This collaboration unites two entities dedicated to transparency, quick execution, and a mutual goal of advancing the industry through genuine relationships and top-quality content. In an industry frequently hindered by excessive bureaucracy and repetitive communication, NeverEnding has swiftly positioned itself as a nimble alternative—providing rapid decision-making, focused strategy, and performance-oriented results that appeal to current operators.
Gamblers Connect focuses on allies that provide true advantages and a distinct unique selling proposition. NeverEnding’s philosophy of “Games, Growth, and No Excuses” closely matches the company’s mission: providing dependable, high-quality industry insights without any unnecessary details.
This partnership focuses on incorporating NeverEnding’s dynamic portfolio, featuring popular titles such as Ultimate Hot Coins: Hold & Win and Coin Blast Extra, into the Gamblers Connect ecosystem, providing its community with direct access to today’s most effective and captivating slots.
Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, said: “As we integrate NeverEnding into our platform, players and operators alike can expect a streamlined flow of information regarding their latest releases and technical innovations. NeverEnding’s unique “B2B Backed by B2C Power” model ensures that our partnership isn’t just about visibility; it’s about generating real traction for the games that matter. Together, we are setting a new standard for how content providers and media hubs collaborate: with speed, transparency, and a relentless focus on the future of gaming.”
Ihor Zarechnyi, representing the leadership at NeverEnding, highlighted the importance of this synergy: “Gamblers Connect brings together the people who actually move this industry forward. For NeverEnding, this collaboration is about being present where real conversations happen, exchanging experience, and building partnerships that go beyond logos and announcements.”
The post NeverEnding Partners with Gamblers Connect to Expand Services appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Brasil on Track5 days agoODDSGATE LAUNCHES “BRASIL ON TRACK”, A STRATEGIC PLATFORM FOR NAVIGATING BRAZIL’S REGULATED IGAMING MARKET
-
Latest News6 days agoMillion Games Unveils Looting Raccoons: A Charming Pirate Slot Packed with Features
-
3 Oaks Gaming6 days agoStrategic partnership sees 3 Oaks Gaming expand its LatAm footprint with one of Mexico’s fastest-growing operators
-
0005 days agoCash Pig 2 Debuts from Booming Games with 15,000 Top Prize
-
Compliance Updates6 days agoRomanian National Gambling Authority Pushes for Urgent Overhaul of Self-exclusion Rules
-
40 Glossy Hot5 days agoAmusnet Releases “40 Glossy Hot”
-
Amusnet4 days agoWeek 6/2026 slot games releases
-
Latest News6 days agoBoomerang Partners prepares a major affiliates activation, TIME TO WIN, as the Year of Sports enters its hot phase



