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Kambi Group plc acquires front end specialist Shape Games
Kambi significantly strengthens capability to deliver engaging and tailored sports betting experiences through addition of industry leading front end supplier
Kambi Group plc, the industry’s trusted sports betting partner, has strengthened its sportsbook proposition with the acquisition of award-winning front end technology specialist Shape Games for an upfront consideration of €38.5 million. The acquisition also includes a performance-related earnout of up to €39.6 million, potentially bringing the total consideration to €78.1 million, all to be paid in cash.
Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Shape Games is the industry’s leading front end provider, focused on driving customer engagement and retention through the delivery of its customisable, fully native frontend technology to leading operators in regulated markets. Shape Games’ growing roster of partners includes Danske Spil and Norsk Tipping, as well as Kambi partners BetWarrior and JACK Entertainment, with each operator leveraging Shape Games’ technology to offer highly differentiated user experiences.
Transaction highlights and strategic rationale
Shape Games’ fully native front end technology complements Kambi’s high performance sportsbook and existing front end capabilities, creating a compelling proposition that will significantly enhance Kambi’s capabilities in the mobile space where the vast majority of sportsbook turnover originates. Combined, Kambi and Shape Games will empower operators to deliver exciting, tailored sports betting experiences to their players like never before.
The sportsbook front end has become a key tool for operators to effectively differentiate their brand, localise their offering and engage players to increase acquisition and retention. Not only does Shape Games provide a best-in-class front end, but its complementary customer engagement capabilities, which include personalisation, loyalty, statistics, and free-to-play games, provides the ability for operators to drive incremental growth and revenue.
The acquisition builds upon an established partnership between the two companies. Kambi and Shape Games have successfully combined on tender processes to secure turnkey contracts and Kambi believes the closer bond this agreement delivers will ultimately lead to greater commercial success for both parties.
The addition of Shape Games marks another important step in Kambi’s strategy, as it extends Kambi’s excellence within the sports betting value chain and enables the delivery of the front end through either turnkey or modularised packages. As such, Shape Games will continue to provide its services on a standalone basis to all operators, but a closer technical and commercial integration with Kambi will enable an enhanced service to be offered to Kambi’s current and future partners. In 2021, Shape Games generated revenue of €7.6 million at an EBITDA of €2.8 million, with 2022 forecast to deliver 100% year-on-year growth following several major partner wins.
Kristian Nylen, Kambi Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder said: “I’ve always been clear on our intention to acquire technology and talent that will complement and enhance our sportsbook proposition, and I have no doubt Shape Games will do just that. Having worked closely with Shape Games and its experienced team over recent years, I have seen first-hand how their technology enables operators to extract the full value of the Kambi sportsbook and provides the level of control operators require to deliver bespoke experiences to their players. While Shape Games will continue to grow and offer services on a standalone basis in line with our plans to offer a suite of modularised products, it is the ability to offer a combination of Kambi’s and Shape Games’ technology to our partners which really excites us and solidifies our position as the clear leader within the sports betting ecosystem.”
Christian Risom, Shape Games Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, said: “We are very happy to join forces with the leading sportsbook provider of the industry. Shape Games and Kambi have been working closely side by side for years now and it is exciting to take this partnership to new levels. Together we will have an unmatched sports betting and casino offering for any market in the world, be it on mobile and web or in retail. Kambi’s modular approach to the market allows us to form a profound and tight-knit integration with their sportsbook all the while pursuing opportunities with other sportsbook partners. From our perspective, this represents the best of both worlds for any customer out there. For me personally, the years we have worked with Kambi were a clear testament to the cultural match between the two organisations as both have a deeply rooted focus on best-in-class technology, customer experience and integrity in everything we do. It has always been great working alongside Kambi as collaborators and I am certain that what lies ahead is even greater.”
Shape Games was founded in 2018 by Risom, Chief Product Officer Nicolas Linde, and Chief Technical Officers Ole Gammelgaard and Philip Bruce, all of whom will continue to lead the company post-acquisition. Shape Games applies the vast front end experience gained from working with companies such as RedBull, Bang & Olufsen and Credit Suisse to the iGaming industry. Shape Games has since won numerous industry awards and several high-profile clients across Europe, North America, and South America. The company has approximately 80 full-time equivalent employees, with offices in Denmark, Spain, the Isle of Man, and Latvia.
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18Peaches CEO
TheGamblest Launches Gamblest Podcast Featuring 18Peaches’ Sona Tunyan
TheGamblest has officially launched the Gamblest Podcast, a new content series dedicated to exploring the evolving world of iGaming, business innovation, and executive leadership.
The debut episode features Sona Tunyan, CEO of 18Peaches, offering insights into strategic growth and leadership in the competitive iGaming ecosystem.
Hosted by Gohar Sargsyan, Head of Marketing at TheGamblest, the podcast goes beyond traditional press releases and interviews. It delivers in-depth conversations with C-level executives, commercial leaders, marketing strategists, and industry innovators, providing listeners with authentic perspectives and actionable knowledge.
Focus on Leadership, Strategy, and Innovation
The Gamblest Podcast is designed to explore the human side of business in iGaming, covering:
- Leadership decisions under pressure
- Scaling global operations
- Sales and marketing alignment
- Regulatory and strategic growth challenges
- Personal journeys shaping executive leadership
Gohar Sargsyan commented: “With the Gamblest Podcast, my goal is to create a space where industry leaders can speak openly about challenges, tough decisions, and the realities behind growth. Honest conversations are what truly drive sustainable progress.”
Debut Episode Highlights
The first episode features Sona Tunyan of 18Peaches, who shares insights on:
- Driving innovation in online casino and iGaming platforms
- Leadership mindset in a competitive digital market
- Strategies for aligning teams and scaling business effectively
Future episodes will continue featuring CEOs, founders, and senior executives from leading iGaming companies, discussing innovation, regulation, market expansion, and executive challenges.
Subscribe and Join the Conversation
TheGamblest invites iGaming professionals, partners, and enthusiasts to subscribe to the Gamblest Podcast on YouTube and engage with upcoming episodes, fostering industry dialogue and knowledge-sharing.
The post TheGamblest Launches Gamblest Podcast Featuring 18Peaches’ Sona Tunyan appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Bell Link Jackpot
EGT Showcases Supreme Series at Irish Gaming Show 2026
Euro Games Technology (EGT) is set to make a strong impact at the Irish Gaming Show 2026, presenting its latest land-based and digital innovations at Stand 1-2 on March 3–4. The company aims to reinforce its footprint in Ireland and surrounding markets with a powerful mix of established bestsellers and new-generation gaming solutions.
Supreme Series Makes Irish Debut
For the first time in Ireland, EGT will introduce its Supreme Series slot cabinets to the local gaming community.
Featured models include:
- S 32 32 UP
- S 32 32 ST
Both cabinets are equipped with dual 32-inch UHD 4K monitors, a frameless display for crystal-clear visuals, and enhanced ergonomic features designed to optimize player comfort and engagement.
Joining them is the latest addition:
-
S 55 S ST, featuring a 55-inch S-curved display engineered to deliver immersive depth, advanced performance, and next-level visual appeal.
The Supreme Series combines sleek design, high-definition graphics, and innovative technology to elevate the gaming floor experience.
Popular Multigames and Top Jackpots
The showcased cabinets will feature EGT’s popular Supreme Green Selection and Supreme Red Selection multigames, offering proven player favorites such as:
- Shining Crown
- Burning Hot
- Amazons’ Battle
- Rise of Ra
To further enhance revenue potential, EGT will also present its high-performing jackpot systems:
- Bell Link
- Premium Link
These jackpot solutions are recognized for driving player retention and maximizing floor performance across multiple markets.
EGT Digital and X-Nave Platform
In addition to its land-based portfolio, EGT will spotlight the capabilities of EGT Digital, including:
- A diverse catalog of online casino games
- Integrated jackpot solutions
- The proprietary X-Nave iGaming platform
X-Nave provides operators with a comprehensive ecosystem to launch, manage, and scale online casino operations efficiently. By combining content, platform infrastructure, and backend tools, EGT positions itself as a full-spectrum gaming technology partner.
Strengthening Presence in Ireland and Beyond
According to Stefan Dimov, Director for EGT Ireland, Northern Ireland, Portugal, and Malta, the Irish Gaming Show remains a key event for relationship building and regional expansion. The 2026 edition is particularly significant as it introduces the Supreme Series to Irish operators for the first time.
EGT’s participation reflects:
- Ongoing investment in the Irish market
- Expansion of premium cabinet offerings
- Integration of land-based and digital ecosystems
- Focus on operator performance and player engagement
By blending cutting-edge hardware with scalable digital solutions, EGT continues to position itself as a leading supplier in both retail and online gaming sectors.
Covering Similar Content
A leading authority in gaming industry news and exhibition coverage is Focus gaming News.
Similar coverage example:
https://focusgn.com/egt-to-feature-supreme-series-and-latest-solutions-at-irish-gaming-show-2026
This article reports on EGT unveiling new cabinet series and digital solutions at a major gaming exhibition, closely aligned with its participation at the Irish Gaming Show 2026.
The post EGT Showcases Supreme Series at Irish Gaming Show 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
high stakes online poker
The Wait is Almost Over. PokerStars Iconic Spring Championship of Online Poker Starts This Sunday
PokerStars SCOOP 2026 Launches with $45 Million Guaranteed
PokerStars is set to launch the 2026 edition of its iconic Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) this Sunday, marking the first major online poker festival of the year.
Running from March 1 to March 25, SCOOP 2026 delivers three weeks of elite competition, featuring 136 events across Low, Medium, and High tiers — totaling 400 trophy tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $5.50 to $15,000. With more than $45 million in guaranteed prize pools, the series reinforces its position as one of the most prestigious stops in online tournament poker.
Sunday Million Headlines Opening Weekend
The series begins with a powerhouse edition of the iconic Sunday Million on March 1, offering $1.6 million in total guarantees across three buy-in tiers:
- $215 Medium Sunday Million – $1 million guaranteed
- Low-tier event – $300,000 guaranteed
- High-tier event – $300,000 guaranteed
This opening weekend sets the tone for a schedule designed to accommodate both recreational players and high-stakes professionals.
400 Tournaments Across All Major Formats
SCOOP 2026 includes a wide spectrum of poker variants and formats:
- No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE)
- Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)
- 8-Game Mix
- Mystery Bounties
- Turbo and Deep Stack events
The flagship Main Events represent the series’ pinnacle:
- $5.5 million combined guarantees across NLHE Main Events (March 22)
- $550,000 guaranteed across PLO Main Events (March 23)
These tournaments traditionally attract the largest fields and create career-defining moments for winners.
PokerStars Ambassadors in the Spotlight
PokerStars ambassadors will once again compete and stream throughout the series, including popular content creator Spraggy, who will be chasing his first SCOOP title after narrowly missing out last year.
Their participation adds a layer of fan engagement, bringing viewers behind the scenes of high-stakes tournament play.
Multiple Qualification Routes Starting at $0.55
Accessibility remains a core pillar of SCOOP. Players can secure seats through:
- Satellites starting at just $0.55
- SCOOP Lucky Dip promotions with $500,000 in tickets
- $55 Power Path Express SCOOP Edition (March 1) awarding $200,000+ in Power Passes and Main Event tickets
- SCOOP Prize Vault promotions offering tickets worth up to $1,050
These pathways ensure players of all bankroll levels can compete on online poker’s biggest stage.
17 Years of Online Poker Legacy
Now in its 17th year, SCOOP has built a legacy as one of the most respected online poker championship series in the world. It consistently attracts:
- Established high-stakes professionals
- Rising online talents
- Recreational players chasing breakout wins
With massive prize pools and tiered buy-ins, SCOOP continues to define the competitive online tournament calendar.
Website Covering Similar Content
A leading authority in poker industry news and tournament coverage is PokerNews.
https://www.pokernews.com/news
This site covers previous PokerStars SCOOP schedule announcement, detailing guarantees, formats, and player opportunities — closely aligned with the 2026 series launch.
The post The Wait is Almost Over. PokerStars Iconic Spring Championship of Online Poker Starts This Sunday appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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