Latest News

Golden Matrix Signs Agreement to Acquire MeridianBet Group

Published

3 years ago

January 12, 2023

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Golden Matrix Group, Inc., developer, licensor and global operator of online gaming and eCommerce platforms, systems, and gaming content, and MeridianBet Group, Southeast Europe’s leading business-to-consumer (B2C) sports betting and gaming group with headquarters in Malta, operating in multiple markets across Europe, Africa, and Latin America, today announced that GMGI has entered into a definitive acquisition agreement pursuant to which it has agreed to acquire MeridianBet Group and its related companies in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $300 million (the “Acquisition”).

The acquisition, when completed, will provide GMGI access to new and fast growing regulated B2C markets that have experienced double digit compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) since 2020[i], supported by a network of over 1,100 highly skilled MerdianBet professionals. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2023, subject to customary conditions to closing, including GMGI raising required funding, completion of due diligence, GMGI shareholder approval, and regulatory approvals. The combined pro forma revenues of both companies are expected to be greater than $100 million in FY2022, with an EBITDA estimated to be greater than $22 million for the pro forma year ended 31 October, 2022, making the combination financially appealing and earnings-accretive.

Both companies plan to continue operating under their respective brands.

Transaction Highlights

Creation of a combined group of profitable and cash positive companies, with enhanced buying power.
Access to new markets globally.
Increased competitive edge supporting over 600 third party casino brands on combined proprietary platforms and over 3.5 million registered retail customers in the B2C facing businesses.
Following the acquisition, GMGI expects to be positioned for growth, both organically and through further acquisitions, and through supported proprietary technology solutions across retail and online.
Following the acquisition, GMGI expects that synergetic growth opportunities will exist in core markets through the strong MeridianBet brand and growth prospects of other GMGI B2C brands and market entries.

Rationale for the Planned Acquisition

MeridianBet Group with a strong B2C presence in European, Latin America (LATAM), and African sports betting markets – and over 38% year-on-year revenue growth, Fiscal Year 2022 over 2021 – combined with Golden Matrix’s B2B gaming platforms supporting over 6.8 million registered users is expected to result in complementary aspects of the business and a significant increase in market share for both companies.

As a Nasdaq company, Golden Matrix has been seeking opportunities to grow and expand in a strategic and sustainable way. The acquisition of MeridianBet presents a unique opportunity for GMGI to achieve this growth while also gaining access to new markets and resources. Additionally, MeridianBet is a profitable and unique company, which is expected to bring valuable expertise and assets to the combined entity. Overall, the acquisition of MeridianBet is anticipated to bring significant benefits to GMGI from both a financial and operational standpoint, and GMGI’s management team is confident it will drive long-term value for shareholders.

Brian Goodman, CEO of Golden Matrix:

“We are thrilled to announce our entry into a purchase agreement with the shareholders of MeridianBet Group. We believe that this acquisition will provide us entry into a well-established and highly scalable B2C vertical in new markets outside of our core markets. MeridianBet Group appealed to us with its proven business model that emphasizes organic growth, resilience to external economic factors, and exceptional products and technology. We are pleased to be on the path to completing this acquisition and look forward to strengthening and growing our position in the global online betting and gaming industry, expanding into new regulated markets, and maintaining our ongoing drive to scale the business as a whole at a rapid growth rate. MeridianBet Group’s regional market strength, brand awareness and proprietary technology solutions across the enlarged group are also expected to further accelerate our growth and expansion into new territories.”

Commenting on the Acquisition, Zoran Milosevic, Chief Executive Officer of MeridianBet Group said:

“Today marks a major milestone for MeridianBet Group and its employees. As a public company traded on Nasdaq, in synergy with Golden Matrix, we expect to set an industry standard when it comes to worldwide gaming platforms and to be in an even stronger position to deliver on our aggressive growth strategy and expand into new markets, including Brazil and the US. Our brands, which are well known among worldwide online betting and gaming communities, are stronger together; and I am looking forward to working closely with Brian Goodman as we conclude the acquisition. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Brian for his hard work and determination, in what has been a testing global macro economic environment for all. I thank the entire GMGI and MeridianBet team for their dedication and commitment to finalize this agreement. We are excited about the many opportunities we can pursue together in the years ahead, and we look forward to updating shareholders and employees on our progress and working towards closing the acquisition and continuing as a combined group.”

Terms of the Acquisition

The purchase price payable to MeridianBet Group shareholders will be satisfied by the issuance to MeridianBet stockholders of approximately 65.3 million common shares of GMGI, based on an agreed price of $3.50 per share, and $70 million in cash. Upon closing of the acquisition, the MeridianBet Group of companies will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of GMGI. The acquisition agreement has been approved by the Board of Directors of each company.

“From the perspective of MeridianBet Group,” added Mr. Milosevic, “the strategic rationale behind the deal and becoming part of a Nasdaq-listed company is to be more competitive and successful in Brazil, the United States and other large markets – where market entry for private companies is more challenging. We are confident the best days of sports betting and online casinos are yet to come, with gaming regulation rolling out globally, creating opportunities for us to expand into these emerging markets.”

No change in the Company’s name is planned in connection with the acquisition, and the Board structure is expected to remain the same, with the sole exception being Mr. William Scott joining as Chairman of the Board. Mr Scott is a seasoned veteran in the regulated gaming industry and is currently an advisor to MeridianBet Group.

América Latina

Las diferencias locales de Argentina representan tanto un desafío como una oportunidad para el sector del iGaming

Published

6 hours ago

June 16, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

las-diferencias-locales-de-argentina-representan-tanto-un-desafio-como-una-oportunidad-para-el-sector-del-igaming

El crecimiento del iGaming en Argentina ha posicionado al país como uno de los mercados más dinámicos de América Latina. Sin embargo, detrás de esta expansión existe un desafío que está cobrando cada vez más relevancia para los operadores: adaptarse a un mercado donde cada provincia presenta diferentes requisitos regulatorios, condiciones operativas y dinámicas comerciales.

A diferencia de muchos otros mercados de la región, Argentina no opera bajo un único marco regulatorio. Cada jurisdicción establece sus propios requisitos, procesos de licenciamiento y condiciones de operación, lo que obliga a los operadores a adaptarse constantemente a diferentes realidades dentro de un mismo país.

Para OKTO PAYMENTS, proveedor de infraestructura de pagos y servicios financieros para industrias digitales complejas y reguladas, estas particularidades locales representan tanto un desafío como una oportunidad. A medida que el mercado evoluciona, los operadores deben encontrar formas de escalar de manera eficiente manteniendo la consistencia en entornos operativos cada vez más diversos.

“Durante años, el crecimiento fue el principal objetivo de la industria. Hoy, el desafío radica en cómo escalar eficientemente en un mercado donde cada jurisdicción puede presentar distintos requisitos, expectativas y dinámicas operativas”, señaló André Boesing, gerente general para South LatAm de OKTO PAYMENTS.

A medida que el mercado continúa madurando en las distintas provincias, los operadores enfrentan crecientes exigencias en materia de transparencia, trazabilidad y control operativo. La capacidad de adaptarse a requisitos regulatorios y operativos diversos se está convirtiendo en un factor cada vez más importante para lograr un crecimiento sostenible.

Como resultado, la capacidad de coordinar múltiples proveedores, métodos de pago y procesos operativos se ha vuelto cada vez más estratégica para los operadores que buscan ampliar su presencia en todo el país manteniendo una experiencia de usuario consistente.

“Los usuarios esperan una experiencia simple y fluida independientemente del lugar donde jueguen. Pero detrás de esa experiencia existe una creciente complejidad operativa que los operadores deben gestionar eficientemente a medida que se expanden a diferentes jurisdicciones”, agregó Boesing.

A medida que los operadores amplían sus operaciones en múltiples jurisdicciones, gestionar distintos proveedores de pago, métodos de pago y requisitos operativos se vuelve cada vez más complejo. Capacidades como la orquestación de depósitos y retiros, la gestión de tesorería y liquidez, y los procesos de liquidación eficientes están emergiendo como habilitadores críticos para este crecimiento. Al permitir que los operadores centralicen múltiples conexiones de pago a través de una única capa de infraestructura, mejoren la visibilidad de la liquidez y optimicen los procesos de liquidación, estas capacidades ayudan a reducir la complejidad, fortalecer el control operativo y respaldar una experiencia de usuario fluida en diferentes mercados.

“En muchos casos, la infraestructura pasa desapercibida hasta que algo sale mal. Sin embargo, en mercados altamente fragmentados como Argentina, la capacidad de gestionar múltiples proveedores, mantener la consistencia operativa y adaptarse rápidamente a los requisitos locales puede convertirse en una ventaja competitiva en sí misma. En OKTO PAYMENTS llamamos a esto ‘jugar de una manera diferente’: competir no solo a través de productos y servicios, sino también mediante la resiliencia operativa y la capacidad de adaptación”, explicó Boesing.

Para OKTO PAYMENTS, la evolución del mercado argentino demuestra que el éxito a largo plazo dependerá no solo de atraer usuarios, sino también de la capacidad de operar eficientemente en entornos cada vez más complejos.

“Los operadores mejor posicionados para alcanzar el éxito a largo plazo serán aquellos capaces de combinar crecimiento, control operativo y adaptabilidad. La infraestructura financiera ya no es simplemente una capa de soporte tecnológico; se está convirtiendo en una ventaja estratégica en mercados cada vez más sofisticados”, concluyó Boesing.

OKTO PAYMENTS trabaja con operadores que navegan el escenario multijurisdiccional de Argentina para simplificar las operaciones de pago mediante una única capa de orquestación para depósitos y retiros instantáneos, gestión de tesorería y liquidez.

The post Las diferencias locales de Argentina representan tanto un desafío como una oportunidad para el sector del iGaming appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel

Inspired rolls out Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel and Cops ‘n’ Robbers Smash ‘N’ Grab

Published

7 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

inspired-rolls-out-bigger-piggy-bank-super-wheel-and-cops-‘n’-robbers-smash-‘n’-grab

Two new online slot titles go live across the UK and Malta iGaming markets, including a Player Link community mechanic.

Inspired Entertainment, Inc. has launched two new online slot titles—Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel and Cops ‘n’ Robbers Smash ‘N’ Grab—now available across the UK and Malta iGaming markets.

The company said Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel combines its Bigger Piggy Bank series with Player Link and a “Super Wheel” community feature. The title includes cash collection mechanics, a Free Spins Bonus and shared wheel prizes.

Cops ‘n’ Robbers Smash ‘N’ Grab brings back the Cops ‘n’ Robbers franchise with a 243-ways setup and multiple bonus mechanics. Inspired said the game includes Free Spins, Wheel Bonuses and random reel modifiers, plus optional features including Fortune Bet, Bonus Buy, Fortune Spins and Gamble, and a choice of volatility profiles.

Claire Osborne, Managing Director of Interactive at Inspired Entertainment, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to evolve proven mechanics and themes that resonate most with players, and these two releases do exactly that. Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel offers a fresh social-style dynamic through Player Link, creating anticipation that builds beyond the individual player experience, while Cops ‘n’ Robbers Smash ‘N’ Grab brings one of our most recognisable game franchises back with more action, features and entertainment. Together, this duo offers operators two distinctive titles that combine proven gameplay with strong engagement potential and broad market appeal. Whether it’s smashing Piggy Banks or cracking safes, these games are built to keep players coming back for more.”

The post Inspired rolls out Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel and Cops ‘n’ Robbers Smash ‘N’ Grab appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

eSports

Sportradar flags AI, payments and integrity as World Cup 2026 pressure points in LatAm

Published

7 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

sportradar-flags-ai,-payments-and-integrity-as-world-cup-2026-pressure-points-in-latam

Sportradar is positioning the 2026 World Cup (June 11 to July 19, 2026), hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as a major acquisition moment for Latin American sportsbooks—while warning that the expanded tournament format will raise operational and risk demands. In a “World Cup Report 2026,” the company highlights a 48-team field, 104 matches and a “favorable time zone” for Latin American audiences as factors likely to drive spikes in deposits and in-play betting activity.

The report cites the tournament organizer’s projection of approximately 6 billion engagements across traditional TV, streaming, digital platforms, and public screenings, with streaming and mobile consumption expected to represent over 30% of total audience. Sportradar also points to broader consumer intent data it references: around 60% of consumers plan to bet online or via mobile apps during the tournament, including nearly 19% who plan to bet for the first time.

Operationally, Sportradar argues the expanded match schedule increases exposure: “More matches mean more in-play betting windows, greater liability exposure, and higher volatility.” It also frames payments and product depth as differentiators, citing Brazil’s PIX instant payment system as an example of local rails shaping user expectations and internal efficiency, and pointing to growth in Parlays and Bet Builders among its operator partners.

On market context, the report highlights Brazil entering “its first full event cycle under a licensing framework,” stating the regulated market generated R$37 billion (approximately US$ 7.3 billion) in gross gaming revenue in 2025. It adds that Brazil is projected to account for approximately 10% of global betting handle during the tournament.

Sportradar’s recommended strategy centers on three pillars—enhanced betting experience, deeper fan engagement, and “an ecosystem of uncompromising integrity”—with artificial intelligence positioned as the cross-cutting enabler. The company says its Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS AI) analyzes “over 30 billion odds movements” annually from more than 600 operators, and claims modern manipulation trends are concentrated in live betting, stating approximately 89% of cases target in-play markets. It also says that in 2025, “AI drove a 56% increase in detections.”

The post Sportradar flags AI, payments and integrity as World Cup 2026 pressure points in LatAm appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.