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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.

crypto sports betting

Mash.fun Expands Crypto Sports Betting with Player Props, Hits $1 Million in Trading Volume

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

mash.fun-expands-crypto-sports-betting-with-player-props,-hits-$1-million-in-trading-volume

Mash.fun, the innovative crypto-powered sports trading platform, has officially launched its first player props markets, giving users a new way to trade the performance of individual athletes.

The move comes as Mash.fun celebrates a major milestone, surpassing $1 million in total traded volume.

The new player props feature enables users to speculate on metrics like the aggregate minutes of goals scored by a specific player. For instance, if a player such as Erling Haaland scores in the 61st and 82nd minutes, the market settles at 143. This approach allows traders to long or short individual player performances, offering a more precise and interactive betting experience compared to traditional match outcomes.

“Player props are a natural evolution for Mash.fun, allowing our users to engage with sports betting in a more nuanced way,” said a spokesperson for Mash.fun. “Hitting $1 million in traded volume within weeks highlights strong demand for this innovative trading model.”

Mash.fun combines the user experience of top Gen Z trading apps with sports betting, featuring unique scalar markets, leveraged positions, and dynamic crypto charts. Built on the Solana blockchain, Mash.fun merges the speed and transparency of crypto with the excitement of live sports trading.

In addition to player props, Mash.fun recently introduced Shirts markets, where users trade indices based on the aggregate shirt numbers of goalscorers, further expanding its creative and engaging market offerings.

For more information, visit Mash.fun and explore the future of crypto sports trading

The post Mash.fun Expands Crypto Sports Betting with Player Props, Hits $1 Million in Trading Volume appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Africa

Logifuture’s Simulate Forecasts Morocco AFCON Glory After 1,000 Final Simulations

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

logifuture’s-simulate-forecasts-morocco-afcon-glory-after-1,000-final-simulations

Logifuture’s innovative Simulate sportsbook product has crunched the numbers ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 final, running the decisive clash between Morocco and Senegal 1,000 times to predict a winner. The results point firmly toward the hosts, with Morocco emerging as favourites to lift their first AFCON title in more than 50 years.

Simulate, Logifuture’s cutting-edge virtual sports betting feature, delivers fast-paced simulations across football and basketball, offering instant results or gameplay over 10- and 30-second intervals. Players can run up to 15 simulations simultaneously, creating a constant stream of betting opportunities and immersive engagement.

AFCON Final Simulation Results: Morocco vs Senegal

According to Simulate’s data-driven modelling, Morocco won 433 of the 1,000 simulated finals (43.3%), while Senegal claimed victory 283 times (28.3%). The remaining simulations ended level after 90 minutes, highlighting the fine margins expected in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Goals are predicted to be at a premium. In line with Morocco’s defensive solidity during the tournament, 67% of simulations (633 matches) finished with under 2.5 goals, reinforcing expectations of a tense, tactical contest.

Early momentum could prove decisive. Only 5% of simulations saw a team recover from a half-time deficit to win in regulation time. Given that Morocco have conceded just once during the tournament, Senegal could face an uphill battle if they fall behind early.

Draws may also shape the outcome, with 28% of simulated matches tied after 90 minutes. Morocco’s resilience under pressure was already demonstrated in their semi-final triumph over Nigeria, where they prevailed 4–2 on penalties.

Third-Place Play-Off: Nigeria vs Egypt

Logifuture’s Simulate also analysed the AFCON third-place play-off between Nigeria and Egypt, running the fixture 1,000 times. The Super Eagles emerged victorious in 467 simulations (46.7%), while Egypt won 333 times (33.3%), with the remaining matches requiring extra time.

Low-scoring outcomes dominated the simulations. Only 267 matches featured over 2.5 goals, while 467 ended with a single goal, underlining expectations of another tightly contested encounter. Goalless draws were rare, occurring in just 67 of the 1,000 simulations, suggesting a breakthrough is likely before full time.

Boosting Sportsbook Performance with Simulate

Beyond predictions, operators using Logifuture’s Simulate have reported sportsbook GGR increases of up to 5%, driven by advanced predictive modelling and enhanced player engagement. By delivering personalised betting experiences and real-time insights, Simulate helps operators optimise offers, improve retention, and drive sustainable long-term growth.

As AFCON 2026 reaches its climax, Logifuture’s Simulate continues to demonstrate how data-led virtual sports betting can enhance fan engagement while delivering measurable commercial impact for sportsbook operators.

The post Logifuture’s Simulate Forecasts Morocco AFCON Glory After 1,000 Final Simulations appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Cash Collect Mechanic

Red Papaya Launches Nova Blast Ultra: A Cosmic Slot Adventure via Microgaming

Published

11 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

red-papaya-launches-nova-blast-ultra:-a-cosmic-slot-adventure-via-microgaming

Red Papaya, the vibrant flagship studio powered by Microgaming, has officially launched its latest blockbuster title: Nova Blast Ultra. Strapping players into a high-octane journey to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, this cosmic release blends high-end cinematic production with a suite of volatile mechanics.

Set against a backdrop of radiant space diamonds and blazing asteroid fields, the game promises a “white-knuckle ride” through deep space, where galactic wins shine brighter than the stars.

Interstellar Mechanics & Dazzling Rewards

Nova Blast Ultra is engineered to deliver futuristic precision and explosive potential. The game features an expansive 6,400 ways to win, ensuring constant action across the reels.

Key gameplay features include:

Nova Blast Cash & Jackpot Collection: A futuristic evolution of the popular collection mechanic. Hidden within the nebula-rich treasure zones are five static Jackpots, with the top prize reaching a stellar 2,500x the bet.
Energy Core Multipliers: Collect Energy Cores to boost your Cash Multiplier. In the base game, multipliers reach up to 5x, while the Free Spins round rockets this potential up to 10x.
Nova Blast Respins: Trigger enhanced respins that clear the board for the coveted Cash and Jackpot symbols, supercharged by Random Multiplier Energy.

Choose Your Orbit: Quantum Customization

For players seeking full control over their mission, landing Bonus symbols or filling the Quantum Meter triggers the Choose Your Nova Blast Free Spins. This feature allows players to select their own orbit, balancing the number of Free Spins against the frequency of Cash symbols.

The “space storm” intensifies during this round, where retriggers and surge respins work together to push the Cash Multiplier toward its dazzling 10x peak.

A New Standard for High-Production Slots

The high-stakes gameplay is complemented by out-of-this-world animations and a pulsating electronic soundtrack that keeps the momentum high.

Madelein Ozok, Head of Studio at Red Papaya, commented on the launch:

“Nova Blast Ultra is our most explosive slot to date. It captures the essence of Red Papaya—thrilling gameplay, big sound, and striking animations. We’ve combined creativity with deep data analytics to ensure this hits the mark with players spin after spin. We can’t wait to see it navigate its way to the top of casino lobbies.”

The post Red Papaya Launches Nova Blast Ultra: A Cosmic Slot Adventure via Microgaming appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.