Playtech PLC is setting its sights on the sports betting market with its acquisition of software provider Best Gaming Technology, in a 138 million deal (that’s $152.6 million).
This move means that Playtech can grow its offerings to include sports betting in addition to its strong position as a provider of casino-style game machines.
Moving into sports betting
Best Gaming provides that software that runs the self-service sports betting terminals in brick-and-mortar shops such as William Hill and Ladbrokes, as well as ePOS and till systems for betting shop operators for more traditional sports betting. It also operates a web and mobile betting platform.
The digitization of retail betting is a fast-growing sector and Playtech’s additional funds will allow Best Gaming to continue to develop these products organically and through investment. The collaboration is sure to boost Playtech’s omni-channel offering thanks to Best Gaming’s seamless integration experience, which allows play across channels and devices while using a single player account and wallet.
Playtech CEO Mor Weizer said in an interview that its position in the UK, Spain and Italy would be strengthened by this acquisition.
Armin Sageder, Best Gaming’s CEO, said:
“I believe that BGT, and myself have now found the ideal investor in Playtech to enable us to take all retail betting systems, including tills as well as omni-channel and digital solutions to the next level. I am genuinely excited to work with the existing team at BGT and new colleagues at Playtech to accelerate investment and realise these ambitions.”
An exciting year for Playtech
This is the second high-profile acquisition from Playtech. Earlier this year, the company brokered a deal to acquire Quickspin, a games developer that produces video slots for both online real-money gaming and social gaming platforms. That deal is worth 50 million.
This means that Playtech have already spent close to 190 million this year alone in sating their voracious appetite. It also launched a new virtual tennis product in partnership with Warner Bros. Studios, offering a range of pre-match betting markets to its customers.
And Playtech is not done branching out, Weizer says, and has its eye on the financial trading sector next, where the company is looking to build a presence organically.