Launches and sign-ups extra 29 May 2015
A round-up of the latest launches and deals in the egaming industry including Sky Betting and Gaming and PokerStars signing a high-profile footballer
Smarkets offers 0% commssion on FA Cup final
Exchange betting operator Smarkets has removed all commission charges for bets placed on tomorrow’s FA Cup showpiece between Arsenal and Aston Villa.
The firm said it had made the offer in order to show the consumer that betting margins are too high.
“Traditional high street bookmakers can charge up to 16% in hidden fees and online services still leave room for improvement with up to 10% in similar costs to the customer,” a statement read.
“Smarkets’ commission are an industry low of 2% but this is taken to an unparalleled level this weekend with its full commission break,” it added.
Sky Bet bids to extend Football League deal
Sky Betting and Gaming has submitted an offer to extend its sponsorship of the English Football League for a further two seasons while at the same time reaching an agreement which prevents the governing body from awarding the package to a rival betting company.
The operator’s flagship Sky Bet brand has been title sponsor of the League’s three divisions; the Championship, League 1 and League 2, since the start of 2013-14 season, however, with the headline deal due to expire at the end of the next campaign, Sky Bet has been keen to trigger options to extend the contract.
As part of the negotiations, Sky Bet has reached an agreement which enables the Football League to speak to other parties, provided the Football League does not discuss the deal with alternative betting and gaming companies.
PokerStars signs Ronaldo as brand ambassador
PokerStars has signed football mega-star Cristiano Ronaldo as a brand ambassador as the operator pushes ahead with plans to double the size of the global poker market over the next five years.
The partnership will see the flamboyant Real Madrid striker promote PokerStars in advertising campaigns, and make special appearances in major live events and online poker tournaments as the firm looks to reach out to mainstream consumers.
“Ronaldo is one of the most famous names in the world and PokerStars is thrilled to partner with him,” Michael Hazel, PokerStars interim CEO, said.
Kiron and Vermantia continue African push
Kiron Interactive and Vermantia have launched a virtual games TV service with two operators in East Africa.
Uganda’s Kings Bet and BETnSport, two prominent retail bookmakers in the country, will take on the service which also went live with Nigeria largest operator, Nairabet, last month.
It will be launched in 130 shops in the initial phase, rising to 500 by the end of 2015.
“The channel is a cost-effective and scalable solution that can be beamed in to any corner of Africa, where virtual games have proven to be very popular,” Steven Spartinos, co-CEO of Kiron Interactive, said.
SKS365 takes on Quickspin content
Austria-based SKS365 Group, which operators the planetwin365 brand, has agreed a deal with games provider Quickspin to offer its full suite of games across both mobile and web.
“We are happy to announce this partnership between Quickspin and planetwin365 casino. Quickspin’s innovative and award-winning games will be a perfect supplement to our market leading sportsbook at planetwin365.com. I am very pleased to be able to offer their games to our customers”, Thomas Smallwood, CEO SKS365, said.
The deal will see planetwin365 carry games including Big Bad Wolf, Treasure Island and Sevens High.
“We are extremely happy about this partnership with planetwin365 and this agreement again proves that our focus on quality and innovation is right,” Daniel Lindberg, CEO at Quickspin, said.
Titanbet to sponsor York Spring Meeting
Titanbet has continued its marketing push at UK racecourses by announcing a partnership with York Racecourse to sponsor this week’s May Spring Meeting.
The sportsbook, run by Playtech’s subsidiary PT Entertainment Services, has previously agreed similar deals at Warwick, Kempton Park, and Lingfield this year.
“We’re delighted to be sponsoring at York as part of our commitment to UK horseracing on what is certain to be a great day’s racing in front of a big crowd,” Russell Yershon, Titanbet’s head of UK sportsbook for Titanbet, said.
“We’re confident it will drive turnover on the sport, which is a big favourite with our customers who can bet and watch on all UK and Irish races on both desktop and mobile devices,” he added.
Microgaming to release five new games
Microgaming has announced five new casino games set for release next month. Hound Hotel, Kitty Cabana, Pistoleras, The Legend of Olympus and Avalon HD will go live on the download, Flash and Quickfire platforms on Wednesday.
Micogaming also confirmed that its Cashville, Fish Party, Kings of Cash and Summer Holiday games would launch on mobile in June.
“It’s been another busy month for our game development team, with another five new casino games set for release. And there’s no sign of things slowing down anytime soon; this summer our operators’ players have plenty to look forward to, including our next branded online slot, Bridesmaids,” Mike Hebden, head of casino games, said.