Betsson shuts down UK subsidiary, plans new strategies

Malta-based Swedish online gambling group Betsson AB has closed down NetPlay, its UK subsidiary for interactive gaming. The company is planning to formulate a new strategy for the UK-market in 2019.

The company will not renew the TV contracts for its NetPlay interactive gaming subsidiary with UK broadcasters ITV and Channel 5 (Viacom).

NetPlay’s management and operations will be shifted to Betsson’s headquarters in Malta. The NetPlay office shut down will affect about 40 employees, who will now have to either move to Malta or shift jobs.

Betsson Group Chief Commercial Officer Ronni Hartvig confirmed: “Betsson acquired NetPlay in early 2017 and through that acquisition; we added Jackckpot247, Supercasino, and Vernons to our multi-brand portfolio. As part of that acquisition, we took over the TV agreements which were in place with Channel5 and ITV.

“We have decided not to renew those TV contracts as we instead will apply a more digital-focused strategy for those brands.“

 “Until the contract expires end of next year we will keep operating those brands from the NetPlay office in the UK however after expiration we will move operations to our Malta office and keep operating the brands from there. All employees have been informed about these plans, and in total it affects around 40 employees in the UK office. The affected employees will remain in employment throughout the duration of 2019, and where possible we offer employees alternative employment and relocation to Malta.”   stated Hartvig on the corporate update.