Latest News
NeoGames S.A. completes the offer to the shareholders of Aspire Global plc and extends the acceptance period
On 17 January 2022, NeoGames S.A.1 announced a recommended public offer to the shareholders of Aspire Global plc2 to tender all their shares in Aspire Global to NeoGames for a consideration consisting of a combination of cash and newly issued shares in NeoGames in the form of Swedish depository receipts (the “Offer”).
Regulatory approvals
Regulatory approvals from both the Gibraltar Gambling Commission and the North Macedonia Competition Authority have been received on terms which, in NeoGames’ opinion, are acceptable and Aspire Global has maintained its licenses. This condition for completion of the Offer is thus met.
Acceleration and acquisition of options
The completion of the Offer is also conditional upon that Aspire Global, prior to the end of the acceptance period in the Offer, resolves to accelerate the current incentive programs in Aspire Global, and that all outstanding options thereunder, as well as any other warrants/options issued by Aspire Global, are converted into new shares in Aspire Global resulting in the creation of not more than 828,094 new shares in Aspire Global. Aspire Global has resolved to accelerate unvested options which together with all other outstanding options in Aspire Global could be converted into not more than 809,264 new shares in Aspire Global.
NeoGames has, with the approval by Aspire Global’s independent bid committee, entered into option purchase agreements with 53 employees and consultants in Aspire Global who in aggregate held all outstanding options under Aspire Global’s various incentive programs. The purchase agreements were subject to the Offer being declared unconditional. All of the options remain unexercised. The purchase price for the options corresponds to the value that the option holders had received should they have exercised the options and tendered the underlying shares in Aspire Global in the Offer (SEK 111.00 in cash or 0.320 shares in NeoGames in the form of Swedish depository receipts per share in Aspire Global in accordance with the Base Case Alternative and Mix & Match Facility, as defined in the offer announcement published by NeoGames on 17 January 2022; the “Offer Announcement”). Consequently, NeoGames has provided the option holders in Aspire Global a fair treatment outside of the Offer.
Should all options acquired be exercised and converted into new shares in Aspire Global, they would represent 1.67 percent of the total number of shares in Aspire Global on a fully diluted basis.3 Considering the above, NeoGames deems the condition for completion regarding acceleration of options under Aspire Global’s various option programs to be met.
Outcome of the Offer; Offer declared unconditional
At the end of the acceptance period on 25 May 2022 and including late but approved acceptances, in total 45,860,537 shares in Aspire Global have been tendered in the Offer, corresponding to 98.25 percent of the shares and votes in Aspire Global on a non-diluted basis. Shareholders holding 13,431,065 shares have accepted the Base Case Alternative with a maximum cash component under the Mix & Match Facility, shareholders holding 55,055 shares have accepted the Base Case Alternative with a maximum share component under the Mix & Match Facility, shareholders holding 1,131,807 shares have accepted the Base Case Alternative with no election under the Mix & Match Facility and shareholders holding 31,242,610 shares4 have accepted the Conditional Alternative.
Should the options acquired by NeoGames be exercised, NeoGames would together with the tendered shares control 46,664,516 shares in Aspire Global representing 98.27 percent of the shares and votes in Aspire Global on a fully diluted basis.
Considering that the Offer has been accepted to such extent that NeoGames has become the owner of shares representing not less than 90 percent of the total number of outstanding shares in Aspire Global, the condition regarding a 90 percent minimum acceptance level has been fulfilled. Accordingly, and as all other conditions for completion are met, the Offer is declared unconditional in all respects and NeoGames will complete the acquisition of the shares in Aspire Global tendered in the Offer.
Settlement
Settlement of the shares in Aspire Global tendered in the Offer under the original acceptance period will commence on or about 14 June 2022, to allow for simultaneous settlement against cash and/or newly issued shares in NeoGames in the form of Swedish depository receipts.
Squeeze-out and delisting
NeoGames will initiate compulsory acquisition of the remaining shares in Aspire Global and propose that Aspire Global’s board of directors applies for delisting of Aspire Global’s shares from Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market.
Extension of the acceptance period
In order to provide the remaining shareholders in Aspire Global the opportunity to accept the Offer, NeoGames has decided to extend the acceptance period of the Offer until and including 14 June 2022 at 5.00 p.m. (CEST). Shareholders in Aspire Global accepting the Offer during the extension of the acceptance period will receive the Base Case Alternative, as defined in the Offer Announcement, consisting of 50 percent cash and 50 percent NeoGames shares in the form of Swedish depository receipts. Settlement for shares tendered during the extension of the acceptance period is expected to commence on or around 30 June 2022. The acceptance period will thereafter not be further extended and late acceptances will not be accepted. Since the Offer is now unconditional, shareholders in Aspire Global who accept the Offer during the extension of the acceptance period have no right to withdraw their acceptances.
Balkans
Expanse Studios Launches in Bulgaria with Inbet
Expanse Studios, a leader in online gaming innovation, has secured a Bulgarian iGaming license and is now live on Inbet’s website. This expansion brings Expanse Studios’ popular game offerings including turn-based strategies gamified for iGaming, classic slots, traditional card games and the highly-acclaimed ones like Titan Roulette, Clown Fever Deluxe, Wild Icy Fruits, White Wild Whale and Joker Poker to Bulgarian players.
Diverse Gaming Portfolio Now Available to Bulgarian Players
With the Bulgarian market entry, Expanse Studios introduces a versatile gaming experience to Inbet’s platform. The offerings include a dynamic range of games tailored to diverse player preferences:
- Turn-based strategy games: Leveraging gamification, these games transform traditional strategy gameplay into engaging iGaming experiences, suitable for both novice and experienced players.
- Classic slots: Players will enjoy a variety of themed slots that combine traditional gameplay with modern graphics and sound.
- Traditional card games: A selection of popular card games offer something for every card game enthusiast.
- Titan Roulette: This standout feature, known for its immersive experience and innovative design, continues to be a favorite among roulette players.
Commitment to Quality and Compliance
Expanse Studios not only cultivates a diverse gaming library but also adheres to stringent regulatory standards to ensure a secure and fair gaming environment. The acquisition of the Bulgarian iGaming license is a testament to Expanse Studios’ commitment to compliance and excellence in the gaming industry.
The partnership between Expanse Studios and Inbet marks a significant milestone in Expanse Studios’ expansion efforts. By combining Expanse Studios’ innovative gaming solutions with Inbet’s established market presence, both entities are set to offer a superior gaming experience to players in Bulgaria and potentially beyond. As Expanse Studios continues to develop and release new games monthly, Bulgarian players can look forward to a continually evolving and enriching gaming landscape.
Latest News
Week 17/2024 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, is on point with its latest sharply designed game, Golden øks. This Norse-inspired adventure carries on from the popular Axe of Fortune title that hit the market at the turn of the year. Golden øks is set against a 5×3 layout and is brought to life with a powerful soundtrack to heighten the atmosphere.
Endorphina, has announced the release of its brand-new title, Jolly Queen, which will join its portfolio on April 27th. Jolly Queen is a 5-reel, 5-row fruit slot with 50 fixed paylines, introducing players to the lifestyle of the nobles. On top of the aristocratic ambiance, Jolly Queen provides players with Free Games, allowing them to master the reels.
Evoplay has released Candy Craze, a vibrant slot stacked with features and modifiers, including the powerful Gum Drop Multiplier which boosts win potential. Set amidst the backdrop of sumptuous sweets within a cloudy landscape, the 5×5 cascading reels title gives players a sugary rush when the Gum Drop Multiplier activates, revealing a mystery value at the end of each winning spin up to x100, enhancing the chance for wins during the main game and Free Spins.
Yggdrasil, a leading iGaming publisher, has revived the gold rush in a jackpot-filled game that embodies the spirit of old west prospecting in Gold Frontier Jackpots FastPot5™. Fans of lower volatility slots with straightforward mechanics that get fortune seekers right to the heart of the action are tasked with gathering keys to enter the treasure bonus game.
Relax Gaming is offering players some opulence in its latest release Sultan Spins. This high volatility slot sees its gold-trimmed reels set against a sprawling desert metropolis. Players have the chance to rack up riches via an entertaining free spins feature and lucrative local jackpot.
Greentube has introduced its latest title in the popular Diamond Link ™ series, Diamond Link ™: Mighty Dwarves Inc. Set deep in underground mines, this adventurous 5×3 slot is packed with innovative features for ample chance to win across its 25 paylines when players spin the reels adorned with hammers, hard hats and laser symbols.
Get your eyes ready because it’s time to take a trip to the pet centre to meet the ugliest, quirkiest, wildest-looking pets you’ve ever seen in the brand new slot, Fugly Pets, from Stakelogic. Fugly Pets takes players to a banged-up old pet store to explore its collection of weird and charming, downright ugly pets. Meet a scruffy parrot, a catnip crazed kitty, and an unfortunate-looking little dog.
Load your tackle box, bait your hook and get ready to reel in the catch of the day in Fishin’ The Biggest from Apparat Gaming, the in-demand German software provider’s latest splash hit slot that sees players trawl the sea for free spins and massively multiplied prizes. Played over five reels, three rows and ten fixed paylines, Fishin’ The Biggest is a highly-volatile title with an outdoor angling theme.
Thunderkick has announced the launch of Midas Golden Touch 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the acclaimed 2019 original. This latest release invites players to rediscover an enchanted realm where everything King Midas touches turns to gold. The 3×5 video slot boasts 15 paylines and showcases Thunderkick’s signature high-quality design and innovative features.
Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has served up another classic with its tasty Chef’s Sticky Fruits slot. This latest release from Belatra’s studio is a vibrant and juicy addition to its renowned catalogue of slots. It’s a 5×4 slot game bursting with colour that’s heightened with an upbeat, retro soundtrack that perfectly captures the essence of fun at the heart of every play.
3 Oaks Gaming has launched 3 China Pots: Hold and Win, the first time the company has integrated the popular 3 Pots mechanic within a Far East-themed title. The latest instalment from 3 Oaks to incorporate the 3 Pots functionality sees players transported to the allure of the Orient, where the Extra, Double and Multi modifiers influence the Bonus Game once activated.
Pragmatic Play has unleashed roaming wild re-spins and random guaranteed wins in Release the Bison. Symbols of the American frontier abound in this 5×4 slot, where hitting four or more rampaging bison triggers the wild re-spin feature, during which all wilds roam the reels to boost win potential.
Blueprint Gaming’s latest slot release tasks players to look for the leprechaun’s pot of gold under the water rather than at the end of the rainbow in Plenty O’ Fish, a 6×4 hybrid of sea creatures and shimmering rewards. Players must look to unlock a tackle box of treasure with a jaunty leprechaun being the key to wins, lurking behind a dynamically coloured underwater background that changes when the bonus game is triggered.
Booming Games has launched its latest sweet sensation to its collection of engaging slot games – Fruit Heaven Hold and Win™. This is a deliciously designed 5×3 slot game with 25 paylines, which promises players an exciting experience full of fantastic fruity features and Stacked Wilds.
Wazdan is multiplying jackpots in the follow-up to its top-performing game Mighty Wild™: Panther Grand Gold Edition. Venturing to the depths of the jungle where a black panther rules the reels on a 5×3 gameboard, the new edition provides even larger win potential. With the increased value of the Cash symbols and Cash Infinity™ symbols, there is also a more lucrative Grand Jackpot of 1500x the base bet.
Conferences in Europe
CasinoBeats Summit 2024: Providing the Tools to Balance Innovation and Regulation in the Digital Age
As the industry seeks optimal methods to responsibly integrate innovative technology, the upcoming CasinoBeats Summit will provide delegates with an exploration of the latest emerging technologies, regulatory frameworks and future trends to ensure a safe yet immersive gaming experience for players.
The Industry and Leadership track will take place across both core days of the CasinoBeats Summit, May 22 to 23 at the InterContinental Malta. Panel sessions will delve into key topics such as global gaming regulations, the evolving digital payment landscape and an in-depth exploration of the world of M&A.
The panel entitled Responsible Gambling in the Digital Age will delve into the latest responsible gambling initiatives influencing the digital landscape. Expert speakers Pedro Romero (RG Consultant and psychologist, University of Gibraltar), Matthew Curtis (Head of Responsible Gaming, L&L), Georgia Wise (Head of Responsible Gaming, PlayNorth), Eduards Jakubovs (Head of Responsible Gaming, Betsson) and panel moderator Maris Catania (Senior SG Consultant, SG: Certified) will analyse the impact of landmark regulatory guidelines such as the 3.4.3 regulation on remote customer interaction and the United Kingdom’s ‘white paper’ as well as discuss the latest distinctions between regulated, grey and black markets.
The Industry Trends and Future Predictions panel will look at the future of the casino sector, examining upcoming industry trends and their potential impact. Industry leaders Itai Zak (Executive Director, Digicode, and former/ex-Chief Executive Officer, SBTech), Matthew D’Emanuele (Chief Executive Officer, Yolo Entertainment), Alexander Martin (Chief Executive Officer, SKS365), Inesa Glazaite (Chief Commercial Officer, iGaming Platform), Dmitry Starostenkov (Chief Executive Officer, EvenBet) alongside panel moderator Martyn Elliott (Project Director, SBC Media) will offer insights into key emerging markets, innovative game formats and strategies to effectively cater to evolving player needs.
Commencing the second day is the panel entitled The Evolving Landscape of Gaming Sector Payments, which will explore the current state of the industry’s payment sector. Expert speakers Sean Spiteri (Head of Payment Solutions, PressEnter), Enrico Giancaterina (Managing Director, Funtech) and Ian Perrygrove (Chief Risk Officer, Kwiff) will discuss the current payment innovations driven by the casino sector, analyse the future of digital payment methods and the potential risks of such rapid innovations.
The Navigating the Future: Global Gaming Regulations panel will explore strategies to effectively address the challenges posed by current and future global regulations. Regulator representatives Aideen Shortt, (Advisor to the Minister, Curacao), Andrew Lyman (Gambling Commissioner and Executive Director, Gibraltar), Andrew Rhodes (Chief Executive, Gambling Commission) and Brandon Debattista (Deputy Chief Regulatory Officer, Malta Gaming Authority) will provide insights into their respective markets whilst assessing the possibility of a unified global regulatory standard and the importance of cross-market collaboration.
Additionally, track attendees will have the opportunity to garner insights into the world of acquisition and investment during an exclusive IMGL-led masterclass, Acquisition Strategy: Gearing up for Investment, which is set to take place on Thursday, May 23, the second core day of the event.
For groups of three or more, you can purchase the Group Pass Ticket and gain access to all three days of the CasinoBeats Summit for the discounted price of €400 per person (a saving of €200 per ticket). Additionally, operators and affiliates can apply for a free pass to the event.
You can keep up-to-date with the latest news, speakers and exhibitor additions and conference content by subscribing to the bi-weekly CasinoBeats Summit LinkedIn newsletter.
-
eSports7 days ago
Everything you need to know ahead of ESL Pro League Season 19
-
Latest News7 days ago
New Market Alert! Hacksaw Gaming Touch Down in Portugal with Solverde.pt
-
Latest News4 days ago
THE UNIT APPOINTS ADAM NOBLE AS CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER
-
Gaming4 days ago
The German Games Industry Association congratulates all winners of the German Computer Game Awards 2024
-
Baltics4 days ago
MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit Announces Final Agenda for 2024 Event
-
Latest News4 days ago
INSPIRED LAUNCHES VIRTUAL SPORTS WITH COMEON GROUP
-
Africa4 days ago
NE Group powers 888bets launch in Angola
-
Industry News4 days ago
Wazdan set to gain more ground at Casino Beats Summit Malta