Latest News
Love to Playzia: Studio Partners with First Look Games
Playzia, an innovative online casino games developer, has joined forces with First Look Games to supercharge its market presence. This strategic partnership empowers Playzia to showcase its player-centric games directly to a vast network of affiliates, amplifying its global reach and player engagement.
Established in 2024 by an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in engaging players with games, Playzia aims to become a leading online casino games content developer and distributor. The studio focuses on producing high-quality, innovative, and localised games that players love to play, including new mechanic slots, classic slots, jackpot games, table games, instant win games, crash games, and mini probability games.
With a strong launch roadmap featuring a steady stream of two new games every month, consistently on time, and three releases per month planned for 2025, Playzia is driving momentum from day one. Exciting branded content is also in the pipeline.
By joining First Look Games, Playzia gains access to a network of approved affiliates and a branded game library where it can upload game sheets, logos, images, videos, and demo links for its entire portfolio. This allows affiliates to create accurate and engaging content such as reviews and previews, enhancing Playzia’s visibility among players worldwide.
Affiliates can download assets individually or in bulk, and Playzia has the option to offer select affiliates a “first look” at upcoming releases. This enables the creation of pre-launch content that builds anticipation and excitement ahead of new game launches.
Tom Galanis, CEO at First Look Games, said: “We are delighted to welcome Playzia to the First Look Games platform. Playzia’s dedication to innovation and delivering fun, player-driven games aligns perfectly with our mission to connect game studios with affiliates for effective promotion. We look forward to helping them reach new audiences and achieve their vision of becoming a leading content developer in the online gaming industry.”
Playzia commented: “Weâre excited to partner with First Look Games, a leader in game marketing and affiliate connections. This partnership amplifies Playziaâs marketing efforts, giving us the right tools to showcase our entire portfolio. By leveraging First Look Gamesâ platform, we can enable affiliates to produce accurate content that drives player interest globally. Weâre eager to see the impact this collaboration will have on our growth and success.”
Latest News
Betsson is Shutting Down Betsafe Sportsbook in Colorado
Betsson Group, the Swedish gaming giant, has decided to shut down its Betsafe Sportsbook operations in Colorado by the end of September 2024. This move is part of a broader strategy, reflecting European operators’ challenges in the competitive US sports betting landscape. All in all, four sportsbooks shut down operations in Colorado during September, and Betsson’s exit raises questions about the sustainability of European operators in the US, as the market is being consolidated with many operators exiting the US market this year.
A Betsson spokesperson confirmed the news:
âBetsson has decided to discontinue its B2C operations in Colorado (USA) at the end of September 2024. So, for the foreseeable future, we will not have any B2C offerings in the US. As communicated initially, our B2C operations in Colorado served primarily to display our sportsbook for B2B purposes and to provide us with valuable first-hand insights into the dynamics of the US online sports betting market.â
Betsafe entered the Colorado market in March of 2022, hoping to capture a share of the ever-expanding sports betting space. Still, as more and more US states are embracing legalized sports wagering, new sportsbook providers have flooded the market, making it difficult for smaller operators to gain a foothold. Betssonâs choice to cease B2C operations in Colorado indicates the structural difficulties non-native brands face that rely heavily on brand recognition and marketing to attract customers. Before the Betsafe sportsbook launch, Betsson U.S. Account Director Lance Agostino said:
âWe knew our strengths as a large operator and what it would take to get into the market. We evaluated coming in as Betsson, but quickly realized that would be too costly. Instead, we decided that, first and foremost, we wanted to bring our technology over here to offer to other partners and providers. One of the first questions we get asked in RFPs or procurement processes is âwhere else are we live in North America?â So, we decided it was probably more pragmatic and faster to go ahead and get live ourselves with the Betsafe brand, so we are able to play in our own sandbox.â
In the past year, the Colorado sportsbook market has seen notable service providersâ departure, highlighting the intense pressures even well-established brands can experience in this rapidly evolving sector. Betsson is the second major operator to exit the state within a short timeframe, along with multiple smaller brands, generating a fair amount of speculation regarding the future of such companies in the US market. While Betsson has been expanding its operations across various jurisdictions, Colorado has presented unique difficulties.
One critical factor impacting Betsson’s decision is the US states’ changing regulations and licensing requirements. As regulations shift and evolve, companies must adapt quickly to maintain compliance and operational effectiveness, which can strain resources. Despite these challenges, Betsson remains committed to other territories where it has established its presence, showcasing its adaptability with a strong portfolio of products and services designed for various gaming preferences.
Another factor is international operatorsâ marketing and promotional budgets in America. Companies often invest heavily in customer acquisition, but sustaining that momentum can prove hard as consumer preferences shift. Betsafe’s marketing efforts in Colorado may have been significant, but the fierce competition with homegrown brands like FanDuel and DraftKings made them less effective.
Industry analysts have suggested that Betsson’s closure of Betsafe could open up discussions about potential mergers or collaborations in markets where maintaining exclusive operations is not yielding expected returns. As operators continually refine their approaches, the US sports betting landscape remains fluid.
Ultimately, Betsson’s withdrawal from the Colorado market through Betsafe is representative of the larger challenges European gaming companies face in the US. The focus now shifts to how other operators respond to these challenges and whether they can capitalize on the evolving market conditions. As Betsson realigns its focus and resources, the implications of such a move will be closely observed by industry stakeholders interested in the future of sports betting in America.
Betsafeâs departure serves as a critical reminder that while ambition and innovation define the sports betting industry, the realities of competition and regulation will always play a pivotal role in determining success.
Latest News
AMOURANTH PARTNERS WITH PLAYFAME FOR LAUNCH
PlayFame, a brand-new cutting edge entertainment platform dedicated to bringing top-tier free social games to the US, has entered into an exclusive partnership with content creator, cosplay model and streamer Amouranth. Through this collaboration she will stream live-play of the social games, providing her viewers with exclusive content and unique experiences on her channel.
Amouranth, one of the most-watched female streamers worldwide with over 6 million followers on Twitch, was recently recognised as the most-watched streamer on Kick in August 2024.
Her partnership with PlayFame will highlight the platformâs range of online games developed alongside leading providers, while giving her audience exciting opportunities to interact, win, and play together.
Expanding the PlayFame influencer networkÂ
PlayFame is designed specifically for content creators, giving them a new way to monetize their audience by engaging them in real-time gaming experiences. Influencers can sign up, stream games directly to their followers, and offer exclusive giveaways or personalised rewards. Itâs a way to deepen the creator-fan engagement while generating revenue through interactive gameplay.
PlayFame is also expanding its influencer network, collaborating with top US creators to deliver exclusive gaming content. In addition to Amouranth, influencers like NG Slot, Jackpot Beauties, and Slot Hopper will offer their fans unique, interactive experiences on PlayFame, featuring exclusive offers, games and giveaways.
The initial roster includes:Â
NG Slot Â
- A Los Angeles-based gaming influencer with a passion for slot machines, Narek Gharibyan showcases his real-life experiences at casinos and during massive poker tournaments in Las Vegas
Jackpot BeautiesÂ
- A slot enthusiast who creates fun and engaging content on Instagram as she tries her luck on slots around the US
Slot HopperÂ
- A vlogger and slot gaming streamer who focuses on fun and entertainment, both online and on-the-ground. She lives to try to land that massive jackpot live
In the near future, any content creators will be able to sign up for PlayFame and monetise their audience through social gaming. The platformâs unique offering includes Gold Coin packages as well as Sweepstakes Coins.
Gold Coin PackagesÂ
Gold Coins allow customers to play PlayFame social games and can be purchased in Gold Coin Packages, which then open up several other perks, including:
- Early access to new games
- Access to exclusive games
- Free Sweepstakes entries
- Access to live chat
Sweepstakes CoinsÂ
The site will also include a free-to-play promotional sweepstakes mechanic, allowing participants to win big with free Sweepstakes Coins. These coins can be obtained for free via several methods but are never available for purchase.
- Daily login rewards
- Purchase benefits
- Social giveaway competitions
- Refer-a-friend
- Entry via postal request postcards
PlayFame have said: âWeâve been so excited about launching PlayFame and getting these fantastic social casino games out there, so we knew we had to partner with someone special to really kick things off with a bang. Amouranthperfectly fits that mould, she is such a big personality and has an incredibly engaged audience â weâre looking forward to a fruitful partnership together.
âThe range of social casino games available on PlayFame at launch is something weâre really proud of, but we donât plan on stopping there. We have big ideas and lots of exciting new games in development: we dream of PlayFame being the premier destination for social casino fun in the US, and this is just the very start of our journey on that road.â
Kaitlyn Siragusa (Amouranth), said: âIâve always loved social casinos, theyâre so much fun and a great way to unwind without the pressures of a regular casino. So, when PlayFame got in touch and asked me to be a part of their launch, it was a no brainer.
âIâve been able to try out some of the games as theyâve been in development, and Iâve been really impressed with how well they run, but more importantly, with how fun they are. Iâve got a bit of a soft spot for âGates of Olympusâ in particular, but all of the games are great. I canât wait to start streaming them on my channels.â
PlayFame is just getting started. With plans for continued expansion and new games in development, the platform is set to become the premier destination for online entertainment in the US.
Aquisitions/Mergers
Accel-backed Jetapult takes major stake in Saudi-based UMX for $4.5m in an all-cash deal
Accel-backed Jetapult, a global strategic investment company in the gaming landscape, takes a major stake in Saudi Arabia based UMX Studio. The company invested $4.5mn in an all-cash transaction.
In addition to acquiring equity, Jetapult will provide capital to support the expansion of UMX’s existing portfolio, expand its audiences across global markets, and build games in new genres.
This will be Jetapultâs first investment in the MENA region, with further investments planned in markets like South East Asia and Europe.
Jetapultâs team of global gaming experts, will help catalyse the studioâs capabilities to enhance user acquisition, scale monetization efforts, and adopt cutting-edge analytics and AI tools through their âInvest & Operateâ (I&O) model
Jetapult, co-founded by Sharan Tulsiani and Yash Baid, is backed by Accel Partners, Fireside and JetSynthesys, amongst others. The company aims to support game studios with a scientific approach to sustainable growth in markets such as Southeast Asia, MENA, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, through a $100 million commitment over the next five years.
UMX Studio founded by Mr. Ali Alharbi in 2014, is one of the first homegrown game development studios established in Saudi Arabia. The studio develops high-quality mobile games featuring stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and suitability for all ages. Their games have garnered over 70 million downloads till date, and the company has shown consistent year-on-year growth, driven by a portfolio of games that consistently top the Apple and Google charts in the region.
The investment comes in the context of the exponential growth of the gaming and e-sports sector in the MENA region with Saudi Arabia representing 39% of the Middle East’s gaming revenue from consumer spending and is the fastest-growing market in the region, according to Sensor Tower, 2024
Jetapult is committed to UMXâs vision of fostering the Saudi Arabian market to become a hub for game development by harnessing Jetapultâs strategic expertise and UMXâs local talent and cultural nuance.
Speaking on the occasion, Sharan Tulsiani, the Co-Founder and CEO of Jetapult said âJetapultâs investment in UMX goes beyond providing capital; we bring a wealth of proven gaming expertise and cutting-edge technology to this partnership with an aim to enhance gaming experiences across the Middle Eastâs emerging development ecosystem.â
Mr. Ali Alharbi – Founder UMX stated âThis significant investment from Jetapult not only marks a milestone for UMX Studio but also heralds a new era for the Saudi Arabian gaming industry. We are thrilled to partner with a globally recognized leader in the gaming investments space. This collaboration will not only accelerate our expansion but also empower us with advanced tools and expertise.â
Mr. Rajan Navani, Chairman and MD, Jetsynthesys said âThe people of India and Saudi Arabia have been trusted partners for trade in goods and global expertise for millennia. This strong legacy has been carried forward in the fastest-growing and digital-first market of gaming through Jetapultâs investment in UMX. This partnership of deep expertise and culture will bring together the gaming and eSports communities in both these youthful markets.â
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