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Empire Resorts and bet365 Forge Strategic Alliance to Offer Sports Betting and Online Gaming in New York State at Resorts World Catskills

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  • Collaboration Between New York’s Premier Integrated Commercial Casino Resort Destination and World’s Largest Online Sports Betting Operator Positions Resorts World Catskills as Leading NY State Sports Betting and Gaming Destination
  • bet365 to Invest up to $50 Million to Become Empire Resorts, Inc.’s Second Largest Shareholder
  • Kien Huat Realty III, Ltd. Commits up to $126 Million Investment via Convertible Preferred Stock

Empire Resorts, Inc. (NasdaqGM: NYNY) (together with its subsidiaries, “Empire”) and an affiliate of bet365 Group Limited (“bet365”) today announced a strategic alliance to develop a physical and online sportsbook in New York State at Resorts World Catskills, New York’s newest and largest integrated commercial casino resort destination with closest proximity to Manhattan. Empire and an affiliate of bet365, the world’s largest online sports bookmaker, entered into a 20-year agreement (the “Sports Wagering Agreement”) to offer retail sports betting, an online sportsbook and online gaming at Resorts World Catskills if and when permitted by applicable law. Under the Sports Wagering Agreement, Empire and bet365 will establish New York’s premier sports betting and online gaming option. This agreement provides for the companies to share profits 50/50 after bet365 recoups its start-up and other costs.

In connection with the Sports Wagering Agreement, an affiliate of bet365 will acquire up to $50 million of Empire common stock at a price of $20 per share in two tranches, making it Empire’s second largest stockholder.

Additionally, Kien Huat Realty III, Ltd. (“Kien Huat”), Empire’s largest stockholder, has committed to purchase up to $126 million of convertible preferred stock, with a conversion price of $20 per share. The investment by bet365 and the commitment by Kien Huat strengthens Empire’s financial position and underscores Kien Huat’s view of the potential for value creation in Empire’s Resorts World Catskills.

Resorts World Catskills is one of only four commercial casinos in New York State currently authorized by statute to offer retail sports betting pending the promulgation of regulations. Resorts World Catskills is ideally positioned to offer sports betting with the expertise of bet365, which is ranked No. 1 in sportsbook revenues globally with annual revenues of over $3 billion and No. 1 in the EGR Global Power 50 rankings from 2010 to 2017. bet365 operates a highly successful in-play betting product with a scalable and growing mobile platform.

“Joining forces with bet365 positions Empire and our flagship Resorts World Catskills to lead a potentially enormous new market,” said Manny Pearlman, Executive Chairman of Empire Resorts, Inc. “bet365’s global expertise in effectively developing and executing world-class sportsbooks strongly complements Empire’s leadership in commercial casino operations in New York. This collaboration, which will enable Resorts World Catskills to be a leading destination for sports wagering in New York State, highlights our commitment to the continued growth of Resorts World Catskills, as well as our dedication to working with the best, most innovative pioneers in the industry to provide world-class gaming options.”

The alliance provides bet365 access to the New York State sports wagering market, which, according to market estimates by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming LLC, is expected to be the single largest market jurisdiction for sports betting in the United States other than California, with projections for more than $1 billion in annual revenues from sports betting within five years of legalization.1 Following the announcement of a market access deal in New Jersey earlier this year, bet365 is well positioned for sports betting expansion into New York State.

“This landmark agreement, which combines Empire’s gaming operating skill with our expertise in providing best-in-class online sports betting, allows bet365 to tap into what we believe will be one of the most significant online and sportsbook markets in the United States,” said Simon Betteley, President of Hillside (New York) LLC, a bet365 affiliate.

The alliance with bet365 is the next phase of Resorts World Catskills’ growth, including the addition of a new hotel with two dining and entertainment venues by the end of the year. In 2019, two additional hospitality venues are expected to open at the destination resort in which Resorts World Catskills is located. The Kartrite Hotel and Indoor Waterpark is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2019, and a Rees Jones redesign of the well-known Monster golf course will debut in the second half of 2019.

Following its initial investment, which closed today, an affiliate of bet365 will own approximately 4.9% of Empire’s outstanding common stock. Pursuant to the Sports Wagering Agreement, the parties expect to use the bet365 brand and online consumer facing sports betting and digital platform.

Moelis & Company LLC acted as financial advisor and Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP, Sidley Austin LLP, Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP and Fox Rothschild LLP acted as legal counsel to Empire Resorts, Inc. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP acted as legal counsel to bet365 Group Limited.


Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR GLOBAL GAMING EXPO 2025

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Gaming’s Premier Global Event Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence in Las Vegas, Oct. 6-9

Registration is now open for G2E 2025, presented by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and organized by RX. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Global Gaming Expo continues to act as a catalyst for innovation and excellence, setting the benchmark for the industry standard as the global gaming community convenes at The Venetian Expo from Oct. 6-9. Exhibitors, media, and attendees can find more information and register now by visiting globalgamingexpo.com.

Supported by the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), this historic year features exciting new additions to the show-floor experience, including the high-stakes Dealer Championship and reimagined iGaming Hub in the iGaming Zone.

“G2E 2025 is unlike any year before. Introducing the latest innovations, immersive experiences and business-driving programs, G2E is the place for the international gaming community to look ahead and network in a way that can only happen in person,” said Korbi Carrison, RX’s Event Vice President for G2E.

For 25 years, G2E has been the most influential trade event for the legal, regulated global gaming industry, fostering innovation and driving growth across casinos, hospitality, technology, iGaming, sports betting and more. The event will welcome over 25,000 industry professionals from more than 120 countries, regions and territories, and nearly 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest global gaming technologies.

“As the event that shapes the future of gaming, G2E fosters an environment that empowers and celebrates the decision makers driving the legal, regulated industry forward at a pivotal time,” said Maureen Beddis, AGA’s Senior Vice President of Membership and Events. “This year’s show is the culmination of 25 years of innovation and progress – and the can’t-miss event of the year for anyone invested in shaping what’s next for gaming.”

G2E 2025 will reflect the industry’s growth with a diverse range of offerings and experiences:

  • New this year, the G2E Dealer Championship marks the nation’s first competition of its kind, celebrating the skill and professionalism of top land-based U.S. casino dealers.
  • The all-new Meeting Zone, where AI-driven matchmaking ensures attendees make the most of their time, with seamless scheduling through the G2E mobile app for business connections tailored to professional goals.
  • The G2E Networking Lounge returns as a hub for engagement and collaboration, offering a dedicated space for meaningful conversations across the G2E community.
  • Debuting this year, the G2E Media Zone offers state-of-the-art studio space for media partners to conduct interviews, produce content, and connect with industry leaders. Space is available for hourly booking throughout the event.
  • The 2025 education program features over 100 sessions and 330 speakers, offering insights from leading voices across gaming.
  • A reimagined iGaming Zone delivers immersive opportunities to experience the latest advancements in legal, online gaming – from cutting-edge technology to expert-led conversations and networking in the iGaming Hub.

Education sessions will run from Oct. 6-9, and the expo hall will be open from Oct. 7-9. For more information and to register for G2E 2025, visit globalgamingexpo.com.

 

The post REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR GLOBAL GAMING EXPO 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Betsson Group Rolls Out Its Flagship Offering in Lithuania

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Betsson Group has today launched its flagship brand, Betsson, in Lithuania, marking a new chapter in the Group’s ongoing strategy to unify and elevate its brand presence globally. The rebrand sees the former Betsafe operation transition to the Betsson brand, further strengthening the company’s positioning in regulated markets.

Betsson Group first entered the Lithuanian market in 2016 through the acquisition of TonyBet, which was rebranded as Betsafe the following year. Since then, the brand has gone from strength to strength, establishing itself as one of the leading operators in the country. The transition to Betsson reflects the Group’s ambition to bring even greater consistency, scalability, and brand recognition to its operations across regulated markets. For Lithuanian customers, it ensures the same trusted and seamless gaming experience – now backed by the strength of a globally recognised brand, with expanded resources, international partnerships, and unique fan engagement opportunities.

Jesper Svensson, CEO at Betsson Group, commented, “Lithuania has been an important market for us over the years, and this rebrand is a natural next step in our journey. By aligning our presence in the market under the Betsson brand, we can tap into broader marketing synergies, strengthen our global identity, and continue offering the same great service that our customers know and trust.”

The rebrand reflects Betsson’s ongoing investment in Lithuania, where the company moved into a larger office in Vilnius’ Central Business District just over two years ago. Today, the office is home to around 40 employees working across commercial, payments and support functions.

Over the years, the Group has also built strong local partnerships that demonstrate its commitment to sport. Betsafe is the title sponsor of the Lithuanian Basketball League (Betsafe-LKL), one of the most competitive leagues in the region. The brand also supports both the men’s and women’s Lithuanian national basketball teams, and is a proud sponsor of football club FC Žalgiris.

This brand transition also aligns with Betsson Group’s broader international marketing strategy. The Group is actively investing in high-profile sports sponsorships, including partnerships with Boca Juniors and Racing Club in Argentina, Inter in Italy, Atlético Nacional in Colombia and several other clubs across Europe and Latin America. These global initiatives not only raise brand awareness but also bring added value to local markets like Lithuania through stronger brand recognition and cross-market campaigns.

The post Betsson Group Rolls Out Its Flagship Offering in Lithuania appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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ELA Games Unveils Revamped Client Area – A Redesigned Hub For B2B Customers

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ELA Games, an innovative iGaming game development studio, has redeveloped its comprehensive Client Area. These changes package crucial assets and data regarding the studio’s games and content in an intuitive and informative manner.

The new Client Area includes the following information:

  • Roadmap: B2B clients can now learn about the studio’s plans before they’re revealed to the public. Here, clients can access upcoming games, their information and the company’s forthcoming business plans.
  • Game Info: Clients can view ELA Games’ content stats in one consolidated section. They can sort each game by certain metrics, such as RTP%, volatility and more.
  • Licensing Info: ELA Games currently has licenses for various regions across Europe, including Malta, Romania, Denmark, and Sweden. Clients can view all the games available in each region to better understand the scope of content applicable to their platforms.
  • Visual Assets: Clients can access every game’s visual elements for promotional and marketing purposes and game demos.

ELA Games has grown substantially since its inception, with a significant increase in production output. With more visually-rich content and more technical details for clients to digest, having a consolidated and centralised Client Area that includes all relevant information for B2B clients is essential.

Yaroslav Soloshenko, Business Development Manager of ELA Games, commented on the new improvements, “The Client Area is a useful hub where all our onboarded clients can view game details, our studio’s plans and download any visual assets. This consolidated section makes it easier for operators to interact with our brand and make the most out of our content more effectively. We look forward to making more additions to the improved Client Area as we continue to grow and expand our portfolio.”

The post ELA Games Unveils Revamped Client Area – A Redesigned Hub For B2B Customers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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