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Games and eSports partnership based around ESforce

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Mail.ru Group Limited, one of the largest Internet companies in the Russian-speaking Internet market, today announces the creation of a partnership around ESforce eSports business with Modern Pick, which will allow Mail.ru Group and Modern Pick to build a well-diversified eSports business, with presence in Russia/CIS as well as Europe, with access to a broader games portfolio and expertise in AAA+ games development, eSports teams, broadcasting, video production, streaming, tournament organization and venues, combined with an extensive set of media and global brand partnerships.

The BoD of Mail.ru Group approved signing of the partnership agreement. Implied valuation of ESforce as part of the transaction is $110mn (including SK Gaming, catering and merchandise businesses, disposed by Mail.ru Group previously for >$10mn, implied overall valuation of all ESforce assets acquired by Mail.ru Group totals $120mn+). Mail.ru Group is to transfer 51% stake of ESforce into Modern Pick. The transaction is anticipated to be completed in the coming months, with ESforce to be deconsolidated from the Mail.ru Group’s financials as of Q2 results reporting on a pro forma basis. In FY 2018, ESforce generated RUB2.7bn in revenues and had an EBITDA of RUB0.7bn.

Following the closure of the deal, Mail.ru Group will work with ESforce on arms-length basis, including around target advertising activity using Mail.ru Group’s services.

Deal structure:

– MRG already holds 3% of Modern Pick
– MRG transfers 51% of ESforce as contribution to Modern Pick at an implied $56mn valuation ($110mn for 100%) with the combined company having a total initial value of $350mn
– The ultimate long term size of MRG’s stake will depend on a number of operational KPIs for the combined company set for 2022 and could increase or decrease from initial level
– MRG will remain 49% shareholder of ESforce post transaction
– Third year ratchet: Mail.ru Group’s share is to be re-valuated depending on 2022 financial performance. In case the combined 2022 revenue is below certain minimum threshold MRG may exit the merged company and get 51% of ESforce shares back. Mail.ru Group also has an option to reverse the deal in case certain fundraising and asset consolidation conditions agreed as part of the Transaction are not met by Modern Pick

We remain committed to games and eSports and see this partnership as adding optionality around new monetization channels for our existing and future game content, potential to operate eSports leagues and generally play a much larger role on the global eSports market, which offers significant growth potential, in our view, having already risen by 75% since 2016 to $865.1mn in 2018 and expected to break $1bn in revenues this year, according to Newzoo. PwC sees the global e-sports market growing at a 2018-22F CAGR of 18%, from $805mn in 2018 to $1,580mn in 2022.

We expect synergies from access to a much broader European sponsorship market with wide opportunities in eSports and media projects as well as from broadening our non-violent games portfolio, attractive for sponsorship. This also means an opportunity for MY.GAMES to receive access to global advertisers and opens up opportunities for cooperation and global expansion with overall diversification of our games and eSports business.

Commenting on the transaction Vladimir Nikolsky, COO (Russia) at Mail.ru Group, said: “We are very pleased to be entering into this new business together with Modern Pick, the strong partner who works in close cooperation with such brands as ZDF, Red Bull, etc. We are pleased with the progress that ESF has made since our acquisition but we see larger opportunities for the business being part of a wider eco-system. This is entirely constant with our strategy of leveraging our dominant position in our home market while also working with partners in some areas. We look forward to working with our talented and energetic partners to further expand ESF’s reach and user offering.”

Commenting on the transaction Mathias Lauda, Vice president at Modern Pick, said: “We are really excited to be able grow the business jointly with Mail.ru Group and gain the ESF distribution expertise and the wider partnership with Mail.ru Group to expand the reach of our world class racing games. There are obvious synergies between Modern Pick with its great partnership network of ZDF and Red Bull amongst others and the ever expanding eSports network of ESF. With the number of racing and arcade genre games continuing to increase interest from the wider auto industry continues to increase both in terms of brand recognition and also as a new avenue for marketing. We look forward to working together in this.”


Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Games and eSports partnership based around ESforce

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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Enhanced Regional Presence: The Partnership Between SYNOT Games and BET.bg

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SYNOT Games, a leading content provider in the iGaming industry, has announced a strategic partnership with BET.bg, one of the foremost online casinos in Bulgaria. This collaboration, made possible through the EGT aggregator platform, marks another key milestone in SYNOT Games’ continued expansion across the Balkan region.

As a recognized leader in Bulgaria’s competitive gaming landscape, BET.bg strengthens its offerings by incorporating SYNOT Games’ comprehensive portfolio of online slot titles. The integration provides a diverse selection of high-quality games to BET.bg’s players, including popular titles such as Aztec Jaguar MegawaysLegends of the Colosseum, and Crazy Free Fruits.

The partnership serves several strategic objectives for the SYNOT Games. First and foremost, it supports the company’s long-term vision of establishing a robust presence across the Balkans by aligning with trusted and high-performing regional operators. The collaboration with BET.bg enables SYNOT Games to tap into a loyal player base in Bulgaria, driving higher brand recognition and user engagement. Furthermore, it accelerates the company’s mission to diversify its distribution channels and leverage aggregators like EGT to maximize reach and operational efficiency.

We’re excited to team up with BET.bg, a respected and trusted operator that holds a great position in Bulgaria,” said Martin Krajčí, Chief Commercial Officer at SYNOT Games.

With the amazing support of EGT’s aggregation platform, we’ve been able to share our portfolio with a wider audience. This partnership highlights our strategic focus on the beautiful Balkan region and showcases our commitment to delivering quality content that truly meets the needs of local players‘ preferences,” she continued.

BET.bg team added: “We’re always on the lookout for fresh ways to enhance our offerings and bring top-notch entertainment to our users. By teaming up with SYNOT Games, we can do just that! Their diverse and engaging portfolio beautifully complements our existing lineup, and we can’t wait to see how our players enjoy these high-performing titles.

The launch of SYNOT Games’ content on BET.bg continues the provider’s momentum in regulated markets, supported by a steady rollout of new titles and proven performers tailored to diverse player bases. The move exemplifies SYNOT Games‘ strategy of forming long-term partnerships that ensure content visibility and align with partners’ growth ambitions in key European markets.

The post Enhanced Regional Presence: The Partnership Between SYNOT Games and BET.bg appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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SOFTSWISS Heads to SiGMA Asia 2025

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SOFTSWISS, a global tech expert with over 15 years of iGaming experience, will participate in SiGMA Asia 2025, which takes place from 1 to 4 June in Manila, the Philippines. The event is set to welcome 20,000 delegates, including operators, affiliates, regulators, and top decision-makers.

With over 450 exhibitors, SiGMA Asia is a promising platform for companies exploring business opportunities across the diverse and fast-growing Asian iGaming landscape.

The Asian iGaming market presents a compelling mix of potential and complexity. According to the SOFTSWISS iGaming Trends Report 2025, countries like the Philippines and India are currently undergoing regulatory shifts and technological expansion. 

The Philippines market is projected to reach an annual growth rate of 9.23% by 2033. The region is now emerging as Asia’s second-largest gaming hub, focused on strengthening its domestic market and expanding integrated resorts. India, one of the largest digital markets with over 750 million internet users, is also witnessing rapid growth in the iGaming sector, with revenue projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% through 2032.

These developments create substantial opportunities for the industry and a demand for experienced tech providers like SOFTSWISS, which can offer highly localised, scalable solutions that meet evolving market requirements.

Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS, shares: “Asia is one of the most exciting and diverse regions for iGaming today. As digital engagement and the industry itself grow, operators are looking for partners that can deliver reliable, localised, and scalable solutions. SOFTSWISS is ready to support this transformation with technology that will help operators build strong and compliant iGaming projects in the region.”

The SOFTSWISS team will be available at Stand 2116 to present its ecosystem of solutions and share market insights with potential partners and clients.

 

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.

The post SOFTSWISS Heads to SiGMA Asia 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Americas Online Gambling Market To Soon Eclipse Europe’s, Finds Vixio Forecasts

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  • Vixio forecasts that regulated online GGR in North and Latin America will grow at a compound annual rate of 3 percent from US$22.3bn in 2023 to US$56.3bn by 2028, drawing level with regulated European market.

Vixio, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions, ahead of SBC Americas forecasts that the regulated online gambling market in the Americas to be worth US$32.5bn by 2026, compared to US$15.6bn in 2022, more than doubling in size in a period of four years. This growth rate is more than double the equivalent in Europe, with the European regulated online gambling market projected to be worth €37.3bn in 2026, up from just under €30bn in 2022.

By 2028, regulated online gambling markets in the U.S., Canada and Latin American countries are expected to generate US$56.3bn, drawing level with Europe or potentially surpassing it depending on currency fluctuations.

“Prior to 2018, the regulated online gambling market was highly euro-centric but legalization of sports betting and iGaming in various U.S. states as well as the major markets of Ontario and Brazil has coincided with stricter regulations in European countries that has restricted growth in a number of cases,” said  James Kilsby, Chief Analyst, Vixio.

Vixio will be showcasing its data forecasting and regulatory intelligence solutions in more detail at the SBC Summit Americas 2026 at stand B175, with additional information in its Latin America Online Outlook report, available at vixio.com/research/latin-america-outlook-2025.

 

Vixio forecasts that regulated online GGR in North and Latin America will grow at a compound annual rate of 20.3 percent from US$22.3bn in 2023 to US$56.3bn by 2028, drawing level with regulated European market.

Providing further insight into one of the most closely watched online gambling markets globally, Kilsby, Vixio’s award-winning analyst, will be speaking during a panel session titled “Brazil 2025: A Surge in Licensing and Lessons So Far.” James was recently recognized as a Silver Stevie® Award Winner for Thought Leader of the Year in the 2025 American Business Awards®. The panel will take place on Wednesday, May 14, at 11 a.m. in conference room four.

In addition, Vixio has been shortlisted for Compliance Solution of the Year at the 2025 SBC Awards, which will be announced on the second day of the conference.

Visit us at stand B175 at SBC Summit Americas to learn more about how Vixio can help your business navigate the regulatory challenges of the gaming industry.

For more information, or to book a meeting with a Vixio representative at SBC Americas, visit vixio.com.

 

The post Americas Online Gambling Market To Soon Eclipse Europe’s, Finds Vixio Forecasts appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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