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“It is going to be a slow process – but great things take time”: Exclusive interview with R Franco Digital on the return of sports betting in Spain
After notching up a series of high profile deals with the likes of Dafabet and BetConstruct, we sat down with R Franco Digital’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mario Benito to talk Spain’s return to sports betting and his outlook for the market as the lockdown is lifted.
R Franco Digital has certainly signed a couple of notable deals recently, can you give us the lowdown?
It has been a busy few weeks as we get back on track in Spain! All in all, we’ve already signed agreements with several of the Spanish market’s leading tier one operators and will be announcing additional partnerships in further markets in the very near future.
Key to this has been our industry-leading portfolio of supporting products; including our IRIS Platform, as well as our Wallet, online games and renowned IRIS Power Vault – developed in tandem with the Spanish regulator, the DGOJ.
In terms of what we’ll be doing, R Franco Digital will be providing three major international operators with these tools to enter the Spanish market – as well as signing a succession of aggregator partnerships to further boost the reach of our fantastic collection of games.
We’re also expecting plenty of developments on the LatAm front (which is our second home), as well receiving our MGA Critical Gaming Supply licence in the very near future.
Is this a vote of confidence for the Spanish market returning to normal? What’s happening on the ground there?
There’s no question that the entire industry has felt the impact – with Spain (as you may have seen from the headlines) being no different. Given the need for entertainment under lockdown, there has been a considerable uptick in iGaming, despite the Spanish government’s two-month suspension on promotional activity.
Since the resumption of Europe’s most popular sporting tournaments, the sports betting vertical is gradually returning to full strength, although this process will not be complete until the new season. Given our home market is both dynamic and resilient, we are confident that the commercial landscape in Spain will return to its pre-COVID trajectory soon enough.
Having said that, land-based will likely take longer to re-emerge to full strength given it has received the brunt of the impact from COVID. To persevere, operators who have not already done began to diversify through digital channels. We set up R Franco Digital a decade ago with this role in mind – and it’s certainly proved instrumental for our local partners during this time.
What do you forecast for the first few week’s betting activity once La Liga has returned?
The resumption of Europe’s top football leagues, particularly La Liga, have seen dormant sports bettors return to the vertical en-masse. However, I do not believe activity will revert to its previous level until the new season begins. The numbers certainly back this up, and from what we’ve seen so far, the total amount wagered in the Spanish market has fallen by 40% compared to the week before La Liga was cancelled.
Plenty has been said around the cross-sell between sportsbook and casino in the past few months – has it rang true in Spain?
It’s been invaluable – and for many operators, turned from a promise to a reality. However, we shouldn’t get too carried away with the hype; we have not seen a whole legion of sports betting fans converted to slots in three short months.
To build a pandemic-proof portfolio, operators (and platform providers) need to take a long, careful look at what disciplines lent themselves well to sports bettors betting behaviours during lockdown (such as live casino) and capitalise on it moving forward.
What other alternative sporting markets have proven popular during the lockdown?
The most successful markets have been Table Tennis, and football leagues in more ‘exotic’ countries such as Belarus, that did not see their sporting calendar hindered by lockdown. Esports and virtuals have also experienced a similar spike activity as sports betting enthusiasts look to get in on alternative entertainment, although these disciplines are likely to attract a more niche type of player, especially in the case of esports, which has become a bastion of the millennial demographic.
And finally – how fast do you see retail betting returning in Spain?
It is going to be a slow process – but great things take time. The decision to re-open now falls under the mandate of Spain’s regional authorities, and it will be at their discretion. We can see this happening in real time – as although the state of emergency has ended, not every region has yet allowed betting shops to reopen. Along with land-based casinos, retail is by far one of the most severely affected sectors of the market, and I anticipate it will be a long road to recovery for many that had to endure three months of closure. Of course, we’ll be there to help.
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: “It is going to be a slow process – but great things take time”: Exclusive interview with R Franco Digital on the return of sports betting in Spain
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Fans United Teams Up with Sportsbet.io to Enhance User Experience in Sports Betting
Premier fan engagement platform Fans United announces a strategic partnership with Sportsbet.io, the innovative sports betting platform owned by Yolo Group, to enhance user engagement and community interaction across its digital products.
In an era where user engagement is crucial for sports betting platforms, Sportsbet.io is taking a significant step forward by integrating Fans United’s comprehensive suite of interactive features into its ecosystem. This partnership demonstrates Sportsbet.io’s commitment to providing an unparalleled user experience while strengthening its position as a leader in innovative sports betting technology.
Through this collaboration, Sportsbet.io users will gain access to Fans United’s extensive range of engagement tools, including interactive prediction games, community discussions, sports trivia, and social features. These elements will be seamlessly integrated into Sportsbet.io’s scores app, creating a more immersive and interactive experience for users.
Stilian Shishkov, CEO of Fans United, commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with Sportsbet.io, a true innovator in the sports betting industry. Our platform’s proven ability to drive user engagement and foster community interaction aligns perfectly with Sportsbet.io’s vision for delivering exceptional user experiences. This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to bring our engagement tools to Sportsbet.io’s dynamic global community.”
Shane Anderson, Director of Partnerships, Content and Brand at Yolo Group, said: “Our partnership with Fans United marks another milestone in our mission to provide the most engaging and entertaining betting experience in the industry. By integrating their innovative engagement platform, we’re not just adding features – we’re creating a more connected and interactive community for our users. This collaboration will significantly enhance how our users interact with our platform and with each other, further cementing our position as a leader in the crypto-friendly sports betting space.”
The post Fans United Teams Up with Sportsbet.io to Enhance User Experience in Sports Betting appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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NOVOMATIC Showcased an Unforgettable Performance of Innovation at ICE 2025 in Barcelona
From January 20 to 22, 2025, the Fira Barcelona Gran Via became the global hotspot of the gaming industry as part of ICE 2025. As the largest exhibitor, NOVOMATIC set new standards with an unprecedented product variety, an outstanding booth design and a unique visitor experience that was unmatched at ICE. In addition to NOVOMATIC’s comprehensive 360° portfolio, numerous subsidiaries and technology partners – such as NOVOMATIC Spain, NOVOMATIC Gaming UK, NOVOMATIC Italia, LÖWEN ENTERTAINMENT, APEX and Ainsworth Gaming Technology – showcased their latest products. A dedicated area for visitors from Latin America was a particular highlight this year, underscoring NOVOMATIC’s commitment to addressing regional market needs with tailored solutions.
Brilliance Perfected: The Launch of the DIAMOND X 1.55J QUATTRO
NOVOMATIC’s sophisticated product portfolio has been expanded with the groundbreaking launch of the DIAMOND X 1.55J QUATTRO. This latest edition of the internationally popular DIAMOND X 1.55J impresses with exceptional features that take the gaming experience to an entirely new level. A sleek cabinet design, an innovative glass touch deck and a cutting-edge soundbar deliver a unique player experience and maximum immersion. The new DIAMOND X™ 1.55J QUATTRO was unveiled with an outstanding sign solution that created a sensation at the NOVOMATIC booth. Offered in attractive packages with four or six cabinets featuring the latest gaming content, the monumental signs delivered an audio-visual spectacle that thrilled visitors and operators alike. With this offering, NOVOMATIC once again reinforced its position as the “Diamond of the Industry.” In addition to this, the exclusive cabinets of the V.I.P. X series also attracted attention. The V.I.P. X Royal 1.85, V.I.P. X Dream 2.43/3.43 and V.I.P. X Lounge 2.32 are designed for discerning players and casino operators who are looking to offer their guests a premium gaming atmosphere. Another key attraction this year was, once again, the V.I.P. X Galaxy 2.65, which continues to generate excitement worldwide. Combining high-end comfort with a futuristic design, this luxury cabinet sets new standards in functionality and gameplay, delivering an unparalleled gaming experience.
Next-Level Gaming: Linked Progressives, Multiple Feature Games, and Game-Mixes
NOVOMATIC captivated audiences at ICE 2025 with remarkable gaming content, premiering several new Linked Progressives and Multiple Feature Games. A standout highlight was XTENSION LINK Evolution, which created a buzz with two enticing new titles – Mighty Squad and Fu Flow. These Multiple Feature Games impress with engaging gameplay and innovative mechanics, delivering an unrivaled gaming experience. Volumes 3 and 4 of the popular XTENSION LINK were also introduced, each featuring 12 thrilling titles packed with engaging features such as Expanding Reels, Golden Spins and the Xpress Feature, ensuring maximum entertainment for players. On the NOVO LINE platform, the new Multiple Feature Game RISING TREASURES made its grand debut, offering five compelling titles packed with attractive features such as Free Games, Xtra Spins and Prize Upgrades. The Impera ProLink enthralled visitors with four new titles, including the legendary Book of Ra ProLink, delivering cutting-edge gameplay with features like Mega Spins, Double Reels and Chain Reaction. The event reached epic proportions with the launch of the EPIC GOLD Jackpot, an exclusive selection of five GOLDEN titles that introduce an additional Progressive Jackpot Level – the EPIC – offering thrilling new winning opportunities. And the NOVOMATIC classic Gaminator is receiving a stunning modern update with the launch of the GAMINATOR X5. This highly customisable mix features a total of 66 game titles across seven packages, offering unequaled flexibility to casino operators by enabling them to tailor the product precisely to the needs of their guests.
Global Excellence: NOVOMATIC Wins Four Prestigious Awards
ICE 2025 was accompanied by several award ceremonies, where NOVOMATIC reaffirmed its leading position in the gaming industry by securing four leading awards. At the European Casino Awards 2025, NOVOMATIC triumphed in three key categories: The V.I.P. X Galaxy 2.65 was honoured as the Best New Innovative Product; The NOVO CASH Casino Master secured the award for Best Cash Handling Product; and the company’s sustainability strategy was recognised with the Sustainability Initiative Award. In addition to this, NOVOMATIC received the highly coveted ICE Landmark Award 2025 in honor of its unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence and leadership in the gaming industry.
The Executive Board of NOVOMATIC AG Group said: “The premiere of the ICE in Barcelona in 2025 was an outstanding success and the perfect start to NOVOMATIC’s 45th anniversary year. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from our customers and partners clearly confirms our position as Europe’s leading gaming technology group with outstanding innovations and cutting-edge products. We are particularly proud of the four internationally renowned awards that recognize our continuous commitment to excellence in this industry. Our special gratitude belongs to our more than 25,000 dedicated employees, whose tireless efforts have made this success possible.”
Thomas Schmalzer, VP Global Sales and VP Product Management NOVOMATIC AG, said: “ICE 2025 was, for us, one of the greatest and most successful shows ever. Not only did we exhibit at one of the best booths we have ever had, but we were also able to launch one of the largest ranges of products from gaming equipment to fascinating new game titles and jackpot families. This underscores our innovation and technology leadership in the industry. We are excited about rolling out our latest products in markets globally and ICE 2025 confirmed to us that our solutions are perfectly in tune with player preferences and customer demand. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our customers and partners for their trust and the excellent collaboration.”
The post NOVOMATIC Showcased an Unforgettable Performance of Innovation at ICE 2025 in Barcelona appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Playtech Announces Partnership with Pari Mutuel Urbain as Poker provider in France
Playtech announced a strategic partnership with Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), one of the most prominent gaming operators in the French market, to supply Playtech’s Poker network services and content.
PMU will be joining the iPoker.EU Network, one of Europe’s biggest liquidity pools backed by industry-leading technology and will boost their offering using Playtech’s extensive suite of poker variants and features, which include cash games, Poker tournaments and Playtech’s flagship Poker game – Twister Poker.
PMU will leverage Playtech’s poker platform gamification and player engagement capabilities to deliver a heightened level of excitement and engagement for PMU players.
This partnership represents the continued growth of Playtech as a Poker supplier across the expanding French market.
Marat Koss, VP Interactive Gaming at Playtech, said: “We are thrilled to partner with PMU, a leader in the French gaming market. France is a key market for Playtech, and this collaboration continues to highlight our commitment to providing innovative and engaging poker solutions to our licensees needs, ensuring an engaging experience for their players.”
Stéphane Auffret, Product, Service and Innovation Director at PMU, said: “Partnering with Playtech and joining the iPoker network represents a strategic and significant step for PMU’s growth, allowing us to offer our players an unparalleled poker experience. This collaboration will enable us to enhance our offerings including a multi-vertical access to poker through Turf and Sports Applications, and consistently deliver the best experience and technology to our players. We are confident that this partnership will significantly elevate our poker offerings and drive substantial growth in the French market.”
The post Playtech Announces Partnership with Pari Mutuel Urbain as Poker provider in France appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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