Latest News

Mark O’Hare: The sky’s limit for The Unit and Red Knot

Published

5 months ago

January 9, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes

We speak to The Unit’s Head of Business Development Mark O’Hare about the company’s strategic alliance with PR and communications specialists Red Knot Communications, which was announced last year…

Can you let us know a little bit about what Red Knot does and why The Unit and Red Knot decided to enter into a strategic alliance?

We’ve worked with Red Knot since the summer of 2023, after a successful spell of Red Knot providing their PR and media services to us, particularly in the B2B domain. We knew they had worked with some of the biggest names in media, and we were instantly impressed with the support they’ve given us and the press coverage they have been able to generate from press releases, interviews, thought leaderships and social media marketing.

Very quickly, though, we established a crossover between the two companies whereby we could exploit some natural synergies. By way of an instructive example, just take my own position role, which began as Head of Business Development for The Unit. More recently, though, I’ve performed a twin-track biz-dev role for both companies. At The Unit, software development is a core part of the business and we have a talented marketing team that does traditional marketing like SEO, PPC, social media etc. However, our clients often also asked us about PR services, which was something we didn’t have the expertise in-house to provide. In the past, we would have simply handed that off to Red Knot. But now The Unit’s Co-Founder Paddy Casey and Red Knot’s Co-Founder Andy Clerkson (who had previously worked well in tandem at Grand Parade) thought I could manage sales for both and oversee how these complementary connections interlink, creating organic efficiencies from which to scale both businesses, rather than oscillating from one to the other in more disjointed fashion.

This is quite an interesting partnership, because the two companies come from very different areas, so what brings Red Knot as a media company in line with a software development company like The Unit and vice versa?

We have talked to clients in the past and interpretations of PR can be quite different, from the more traditional to the increasingly technical. For example, some just want PR to be back-linking and SEO, which was not necessarily Red Knot’s initial expertise. But the scope of its services has now evolved to include this, thanks to The Unit’s input. As in any domain of discourse, you have to embrace the latest tools of innovation and tech if you want to distil clear messaging and engage with your target audience. Nowadays, some people’s perspective of PR speaks to a more technical side which we have the experience in, so we can help each other by combining both.

How does your role differ from what you were doing for The Unit previously?

For The Unit, my day-to-day responsibilities varied from account management to working on sales leads or assisting in marketing projects, whereas Red Knot is more streamlined for me to focus on the sales process. Red Knot had a structure in place for lead management and outreach that we’ve been able to incorporate into The Unit’s structure. The role can develop as I continue to learn about what works well for both companies and I’m learning a lot.

How have you found the challenge of splitting your time between both companies?

That’s something that’s played out differently to how we may have thought. It isn’t as simple as having a set structure of focusing on The Unit in the mornings and on Red Knot in the afternoons, and I just have to be honest with myself and both companies about what I’m able to do. Some days I might work on a proposal for a The Unit client and then work on a different project for Red Knot. You have to work around time zones as well, because Red Knot’s team are spread out across Europe and the US, whereas the team I work closest with at The Unit is based in Dundalk, Ireland. I’d been at The Unit for five years and knew how we operate. From my experience now with Red Knot, I’d say both cultures are very similar, so that certainly helps.

How likely is it this partnership could expand with more staff or services?

I think there is huge potential to expand the partnership. There will certainly be other colleagues representing both sides of the business in due course. That’s not something we’ve put into place yet, but we’ve already entered mature conversations for the next phase, and ICE London (6-8 February) will see us unveil the next building block in this lockstep journey.

I personally feel the sky is the limit, because both companies are growing and can help each other in so many ways, as we seek to optimize our strengths and deliver exceptional services across the dynamic world of igaming and sports betting. I couldn’t put a timeline or a figure on things, but our growth in the last 12 months has been fantastic and we wish to continue that. The opportunity is now as palpable as it is obvious. After all, our respective skill sets, target territories and client lists are totally complementary. This global partnership crystallises a hive mind of two successful companies, comprised of very experienced gaming industry professionals who can supercharge marketing for any B2C or B2B gaming or betting brand, anywhere in the world.

Latest News

SOLAIRE RESORT NORTH MARKS NEW ERA IN GAMING, TOURISM

Published

7 hours ago

May 27, 2024

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco on Saturday hailed Bloomberry Resorts Corporation for its latest luxury development, the Solaire Resort North, which he said is an instant landmark destination in Quezon City.

During the formal opening of the second Solaire-branded leisure and entertainment property in Metro Manila, Mr. Tengco said Solaire Resort North “marks a new era not only for the Philippine gaming industry but also for the tourism industry.”

“This will definitely become a leisure and entertainment destination in this part of Metro Manila,” he said.

Situated on a 1.5-hectare site in Quezon City, Solaire Resort North is the first and only five-star integrated resort and casino to serve northern Metro Manila and adjacent provinces.

Mr. Tengco also noted the huge efforts made by Bloomberry to bring the project to life.

“This jewel was not created overnight; It took years of meticulous planning, hundreds if not thousands of workers toiling day and night, immense resources poured into it, to bring us this development that is a class of its own,” the PAGCOR chief said.

According to Mr. Tengco, by raising the bar incredibly high, Solaire Resort North instantly becomes the benchmark upon which future integrated resorts will be measured against.

“For this we owe our gratitude to the vision and unwavering determination of Mr. Ricky Razon and his entire team,” he said.

“We at PAGCOR, just like Bloomberry Resorts Corporation, are continuously inspired by the hard work and commitment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to pursue projects like Solaire Resort North so that we can provide more jobs and better opportunities for our people, especially those in the tourism and leisure industries,” the PAGCOR chief added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the Solaire Resort North’s inauguration. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte also graced the event.

For his part, Bloomberry Resorts Corporation Chairman and CEO Enrique Razon Jr. said Solaire Resort North aims to elevate the entertainment experience in Quezon City.

“We hope to serve the burgeoning tourism demand north of Metro Manila and the nearby provinces that are enjoying rapid commercial and residential development. We hope to bolster economic activity in Quezon City by encouraging visitors – both Filipinos and foreigners — to explore and discover the city,” he said.

“We are bringing only the exceptional to Solaire North – from architecture, interiors, accommodation, gaming, cuisine, art, to entertainment,” Mr. Razon added.

The post SOLAIRE RESORT NORTH MARKS NEW ERA IN GAMING, TOURISM appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Promoters stake sale of Nazara Technologies Limited to existing investor, Plutus Wealth Management LLP

Published

7 hours ago

May 27, 2024

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Mitter Infotech LLP, a promoter of Nazara Technologies Limited (“the Company”), has sold 48,84,000 equity shares, representing 6.38% of the issued share capital to Plutus Wealth Management LLP through an on-market transaction in the block deal window of the stock exchange (“Block Trade”) on May 27, 2024.

The Block Trade will provide liquidity for the promoters who have dedicated 25 years to the Company’s growth. The promoters will retain control of the Company, with Nitish Mittersain continuing in his current role as CEO & Jt. Managing Director. The promoters remain confident that the Company is strategically and financially well positioned to capitalize on the numerous opportunities ahead.

Plutus Wealth Management LLP, an investor in Nazara since 2020 (pre-IPO), has demonstrated strong confidence in the Company’s prospects by increasing its shareholding via this Block Trade.

“Plutus Wealth Management LLP has been a long term investor in Nazara since the pre-ipo days and has actively participated in subsequent fund raises as well”, said Vikash Mittersain, Promoter, Nazara Technologies Limited. “This transaction represents a resounding vote of confidence by Plutus in Nazara’s long-term growth prospects, its promoters and management”, he added.

Mr. Arpit Khandelwal, Managing Partner of Plutus Wealth Management LLP, said, “We are extremely delighted to announce that we have increased our stake in Nazara Technologies Limited, India’s leading diversified gaming and sports media platform. This decision underscores our strong conviction in the phenomenal growth opportunity that the sector offers and our confidence in Nazara’s diversified product portfolio, talented team, and unique competitive position. With its expanded presence in various international markets and global partnerships, Nazara is a notable example of an Indian games company that has been successful in going global. In continuation to our philosophy, we look forward to actively supporting the management team as they execute on their growth strategy and aggressively accelerate progress towards achieving their long-term objectives”.

The post Promoters stake sale of Nazara Technologies Limited to existing investor, Plutus Wealth Management LLP appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Back at It! Hacksaw Gaming and Betclic Are Setting Standards In Portugal!

Published

8 hours ago

May 27, 2024

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Nothing short of spectacular! This launch not only commemorates our brand new partnership with Betclic, but also our second launch in Portugal in less than 2 months.

Renowned for their love of sports, Betclic is sticking true to its values by exploring the vast world of online, mobile focused casino. They aim to offer the most entertaining gambling experience possible within their many markets via easy-to-use, interactive and innovative mobile apps.

Hacksaw Gaming content and Betclic’s values really do seem to go hand in hand. We are always keeping a mobile friendly format in the forefront when creating our games, and our popularity with players says more than we need to! Betclic.pt players can enjoy Hacksaw home runs such as Wanted Dead or A Wild, RIP City, Hand of Anubis, Le Bandit, Chaos Crew II and a large variety of others. We’re absolutely sure that Betclic users will be blown away by the diversity of our content on offer.

Geoffroy Villiot – Head of Casino at Betclic agrees that our content demonstrates variety and stated that “By embracing Hacksaw Gaming’s repertoire, Betclic underscores its dedication to providing unparalleled gaming adventures. The addition of Hacksaw’s innovative games enhances our standing as a leading hub for online entertainment, elevating the experience for our players with an array of captivating titles.”

Equally enthusiastic about this collaboration, Hacksaw Gaming CEO Marcus Cordes had a few words to say on this new partnership. “Betclic is one of Portugal’s industry leaders, so we’re raring to show their players our commitment to bringing them content that not only plays well, but also takes them on a journey through innovative features and thrilling themes.”

Moving forwards, we’re looking towards expanding our library of titles available with Betclic, as well as our overall presence within the market. Portugal is arguably one of the most exciting up and coming markets for us in Europe at the moment, and we cannot wait to see more of that Hacksaw footprint across the region!

The post Back at It! Hacksaw Gaming and Betclic Are Setting Standards In Portugal! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.