Another subsidiary of the Evolution brand, Nolimit City has offered its complete catalogue of games to the streaming provider, allowing Livespins streamers to broadcast themselves playing the slot studio’s titles. 

Not only will Livespins streamers benefit from the studio’s extensive slot catalogue, but will also gain access to its portfolio of proprietary xMechanics, offering “huge added value” through features like xBet, xSplit, xWays, xNudge and xGod. 

Michael Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Livespins, explained: “Nolimit City is a mega addition to our game portfolio and will be a big hit with our streamers and players. 

“This is a developer that knows how to get players on the edge of their seats thanks to trademarked mechanics like xBet, xSplit, xWays, xNudge and xGod which come wrapped up in some truly wonderful themes. 

“This deal unites together two Evolution-owned companies, bringing huge added value to Livespins, Nolimit City, our operator partners and, most importantly, players.” 

Games that will soon become available to Livespins streamers, and to the viewers that watch-along and bet behind the streamer’s activity, include slots such as Mental, Fire in the Hole and Tombstone RIP. 

Malcolm Mizzi, Commercial Director at Nolimit City, added: “Our games deliver thrilling action with each spin. They are volatile with unique mechanics that provide the gripping gameplay that streamers need to keep their audiences engaged. 

“This partnership with Livespins brings our games to a new audience and, thanks to its smart bet behind system, allows them to watch and wager at the same time. This is a great deal for both companies and one with tremendous potential to explore.” 

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Fuelling net profit of €269.2m, the firm was also boosted by EBITDA growth of 15.2 per cent to €345.8m, as well as the elevation of its table games offering.

Specifically, live casino for the firm improved by 19.8 per cent, playing a key role in boosting revenue as it looks to leverage its position as a market leader within this space.

Evolution CEO Martin Carlesund emphasised that amidst the positive outlook, there is still work to do for the firm as it looks to continue RNG growth into new regions. 

He stated: “Revenue from Live Casino increased by 19.8 per cent year-on-year and, compared to the previous quarter, we added €25.7m in revenue. Although a strong start to the new year, much remains to be done to fully leverage our position in the market and serve the underlying demand.”

The firm’s CEO also lauded the group’s table games performance as key market growth had a substantial impact on the overall evolution of the group’s table offering. 

He stated: “During the period we have continued to increase our table capacity to meet the market demand, and I am pleased to say that the progress made in Q4 has carried over into this year. We have continuously accelerated our recruitment and made good progress in our building expansion projects in several studios – all together we have a much improved balance between supply and demand today compared to last year.” 

The firm also detailed a focus on tapping into AI for the year ahead, as it looks to maximise efficiency across operations and secure the most fruitful results for partners. 

Carlesund emphasised: “We are adding and injecting AI into our system infrastructure and also in our way of operating where we see that it can contribute to efficiency, analysis or automation. Now we also can see clear benefits of OSS as it is starting to deliver direct results for our operators. With AI-driven functionality and world-wide distribution to the largest online casino network in the world OSS is already very powerful. We will continue to add features, more to come later in the year.”

In terms of specific demographics, the company’s North American growth was significantly boosted by a new collaboration with Fanatics, as well as the expansion of the firm’s deal with Caesars. 

Nonetheless, the key booster for the firm was Asia, where it benefited from ‘robust’ growth, as revenue was elevated by 28.3 per cent year-on-year to €197.6m.

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Under the terms of the agreement, QTech Games has bolstered the capabilities of its platform further still, with Evolution’s content suite being made available to clients and their players.

The collaboration will see the delivery of classics such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat and three-card poker to regional favourites such as India’s Andar Bahar, via the QTech platform.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Evolution. Naturally, their stunning live-dealer portfolio needs no introduction. The QTech Games platform is integrated with the best games from the planet’s top providers – and Evolution now stand at the zenith of that mountain with their garlanded games,” explained Ulf Norder, CCO at QTech Games. 

“Of course, there’s a huge revenue opportunity for operators due to the fact that live casino remains such an exciting online gaming sector in its own right. Seamless integration equips our clients with best-in-breed live games for their end users. 

“Unrivalled customisation options, dedicated tables and native speaking dealers also make it far easier to customise the experience to any specific market needs. Strong growth in casino vertical continues in the face of the pandemic, and we can’t wait to see how these games perform across a range of new markets.” 

QTech’s platform is localised for each region with native mobile apps, robust reporting and marketing tools, and 24/7 local-language support. Evolution praises the agreement as providing a further boost to its global ambitions. 

An Evolution spokesperson added: “This deal seamlessly broadens Evolution’s international scope, unlocking untapped markets from Asia to Eastern Europe and Latin America for diversified growth.

“Evolution’s unflinching commitment to delivering engaging live-player experiences affords customers, who love these games, the visceral thrill of playing in a real-world casino, while QTech’s peerless localised expertise made them the perfect fit for us. 

“QTech Games is a pioneering distributor across Asia and other sometimes-overlooked regions, so we look forward to seeing how our games connect with different and diverse audience sets. Evolution is constantly creating innovative and exciting content with which to offer players the ultimate gaming adventure – it’s entertainment redefined.”

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As part of the launch, which is the result of half a year’s development between Gaming1’s live casino partner Evolution Gaming, as well as GLI for the certification and integration process, Zamba.co is now able to offer Colombian players 52 games from Evolution Gaming’s market-leading catalogue, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, and the studio’s signature gameshows.

“I am incredibly proud of the outstanding agility demonstrated by our world class teams and am of course delighted that we are the first operator to offer the market live casino,” noted Sylvain Boniver, COO & co-founder of Gaming1.

“We’ve all seen how well the vertical has performed across global markets this year, and with Evolution Gaming’s unbeatable content, I’m sure we’re going to prove to be a real hit with our Colombian players. My congratulations to everybody involved.”

Established three years ago as a joint venture with Vicca Group, Gaming1’s Zamba.co was the first online casino to be launched by an international supplier in the jurisdiction and was developed under the framework of Coljuegos, the Colombian regulator.

Dedicated to offering an ‘unmatched gaming experience’ to its players, Gaming1 currently operates more than 20 online gaming brands with land-based partners in Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, France, Serbia, Peru and Colombia.

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The UK’s competition regulator officially announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to those concerned yesterday, before inviting comments on the purchase by any interested party.

These comments need to be provided before the invitation closes on October 5, following which the CMA will proceed to its analysis stage of phase one before reaching a decision on whether to enter phase two or close the inquiry on November 16.

Detailing the commencement of the inquiry, the CMA stated: “The Competition and Markets Authority is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.”

Evolution Gaming had previously expressed an expectation of closing the transaction on November 2, with an acceptance period commencing on August 17, 2020 and expiring on or around October 26, 2020.

The proposed transaction, an offer the NetEnt board recommended to shareholders, sees Evolution offer 0.1306 shares for each share in NetEnt, valuing each at SEK 79.93 and all shares in the firm to approximately SEK 19.6bn.

The offered consideration per share represents a premium of 43 per cent compared to the closing price of the NetEnt share of series B on Nasdaq Stockholm on June 23, 2020.

The combination is expected to result in annual cost savings of approximately €30m, compared to the combined cost basis of both parties as of the first quarter the year. This includes the cost savings of approximately SEK 150m which NetEnt already has disclosed. These were initially expected to be fully realised during 2021.

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Enhancing its presence across the country alongside the MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings joint venture, it follows hot on the heels of global sportsbook operator PointsBet partnering with the live casino specialists.

Johan Nordstrom, chief executive officer at Evolution Gaming Malta, stated: “We are honoured to have been chosen by BetMGM to be partners in the fast-developing US live gaming market. This is a natural extension of our existing relationship with GVC Holdings’ brands.

“Following the New Jersey launch Evolution will work in tandem with BetMGM brands to help ensure that they are among the first in market in Pennsylvania and Michigan. All to coincide with the launch of Evolution’s new studios that will open in these two states.”

Initially the agreement will see a number of Evolution’s live table games, as well as game show-style games, being made available to customers of BetMGM, and sister brands Borgata Online and Party Casino, from the group’s live casino studio in New Jersey. 

Furthermore, the agreement will extend the existing live games line-up delivered for BetMGM in New Jersey by Ezugi, which became part of Evolution Gaming in January 2019.

Matthew Sunderland, vice president of gaming for BetMGM, said: “BetMGM was formed with a very clear objective: to lead sports betting and online gaming in the United States. As the undisputed leader and innovator in live casino services for digital gaming, Evolution, is the perfect fit for us. 

“Evolution offers everything we need to enable our brands to roll out an extremely rich, world-class online live gaming experience across the US and their new state launches roadmap is very much in accord with our own alongside building on our current leadership position in gaming in New Jersey.”

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The live casino specialist, which forms part of the Evolution Gaming group, has opened its themed studio, where the firm will stream live titles including Namaste Roulette, Andar Bahar and Bet on Teen Patti.

It was said that the studio has been equipped with the latest live dealer technology, as well as “all the hallmarks of an Indian themed studio and games that players have come to love”.

Furthermore, Ezugi has also rolled-out Lucky 7, a version of the ‘hi low’ format which has also been developed with particular attention paid to the Indian market. However, the group does assert an expectation that the game should resonate with customers from all markets including Africa and LatAm.

The format of the game sees players predict whether the next card dealt will be above seven (7 up), below (7 down) or Lucky 7, with the title played with eight decks of cards that are shuffled and placed in the shoe and once the cutting card comes out of the shoe the shuffling process begins.

The dealer deals just one card per round; once the card has been drawn the result is stated and the game round concluded making for fast gameplay.

Lucky 7 also allows players to make a number of side bets which can be placed independently as well as alongside a main bet, namely red or black and odd or even.

Pang Goh, business development director at Ezugi, explained: “Lucky 7 is an action-packed title that offers simple yet fast gameplay that delivers a thrilling experience whether played on desktop or mobile.

“The addition of side bets brings another element to the game, giving players more choice and ramping up the win potential with every game round.

“We are also delighted to have cut the ribbon on our new India studio which we will use to continue to build out our growing presence in what we see as an exciting market with tremendous potential.”

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Striving to grow its presence in regulated markets worldwide, Ezugi, which has formed a part of Evolution Gaming Group since January 2019, also becomes “the first live dealer to launch in Lithuania”.

Assuring that its suite of titles will go live with several operators over the coming weeks, games certified for launch include live variations of blackjack, roulette and baccarat, with more titles and variants due to be approved shortly.

Ezugi states that it had targeted the jurisdiction due to the “tremendous potential in the market as live casino continues to gather popularity with players around the world”. Certification came after testing standards were successfully met.

Certification in Lithuania comes shortly after Ezugi secured approvals from regulators on the Isle of Man as well as in Estonia and Bulgaria.

Pang Goh, business development director at Ezugi, explained: “We are delighted to have secured certification and will be completed several successful launches in the coming weeks with our key partners in Lithuania 

“The team has done an incredible job when it comes to ensuring our games meet the high standards set by the regulator making us confident of our ability to meet them.

“Obtaining approvals in regulated markets around the world is the driving force behind our growth strategy and the latest certification marks our arrival as the leading live dealer provider.

“We see huge potential in Lithuania and believe that live dealer will become a significant vertical in its own right as the market continues to grow and mature.”

Evolution secured the purchase of Ezugi last year for an initial consideration of $12m, with the all cash deal also containing a possible additional consideration of a maximum of $6m.

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Coming hot on the heels of exclusive gaming partnerships entered with the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, and National Lacrosse League’s Colorado Mammoth, as well as the Pepsi Center home of the three franchises, PointsBet is striving to enhance its appeal to players via the addition of the live casino vertical. 

Founded in Australia and originally entering US in July 2018 after gaining a commercial licence to operate as an online corporate bookmaker in New Jersey, the firm has subsequently added Indiana and Iowa to its states of operation.

Seth Young, chief innovation officer at PointsBet, said of the link-up: “We are thrilled to partner with Evolution Gaming to launch live casino technology in US jurisdictions, where we plan to offer our proprietary online casino platform. The addition of Evolution live casino extends the appeal of PointsBet’s premium product in the rapidly growing US market.”

Evolution opened its first US live casino studio in Atlantic City, in August 2018, with a second currently under construction in Pennsylvania with go-live scheduled for the second half of the year, as well as a third in Michigan which is scheduled for debut in 2021.

Sebastian Johannisson, chief commercial officer at Evolution Gaming, added: “Evolution’s live casino portfolio offers PointsBet a rich mix of world-leading online live casino games including classic table games, online poker variants that are big favourites with US players, and our new generation of award-winning, record-breaking game show games. 

“In addition, PointsBet will have the option of exclusively branded dedicated tables and environments, should they require these.”

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Boasting a local presence in 44 regulated jurisdictions worldwide, the partnership “will leverage state-of-the-art technology and unified player experience” in an attempt to accelerate digital transformation for gaming operators and offer a responsible gaming entertainment for players. 

Sebastian Johannisson, chief commercial officer at Evolution, noted: “We are delighted and honoured to partner with Intralot, a leading player in the gaming world.” 

The Evolution-powered live casino services are planned to be introduced in several existing and new operations of Intralot, with a view to debuting the firm’s entire suite, including its growing range of game show titles, such as Crazy Time, Mega Ball and Lightning Roulette. 

Nikos Nikolakopoulos, executive VP and group CCO at Intralot, commented: “We have always been committed to building a robust set of strategic partners to deliver an outstanding experience to our customers. 

“Evolution Gaming is a trusted member of our third-party ecosystem and we are looking forward to rolling out this partnership on many online markets worldwide.” 

Last week Evolution Gaming said moves to acquire online casino content developer NetEnt will represent an acceleration of its ongoing ambition to become the global B2B igaming provider.

Providing the update in its latest financial report, a series of increases were reported despite challenges posed during “an intense first half of the year” that has been severely impacted by COVID-19.

Making its NetEnt move last month, the proposed transaction sees the firm offer 0.1306 shares for each share in NetEnt, valuing each at SEK 79.93 and all shares in the firm to approximately SEK 19.6bn.

Evolution has stated that it will not increase the offer, with an acceptance period to commence on August 17, 2020 and expire on or around October 26, 2020.

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