Canada
PLAYMAKER ACQUIRES VIDEO-FIRST MEDIA PLATFORM CRACKS, YOUTUBE’S LARGEST SPANISH-LANGUAGE SPORTS NEWS CHANNEL
Playmaker Capital Inc., the digital sports media company that delivers authentic content experiences through its portfolio of sports media and technology brands, announced today the acquisition of Mexico-based video-first sports platform, Cracks. Cracks is a soccer-centric collection of digital media assets that has a total audience across all channels in excess of 12.6 million subscribers worldwide, including the most followed Spanish-language sports news channels on YouTube (Cracks Global Edition, Cracks Mexico, Cracks Colombia, and Cracks Argentina).
Cracks Global, its flagship YouTube channel, has nearly 5.5 million subscribers and has attracted more than 2.7 billion lifetime views on YouTube. Based on January 7, 2022 data, Cracks Global generates an average of 502,000 views per video, which ranks 15th amongst the top-50 sports channels by subscribers on YouTube globally. Across the entire Cracks YouTube portfolio, including Cracks Global, Cracks Mexico, Cracks Colombia, and Cracks Argentina, there are over 7 million active subscribers.
Cracks, originally founded by Guadalajara-native Manuel Bravo, one of the most prominent YouTuber’s in Mexico and Latin America, also significantly increases Playmaker’s social media following across other key social channels. Cracks reaches 2.9 million followers on Facebook, 1.1 million followers on Instagram, 203,000 followers on Twitter, 818,000 followers on TikTok, and 46,000 followers on Twitch.
The acquisition of Cracks establishes video production and monetization as a new centre of excellence for Playmaker, complementing its existing robust in-house editorial expertise across its multiple web properties, social media channels, mobile apps, and fan pages. The acquisition will also provide additional opportunities for enhanced partnerships, including the creation of on-premise original content created during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar featuring Manuel Bravo as lead talent.
“Cracks’ story is one of passion, persistence and professionalism, led by “Manu” since the company’s inception. We are thrilled that he chose Playmaker to take Cracks to the next level,” commented Federico Grinberg, EVP of Playmaker and CEO of Futbol Sites, a Playmaker brand. “Cracks will give us access to a completely new revenue stream: original video creation and monetization through syndication on third-party platforms, mainly YouTube and Facebook. This acquisition will enrich our commercial offering by bringing an original product and adding the talented Cracks staff to our team, providing Playmaker the opportunity to offer much more powerful branded content solutions to our advertisers.”
“Cracks started as an amateur project that maintained a continuous upward growth trajectory despite its limitations,” commented Bravo. “Since the platform was created, our team’s job transitioned from creating high-quality and entertaining content to becoming leaders and a point of reference in the industry. Now that Playmaker is acquiring Cracks, we will not only continue to be leaders in our field but can also aspire to make a leap in quality across the board. Ultimately, we are confident our audience will benefit, as we continue to build the best possible version of Cracks.”
In line with one of Playmaker’s goals to be the definitive digital sports media destination for the Latin American and US Hispanic markets, Playmaker has now acquired four Latin American-based organizations since November, 2021, including Varsky Sports (Argentina), Grupo SuperPoker (Brazil), Futmarketing (Brazil), and Cracks (Mexico). These businesses will be operated by the Futbol Sites leadership team. Playmaker’s aspiration to be the premier source of sports content in Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market mirrors its efforts in North America. In 2021, Playmaker acquired Yardbarker (USA) and The Nation Network (Canada).
TRANSACTION DETAILS
Pursuant to the terms of an asset purchase agreement, Playmaker acquired 100% of the digital assets, marks, and copyright of Cracks for aggregate consideration of up to US$1.7 million. The purchase price consideration consisted of (i) a cash payment of US$0.4 million on closing, and (ii) cash payments of up to a maximum of US$1.3 million payable to the seller upon Cracks achieving certain milestones and performance related targets over the 12-months following closing.
Canada
ComeOn Group adds sportsbook to its offering in Ontario
ComeOn Group announced a significant milestone in its sportsbook expansion journey with the addition of sportsbook to their offering in Ontario following the successful acquisition of the required permits. This addition represents a strategic advancement in the Groups sportsbook growth trajectory where they are set to double its sportsbook business in the coming years.
ComeOn Group is one of 51 active operators in Ontario. The Ontario market has experienced robust growth since its launch, reaching C$6.7 billion in revenue in 2023.* By 2029, the market is forecasted to grow by a total of 29%, with 2024 expected to close with a 20% increase.
ComeOn keeps investing in its sportsbook business acceleration that is powered by its proprietary sportsbook platform and in-house risk management and trading team. As a multi product vertical operator, ComeOn is striving to give its customer base a safe and exciting entertainment destination and this approach is now expanded to their Ontario audience.
Juergen Reutter, Chief Executive Officer at ComeOn Group, said: “We are very excited about the opportunities this new milestone opens up for us. As a casino-led operator it represents a key part of our sportsbook strategy to double our business in the coming years. Like in any of our other markets, we are striving for a differentiated sportsbook entertainment experience that is powered by our in-house technology. Our goal is to deliver top-tier entertainment to our players while fostering safe and innovative gaming experiences.”
*Source – H2GC H2 Ontario Data 25.10.2024 (excl. Lottery)
BCLC
INTRALOT Announces New Project with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation for Online Lottery Platform
INTRALOT S.A. has announced the undertaking of a new project between the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the sole lottery operator for the Government of British Columbia in Canada, and INTRALOT Inc., its US subsidiary, for the provision of an online lottery platform. The project also includes the digitalization of the existing land-based network.
The solution will be based on the Player X platform, part of the Lotos X ecosystem, and adds to the company’s overall partnership with BCLC, which has been extended until 2028.
INTRALOT is a leading player in a changing world of gaming. With significant experience in looking forward and anticipating emerging trends, the company provides future-proof solutions to regulated lottery and gaming operators around the world.
Canada
Relax Gaming joins forces with PointsBet to strengthen footprint in Ontario
Relax Gaming, the iGaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, has significantly enhanced its presence in the Ontario market through an agreement with leading Canadian operator, PointsBet.
This partnership reinforces Relax Gaming’s aim to become a standout provider across North America, having already gained early success in Ontario. Relax became one of the first suppliers to deliver content to the region’s players in March 2022, debuting with over 120 games across multiple operators.
PointsBet pride themselves as one of Canada’s leading operators offering unmatched speed, ease of use, and a comprehensive array of pre-game and in-play sports betting options. This is complemented by a top-tier online casino which will now be boosted with the integration of Relax’s portfolio of slots and live dealer options.
With its authentic Canadian approach, PointsBet prioritises technology that minimises external dependencies to maintain control over its platform and has a commitment to responsible gambling best practices, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all players.
Martin Stålros, CEO at Relax Gaming, said: “Since we launched in Ontario we have enjoyed tremendous success, with our content hitting the sweet spot for the broad range of players in the Canadian province. This partnership with PointsBet will strengthen our presence in the market as the region’s leading operator integrates our rich content portfolio which will engage its player base.”
Scott Vanderwel, Chief Executive Officer at PointsBet, added: “Relax Gaming has established a strong reputation across North America and in Ontario in particular. The impressive range of content that will be integrated into our platform will increase engagement within our online platform and we are delighted to be able to provide more immersive experiences to our audiences.”
Established as one of the industry’s leading B2B suppliers, Relax Gaming was awarded GGA’s Product Launch of the Year in February 2023 for Dream Drop Jackpots. Money Train 3 names the 2023 CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards amongst its 6 Slot of the Year titles, while the brand also won the award for Skill Games Supplier at the 2023 EGR B2B Awards along with the Innovation in Mobile award at the 2023 SBC Awards.
Relax Gaming provides more than 4,000 online casino games, from its high-performing proprietary slots to a significant, varied library of content from hand-picked third-party studios via its partnership programmes.
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