Connect with us

Press Releases

UK betting technology supplier 20SHOTS accelerate funding with £400,000 raise at £5m valuation

Published

on

Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

  • 20SHOTS have geared up for the new football season in the UK by securing additional investment in a second funding round, including securing the backing of US VC Animal Capital

  • New season will see new product rollout for popular Fantasy5 free-to-play fantasy football game, covering Champions League, Europa League and other European top flights

  • Current growth trajectory sees Fantasy5 on course to recruit half a million players this season

20SHOTS, the UK technology supplier behind fast-growing free-to-play fantasy football game Fantasy5, have secured an additional £400,000 of investment at a £5 million valuation, with backers including Gen-Z focused US Venture Capital fund Animal Capital.

The American fund that counts social media stars Josh Richards, Griffin Johnson and Noah Beck focus on products that reach a new generation of customers. They have invested an undisclosed sum in 20SHOTS for the new football season, which will see the platform roll out its largest range of products added to its Fantasy5 game to date.

Fantasy5’s Premier League product, which uses a unique points system developed in-house based on fantasy football, offers cash prizes to winners who can successfully predict how well players will perform per gameweek.

Using their own risk management system and algorithmic trading software, the company will now look to supplement this with additional games covering the Champions League, Europa League and other top European leagues.

The roll out of additional leagues coupled with Fantasy5’s existing growth – bolstered last season by the recruitment of BoyleSports as its first tier one UK & Ireland bookmaker partner – keeps the game on course to break the 500,000 player mark.

Prizes for the additional leagues will remain at the standard £10,000 mark, as offered to Premier League players, and offer partners an increase in engagement and retention. 83% of players who played in the last four rounds last season have made an entry in the first two weeks. The investment in Fantasy5 also comes in advance of the Government’s highly-anticipated White Paper review of the gambling industry, which is likely to see traditional marketing practices come under scrutiny, creating additional need for operators to engage customers beyond traditional channels.

Jacob Kalms, co-founder and CEO of 20SHOTS said: “We’re pleased to welcome Animal Capital as investors as part of our most recent founding round which has raised £400,000 in capital.

“As demand grows in the ultra-competitive free-to-play space, we’re investing in our ability to quickly and seamlessly roll out products and games on a white label basis for a number of different partners across multiple divisions and competitions – with the ultimate objective of using the technology seamlessly across the most popular sports worldwide.

“Our growth model forecasts we will break the half a million player mark this season, with our scaling driving down the cost of acquisition for partners whilst maintaining our engagement, dwell and retention rates considerably above industry averages.”

He added: “Operators should also be considering how free-to-play and softer marketing funnels like those offered by games like Fantasy5 will help them navigate any changes thrust upon them by the upcoming gambling review. Whilst our audience is ultimately commercially valuable to any operator or affiliate, Fantasy5 remains a sustainable way to build a loyal audience over time.”

Marshall Sandman, Managing Partner of Animal Capital said: “In a crowded market of fantasy, free to play, and pay-to-play sports betting, 20SHOTS distinguishes itself with a best in class team and direction that has allowed the product to stand out distinctly and early.

“Their flagship game Fantasy5 is an early hit, their B2B relationships are uniquely positioned to make this an exciting asset and their ability to resonate and be sticky with a younger audience are all reasons why we were excited to be on the journey.

“Jacob the CEO and his team have conviction and direction, and they will continue to prove why they deserve to be big fish in this pond!”

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Latest News

Gaming Realms unveils latest game with thrilling new BL4STTM mechanic

Published

on

gaming-realms-unveils-latest-game-with-thrilling-new-bl4sttm-mechanic
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Gaming Realms has sweetened its Slingo collection with the launch of brand-new mechanic BL4STTM, making its debut in latest release Slingo Candy Machine BL4ST.

The BL4ST mechanic sees players triggering explosive reactions that allow for even more winning opportunities and adds a new layer of excitement to the popular Slingo concept.

After every reel spin, matching numbers are highlighted and a coloured candy is revealed. Available adjacent positions are then also shown, and if they match, these turn into dabbed positions for more chances to secure a Slingo line. If four or more candies of the same colour appear in one reaction, BL4ST mode is activated.

Once BL4ST mode is in play, matched candies will have a cash value attached depending on the size of the cluster created. Gameplay persists if new adjacent colour matches are found. Different coloured candies revert to numbers and once blast mode is completed, the game continues in its base state.

Packed with vibrant visuals, thrilling gameplay, and sweet surprises, Slingo Candy Machine BL4ST delivers a delicious twist on the classic Slingo format.

The new mechanic is the latest testament to Gaming Realms’ commitment to evolve its offering with innovative and engaging mechanics and features that appeal to a wide global audience.

Suki Sandhu, Chief Product Officer at Gaming Realms, said: “Slingo Candy Machine BL4ST with our new BL4ST mechanic takes the iconic Slingo experience to a new level.

“BL4ST creates exhilarating action that refreshes the gameplay whilst allowing more opportunity for players to match more numbers, create Slingos and the chance of instant cash wins. We are constantly working to expand our product portfolio to introduce unique ways to further engage players and we are certain BL4ST will resonate with our target audience.”

The post Gaming Realms unveils latest game with thrilling new BL4STTM mechanic appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

RG24seven Virtual Training to Host Free Sports Betting Webinar with Tribal and UK Experts

Published

on

rg24seven-virtual-training-to-host-free-sports-betting-webinar-with-tribal-and-uk-experts

 

RG24seven Virtual Training, the responsible, effective and free video-based training platform for Tribal and commercial gaming employees, and a BMM Innovation Group (BIG) company, has announced the next episode of its TALK-24 webinar series, exploring sports betting. The webinar will feature special guest speakers: Scott Sanderson, Executive Director at Gila River Gaming Commission and Victoria Reed, Chief Executive Officer of Better Change. Both experts will share perspectives on sports betting, regulations, and the future of this sector.

Wendy Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of RG24seven, said, “The goal of TALK-24 is to provide current and relevant education led by experts. As sports betting continues to grow and change, it’s crucial for gaming professionals to understand the trends, opportunities, and regulatory concerns that come with it. We’re pleased to welcome Scott Sanderson and Victoria Reed to guide this important conversation based on their different perspectives.”

Victoria Reed, Chief Executive Officer of Better Change, added, “I look forward to sharing insights from the well-established UK sports betting market, where we’ve seen both innovation and regulation evolve hand in hand. My hope is that by sharing these experiences, we can offer valuable perspectives to emerging jurisdictions”

Scott Sanderson Executive Director at Gila River Gaming Commission, concluded, “I’m proud to be sharing the Tribal gaming perspective, especially at a time when so many jurisdictions are exploring what’s next for their communities. I look forward to contributing to the conversation with experiences that can help inform and inspire the future of sports betting across both Tribal and global markets.”

This webinar will serve as a preview for a new set of sports betting courses by RG24seven Virtual Training.

RG24seven will host the complimentary webinar at 8:30 am Pacific Time on June 25:

  • The live webinar is designed to be both informative and interactive.
  • By the end of the 24-minute webinar, attendees will better understand sport betting literacy, regulations, and more.
  • Registration is now open here: https://bit.ly/talk-24sportsbetting

The post RG24seven Virtual Training to Host Free Sports Betting Webinar with Tribal and UK Experts appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Latest News

The Big Win Cat returns with larger-than-life fortune

Published

on

the-big-win-cat-returns-with-larger-than-life-fortune
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Play’n GO invites players to return to the charming world of Big Win Cat Pawsperity, where tradition meets treasure in this whimsically opulent 3×3 slot.

The beloved Big Win Cat is back – but don’t expect the same familiar feline. Set within a lavish shop filled with talismans and charm-drenched décor, Big Win Cat Pawsperity brings a heightened layer of visual storytelling and layered rewards. Players of the original Big Win Cat, fans of classic 3×3 slot structures, and enthusiasts of East Asian themes will find a playful yet potent take on the idea of luck.

Whether it’s the collectible Coins that feed into the Cat’s growing grandeur, the mystery of the Instant Bonus, or the elusive Wheel of Pawsperity, there’s always something to keep a keen eye on. With every detail designed to engage and reward, this is no ordinary feline feature.

Each Coin collected doesn’t just build anticipation – it builds the Cat, both literally and visually. As the pile of fortune grows above the reels, so too does the sense of potential. The Instant Bonus might strike with a single Coin, offering up to 5000x your bet. The Re-spin of Luck adds another strategic layer, nudging stacked symbols into powerful alignments. And the ultimate prize? A spin on the Wheel of Pawsperity – where multipliers and the majestic Grand Bonus await.

It’s a clever blend of playful anticipation and tangible payout opportunities that make every feature part of the narrative of growing wealth and watchful luck.

Building on the popularity of Big Win Cat, this sequel retains its familiar 3×3 charm while enriching the player experience with feature depth. Fans of Fortune Rewind or Cat Wilde titles will appreciate the elegant nod to previous themes – especially the character-driven charm that defines Play’n GO’s strongest slots. The growing Wild Cat acts both as a guide and guardian to prosperity, a mascot many will delight in rediscovering.

Magnus Wallentin, Games Ambassador at Play’n GO said: “The return of Big Win Cat brings more than nostalgia – it introduces visual buildup mechanics and layered features that keep players engaged. It’s classic Play’n GO innovation wrapped in red silk and gold.”

With its striking visuals, layered gameplay, and engaging mascot, Big Win Cat Pawsperity pounces confidently into our premium 3×3 portfolio.

The post The Big Win Cat returns with larger-than-life fortune appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending