Supplier of online gaming solutions Realistic Games has agreed to bolster the iGaming division of leading gambling operator Betfred. Under an agreement the two companies have netted recently, Realistic Games will see its complete portfolio of online casino games, including its widely popular blackjack and roulette versions, go live with the operator.
Newly released slot titles like Crystal Clear and Fireworks as well as player-favorites like 6 Appeal and Super Graphics Upside Down will also be included in the roll-out. Betfred has become the latest major gambling operator to have opted for Realistic Games’ online casino offering.
Commenting on their most recent strategic agreement, Realistic Games CEO Andy Harris said that they are happy with the opportunity to supply a leading and well-recognized brand with their content. The executive also expressed confidence in the success of their games with Betfred gambling customers no matter on what type of device they will be playing them, once launched with the operator.
Russel Young, Commercial Director at Betfred’s online division, added that the provision of diverse games is important to them and this is why selecting Realistic Games as their partner did not prove to be a difficult decision.
The announcement about Betfred boosting its online offering came shortly after the operator enlarged its retail network. In October 2016, the company purchased 322 betting shops from rivals Ladbrokes and Coral for the amount of £55 million. The two operators had to sell part of their retail estate so as to be able to complete their merger, as required by the UK Competition and Markets Authority.
The purchase deal further cemented Betfred’s position as one of the leading high street betting shop operators in the UK. The company currently manages 1,400 licensed betting offices across the nation.
It was announced late in 2016 that Betfred has successfully completed its refinancing endeavor to fund the acquisition of the above-mentioned Ladbrokes Coral betting shops. Financial institutions Barclays, RBS, Yorkshire Bank, and Lloyds Bank provided a £195-million senior debt package for the purpose.
The gambling operator was consulted by KPMG Debt Advisory. Upon the refinancing’s finalization, KPMG Head of Debt Advisory for the UK Nick Dodd commented that purchase deals of this type would occur more frequently in future as bookmakers were trying to blunt competition from their online counterparts and to expand retail experience with digitalized offering.
