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But that isn’t the case according to Richards: “We are not signalling plans to re-enter B2C elsewhere; Africa is a distinct case: a high-growth, underpenetrated region where owning a local operator makes strategic sense in a way it may not elsewhere.”
There’s also a financial constraint, with Ahlberg noting that GiG has used its available cash and is raising additional capital to fund the 888Africa transaction, meaning he doesn’t expect the company to pursue further B2C acquisitions in the short term.
Robinson takes a more expansive view, however, arguing that the acquisition could mark the beginning of a broader shift in GiG’s strategy. “I’d read it as the start of something, not a one-off,” he says. “GiG’s survival as an independent business depends on consolidating in emerging markets where it can own the P&L, not just supply the technology.
How to play Astros
Europe, excluding the UK, grew 2%. Overall, regulated revenue for B2B accounted for 83% of overall revenue across the segment, marking 21% growth, compared to unregulated.
Speaking during the follow-up analyst call, Playtech CEO Mor Weizer said regulated revenue would continue to grow, although the company would “continue to support those markets that we believe over time will become regulated”.
“Unregulated is not illegal,” he asserted. “We will continue to support those markets that we believe over time will become regulated.
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The restriction does not extend to strictly institutional communication made through the authorised operator’s own official channels, such as websites, apps, internal platform areas and customer service channels. In these spaces, information should be limited to company identification, official channels, access rules, self-exclusion and blocking mechanisms and mandatory warnings.
These channels may not contain promises of winnings, bonuses, invitations to bet, boosting or features designed to attract and retain user attention. The operator will also be responsible for the actions of affiliates, agencies, influencers, and other third parties who are paid or incentivised for commercial promotion.
Sponsorship by betting companies would be prohibited for clubs and other sports entities, federations, leagues, competitions, sports broadcasts, cultural events, shows, educational and social projects, philanthropic entities, civil society organisations, political parties, candidates and election campaigns, as well as digital influencers, athletes, artists and celebrities.
