This week in B2B news (17 April)
All the latest developments from the supplier side of the industry, including updates from ThrillTech, Ebaka Games and Playbook Fusion
GTG Network to power Hard Rock Bet’s Stats Hub
Hard Rock Bet has launched a new Stats Hub which will be powered by GTG Network.
Stats Hub is available via the Hard Rock Bet app and allows bettors to view data including player props, parlays and line moves via a “clean interface that’s easy to understand”.
Nathan Rothschild, GTG Network CEO, said: “Hard Rock Digital is strategically positioned with unique assets and we’re excited to be driving value across many different divisions.”
Mike Primeaux, Hard Rock Digital’s managing director of product and technology, added: “From our all-new Stats Hub to unique content across social media, web and marketing, we’re thrilled to be incorporating GTG’s data and insights into our Hard Rock Bet player experience.”
ThrillTech secures UK licence
ThrillTech has been granted a remote gaming licence from the Gambling Commission to allow the supplier to launch in the UK.
The jackpot supplier will now add the UK market to its list of licensed jurisdictions that includes Sweden, Malta and the Netherlands.
Faye Williams, ThrillTech’s head of business development, said: “The UK is a major market for us and we can’t wait to partner with local operators to launch bespoke jackpots in this region. The first ones are already on the way.
“As our main proposition is player-funded jackpots, we are always keen to stay ahead of the regulatory curve, while adhering to the gold standard of igaming industry compliance.”
Ebaka Games emerges
Ebaka Games has announced its launch and planned rollout of casino games that will be “packed full of soul, madness and mechanics you can feel in your fingers”.
Founded by industry veteran Dmitry Belianin, the studio says it will bring “fresh takes” to several games including crash, instant win, plinko and mines.
Belianin said: “We’ve come together to do something completely different and create 2025’s boldest portfolio of new games.
“Embrace the madness and the chaos, it’s what online casino players want. If you’re looking for the same old thing, you’ve come to the wrong place.”
Network Gaming platform goes live in Brazil
Network Gaming has made its debut in Brazil via a partnership with Better Collective’s sports media brand Bolavip.
The mobile-first gaming platform, Ligavip, will offer players branded prizes, including shopping vouchers from Brazil’s largest sports stores.
Harry Collins, Network Gaming CEO, said: “We’re stepping onto a new stage – launching in Brazil, partnering with one of the most influential sports media groups in the world, certainly in terms of incoming traffic to its assets, and thereby pushing our platform into the mainstream.”
Tomás Vaz de Carvalho, Better Collective’s South America COO, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Network Gaming to bring a new kind of interactive sports experience to Brazil. This is about engaging fans in a fresh, rewarding way – and opening up new commercial avenues that align with global digital trends.”
Playbook Fusion granted UK licence
Playbook Fusion has been handed a supplier licence by the Gambling Commission.
The decision will permit the supplier to push out its flagship Playbook Football title to UK-licensed operators for the first time.
Steve Rogers, Playbook Fusion CEO and founder, noted: “Securing our licence from the Gambling Commission is a key moment for Playbook Fusion, granting us access to one of the most established online gambling markets in the world.
“Being able to satisfy the stringent criteria set out by the Gambling Commission is a testament to the strength of the team which we have built at Playbook Fusion and, to achieve this milestone within such a short time period, is an accomplishment that we’re incredibly proud of.”
Thunderkick expands Nordic presence
Thunderkick has made its Finnish debut after striking a deal with state-owned operator Veikkaus.
The move will further enhance its standing in the Nordic region, having secured a Danish B2B licence late last year.
Svante Sahlström, Thunderkick chief commercial officer, said: “Europe remains an integral part of our growth strategy as we continue to develop our global footprint.
“Finland has been a long-standing target, and by partnering with the renowned operator Veikkaus, we can tap into the potential of an entirely new audience.”