This week in B2B news (18 July)  

Kaizen Gaming extends EPIC deal 

EPIC Global Solutions and Kaizen Gaming have opted to extend their partnership for another year, following a successful first 12 months of collaboration. 

The operator has called upon EPIC to bolster its own knowledge of safer gambling practices, with the supplier delivering training to Kaizen employees across all locations in year one of the deal. 

Dave Sproson, head of delivery at EPIC Global Solutions, said: “We look forward to working closely with their teams all over the world over the course of this second year, ensuring that our experience-powered prevention model helps an ever-growing number of players and gambling sector employees to minimise the risk of gambling-related harm.” 

Grigoria Artsanou, senior learning and development specialist at Kaizen Gaming, added: “Working with EPIC has provided our team with valuable, real-world insights that have deepened our understanding of responsible gaming.”

Fanatics pens multi-year deal with WWE 

Fanatics Betting and Gaming has secured an exclusive multi-year agreement with WWE that will enable the operator to produce and release WWE-themed online casino games. 

Fanatics Casino will host the titles, which are produced in collaboration with Boom Entertainment and Games Global and set for launch later this month ahead of WWE’s SummerSlam PPV.

“We are excited to expand our relationship with WWE to now include an exclusive portfolio of WWE-themed online casino games,” announced Ari Borod, chief business officer at Fanatics Betting and Gaming.  

“This is a natural extension of the WWE-Fanatics partnership which already includes global e-commerce, licensed merchandise [and] memorabilia, as well as producing and distributing a growing lineup of digital shows.” 

ClearStake strengthens MrQ’s ID process 

UK challenger brand MrQ has integrated ClearStake’s ‘ID by Bank’ vertifcation product, designed to reduce document fraud and registration drop-offs. 

As a result of the partnership, MrQ will allow its players to verify their name, address and date of birth in real time via their banking app, with no physical documents required. 

MrQ CEO Savvas Fellas said: “ClearStake has utilised the open banking technology in a way that is needed. Not just for operators like MrQ but for players too. ClearStake is doing a great job at pushing the boundaries of what can be done with the technology available.” 

Martin Burt, ClearStake CEO, added: “MrQ has a well-earned reputation for putting the player experience first, so we’re delighted to partner with them.”

RubyPlay launches new studio 

RubyPlay has launched a new independent games studio, Koala Games.

As part of the studio’s launch, Koala Games will unveil three new titles: Voltage Blitz Vortex, Voltage Blitz Egypt and 3 Big Barrels Buffalo.

Koala Games will be supported by RubyPlay’s infrastructure, distribution network and expertise. 

Eyal Loz, RubyPlay chief product officer, said: “The launch of Koala Games is a natural evolution of our vision to build a multi-studio ecosystem that delivers diverse and engaging content to players around the world.” 

Tristan Esaid, studio director at Koala Games, added: “At Koala Games, we’re driven by the desire to push boundaries and bring a bold, playful spirit to every game we create.”

Posh Monkey lands funding boost 

Posh Monkey Studios has secured strategic investment from Velo Partners through its RNG Foundry accelerator as it looks to scale up production and expand its global footprint. 

In tandem with the investment, Posh Monkey Studios has signed an exclusive game development and distribution deal with Games Global.

Connor Blinman, Posh Monkey co-founder, remarked: “We’re hugely excited to partner with Velo Partners and RNG Foundry. The investment and support allow us to move quickly and focus on building standout games for global audiences.”  

Evan Hoff, founder of Velo Partners, added: “Connor and [fellow co-founder] Deepak have a strong track record in building high-quality content, and we’re excited to support their vision for fresh, innovative game mechanics that stand out in the market.” 

Logifuture product integrated by Mozzartbet 

Logifuture’s partnership with Mozzartbet has expanded into Croatia with the launch of new virtual football product Simulate, following successful debuts in Serbia and Kenya.   

Simulate enables users to simulate their bet-slip, determining the outcome in just seconds, using both real teams and sports.

Niccolo Cassettari, chief business development officer at Logifuture, said: “We’re proud to partner with Mozzartbet Croatia to launch Simulate, our next-gen football game designed for players who crave fast, immersive experiences.”

Katarina Masal, virtual games sector manager at Mozzartbet Group, noted: “The positive response we saw with Simulate in other markets made it an easy choice to expand this partnership into another exciting market for us.”