Gaming1 acquires Carousel Group to expand Belgian online casino presence
The deal for Pac-Man NV gives Gaming1 its Belgian licence and digital operations, strengthening its position in a challenging market.
Belgian betting and gaming firm Gaming1 has agreed to acquire the holding company behind Carousel Group, strengthening its position in its home market.
The firm purchased 100% of the shares in Pac-Man NV, the company behind Carousel Group, for an undisclosed amount.
The acquisition will give Gaming1 Pac-Man NV’s licence and digital operations in Belgium, significantly expanding its reach in the country's online casino market.
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“We believe this acquisition will further strengthen our digital presence in Belgium and enhance the fun and engaging entertainment experience we offer our players,” said Sylvain Boniver, Chief Operating Officer of Gaming1.
“It will also support our ambition to provide a safe, responsible and distinctive offering in the regulated Belgian market.”
The transaction does not involve the transfer of any employees between the companies’ respective teams, and Gaming1 expects a “smooth and effective integration”, a process which will begin imminently.
The deal follows a long-running partnership between Liège-based Gaming1 and Carousel Group dating back to 2012.
The sale marks a departure between Carousel Group and 711, one of the leading gaming firms in the Netherlands.
According to the Blask Index, 711 is the sixth largest firm in the Dutch online market by traffic.
711 is owned by the prominent Dutch business family, the De Backer’s, who are also the owners of Pac-Man NV and by extension Carousel Group.
The offloading of Carousel Group comes amid 711 embarking on its own international push.
The group is already active in Belgium and has been building up a foothold in international iGaming hub Malta too.
For Gaming1, which operates 777, the acquisition significantly expands the group’s foothold in the online casino space.
According to Blask, 777 is the fifth largest online casino brand in Belgium.
The expansion comes at a time of difficult regulatory adjustments in the nation.
Isabelle Moreau is the editor of Novello Desserts and writes about family life and everyday living in Canada. The editor signs off on corrections and editorial standards.