Sports betting and igaming service provider FSB is to power SZRT Slovakia’s betRing sportsbook, marking the Hungarian national lottery’s first foray into a new market.
The multi-year agreement will see FSB power SZRT Slovakia’s betRing.sk sportsbook. SZRT Slovakia is powered by the Hungarian state lottery Szerencsejáték Zrt (SZRT), its first move outside its local market.
FSB said it views the deal as an opportunity to prove it can deliver a leading product to other state lotteries looking to enter new markets. The company recently appointed Chris Graham as a new lead for B2B global marketing.
“We’re delighted to team up with SZRT Slovakia in this exciting multi-year agreement to become their trusted technology partner,” FSB chief executive David McDowell said. “Winning the highly competitive, multi-vendor tender process for this opportunity is a great testament to our agile tech and growing industry profile.
“It has been extremely gratifying to see the talented and highly motivated Slovakian and FSB teams work together. This collaboration has enabled SZRT Slovakia to curate an outstanding feature-rich sports betting experience for the Slovakian market via its betRing brand.”
Hungary recently introduced igaming legislation that would put an end to state-run monopolies.
The Slovakian market was opened up to private operators in 2018 after the country’s new gambling act was approved by parliament. The Slovak National Council overruled a veto from President Andreja Kiska to push through the legislation.
The act permitted fixed odds betting licecnes, limited the number of gaming machines to 15 per gambling venue, and only permit machines from one gambling supplier in each gaming hall. Gambling venues also had to be more than 200m away from schools or medical facilities.
Miroslav Baranec, CEO at SZRT Slovakia, described FSB as “the standout contender” during the tender process.
“FSB has delivered a leading sportsbook experience incorporating in-depth localised features and content like floorball, esports and the ongoing Winter Olympics,” he added. “We’re confident this comprehensive offering will help us recruit, retain, engage and entertain customers in this competitive marketplace.”
