NOVOMATIC AG, through its subsidiary Novo Lottery Solutions GmbH, has acquired a majority shareholding in Betware Holding hf., the Icelandic gaming pioneer and the leader in online gaming solutions for the lottery market.Through its subsidiary Novo Lottery Solutions GmbH, NOVOMATIC AG now owns a 90% shareholding in the Icelandic company, with the remaining 10% retained by the Betware management.
Founded in 1998, Betware has built a very strong position in the gaming market with its clear corporate focus of developing and delivering state of the art gaming platform and electronic lottery solutions for National and Private Lotteries and supporting their online operations. Betware’s offering will now complement NOVOMATIC’s product portfolio and provide a bridge into the lottery world. NOVOMATIC, one of the largest conglomerates of the international gaming industry, will now focus on building its presence in the lottery industry in conjunction with Betware.
Operating over 1,400 gaming facilities worldwide, NOVOMATIC is the undisputed market leader in Europe for electronic casino operations and one of the largest gaming technology companies in the world with over 30 years of experience. Both NOVOMATIC and Betware share the mission of offering products and services only in markets with precise regulatory frameworks.
Stefan Hrafnkelsson, Betware’s CEO said: “We are very excited and are looking forward to joining the NOVOMATIC Group and jointly contributing industry experience, talent and expertise. We are confident that this transaction will create new value in the lottery market, linking together the strength of NOVOMATIC with Betware’s innovative lottery solutions. I strongly believe together we will become the market leader within the lottery segment.”
Thomas Graf, CTO of NOVOMATIC comments: “Our acquisition of Betware has been a logical step to further enhancing our competency in electronic and video lottery technologies. Betware’s open platform architecture is second to none, providing tailor made solutions to any small or large scale lottery operation. It seamlessly integrates a complete range of product verticals including those of third party vendors. With our combined resources, know-how and industry expertise we will be able to offer any lottery operator a 360-degree-solution for all distribution channels including online, mobile and land-based, which will be a clear advantage in an increasingly competitive operating environment. I am convinced that with Stefan Hrafnkelssons experienced and dedicated management team, we will fully leverage our potential and surprise the industry.”
About NOVOMATIC
The NOVOMATIC Group, with a turnover of 3.2 billion EUR in 2012, is one of the biggest producers and operators of gaming technologies and one of the largest integrated gaming companies in the world. The group employs more than 19,000 staff worldwide (2,700 in Austria). Founded by entrepreneur Prof. Johann F. Graf, the group has locations in 43 countries and exports high-tech electronic gaming equipment to 80 countries. The group operates more than 215,000 gaming machines in about 1,400 plus traditional and electronic casinos under ownership as well as via rental concepts. Part of the group is also Admiral Sportwetten GmbH, Austria’s leading sports betting operator with more than 200 outlets as well as the Vienna based online gaming specialist Greentube Internet Entertainment Solutions GmbH.
About Betware
Since its inception in 1998, Betware has been a pioneer in developing interactive gaming solutions for the gaming industry with its main focus on lotteries. It was this focus that kindled NOVOMATIC´s interest in Betware. Betware’s customers are domestic and international lotteries and gaming operators. Betware provides solutions solely to gaming operators that hold a license in their jurisdiction. Betware launched the first ever Internet-based gaming solution for a state lottery, when the company developed a sports betting solution for the Icelandic Soccer pools. Ever since then, the company has continued to develop solutions that enable gaming operators to expand their business with sales through the Internet and mobile phones. Betware has an ISO 27001 certification and SCS certification from the World Lottery Association.
