In a surprising turn of events, Betsson has made the decision to pull out of the acquisition deal with Holland Gaming Technology, resulting in a refund of €26.7 million. This move by the Swedish company showcases their flexibility in pursuing other business opportunities. The acquisition deal, which was initially agreed upon in February 2024, involved Netherlands-licensed operator Holland Gaming and games studio Holland Power Gaming.
However, due to the lack of a decision from the Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) by the agreed long-stop date, Betsson opted to withdraw from the deal. Despite the setback, Betsson reassures that the unwinding of the acquisition will not have a significant impact on its consolidated income statement.
This decision raises questions about Betsson’s future in the Netherlands, as the acquisition would have marked their re-entry into the regulated Dutch market. With Betsson previously withdrawing its licence application in July 2023 citing delays in the approval process, their strategy for the Dutch market remains uncertain.
The recent order from the Rotterdam District Court for Betsson to repay a customer over €500,000 further emphasizes the complexities of operating in unlicensed markets. As the Dutch iGaming market continues to evolve, Betsson’s next steps in the region will be closely watched by industry observers.