Gaming Innovation Group Inc. (GiG) has agreed to acquire the iGaming affiliate websites Askgamblers.com, Newcasinos.com, Johnslots.com and several other websites from Catena Media Plc. The total deal is believed to be worth €45 million ($47.7m or £38.8m), with just under half paid up front and then further installments paid in 12, and then 24 months time.
Askgamblers.com has been online for over 10 years, winning multiple awards within the iGaming industry. Despite the websites’ tendency to promote any casino product, regardless of its licensing and reputation, they do offer a player advocacy service that has helped settle disputes and recover funds from casinos.
The acquisition of this affiliate network by GiG Media is likely to see it become one of the largest igaming affiliates on the planet.
Morten Hillestad, Director of Business Development in GiG Media, said: “After three years of consolidating and expanding the GiG Media business – realising strong annual organic growth – the time was ripe to act when this acquisition opportunity emerged. GiG Media has developed world class marketing technology and operational capabilities over the preceding years, and we feel that bringing the
AskGamblers brand into the company structure will provide multiple opportunities for it to flourish.”
Jonas Warrer, Managing Director of GiG Media, said: “We are very pleased to welcome quality websites such as askgamblers.com into the business and look forward to integrating with the skilled teams that have built up the websites acquired. We want to be the leading casino affiliate in the industry, and this acquisition cements our position.”
Catena Media CEO Michael Daly said: “Today’s agreement is a major step in our journey to focus the business on online sports betting and casino affiliation in high-growth, regulated markets in the Americas. I am confident that in GiG we have found a buyer that will provide a strong environment for AskGamblers and the other brands and their talented people to develop and grow.”
Richard Brown, CEO of Gaming Innovation Group commented: “GiG is extremely excited to take over the premium AskGamblers brand from Catena. Combining the assets with GiG’s media technology and operational capabilities, provides us with a great opportunity to expand our global reach and to deliver a path for the brand to continue with its strong evolution. The expansion of our strategic position in conjunction with the deal structure gives the group another great blueprint for growth. We look forward to integrating the assets and current staff into Gaming Innovation Group.”