Stake, a leading name in the online gambling industry, has announced its entry into the Danish market through the acquisition of MocinoPlay, the company behind the rapidly growing VinderCasino brand. This move underlines Stake’s commitment to expanding its presence in regulated markets globally. The acquisition, pending approval by Denmark’s regulatory authority, Spillemyndigheden, represents a significant step in Stake’s broader vision of becoming a dominant force in the international casino and entertainment sector.
Breaking into Northern Europe
The deal grants Stake access to Denmark’s competitive and lucrative online gambling market. Brais Pena, Chief Strategy Officer at Easygo, the technology powerhouse supporting Stake, highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition.
“We’ve already achieved significant milestones in Latin America and Southern Europe, with recent expansions in Brazil and Italy,” said Pena. “Establishing a presence in the Nordic region was a natural progression, and Denmark offers exciting growth opportunities.”
MocinoPlay’s success with VinderCasino, known for its dynamic and innovative approach in the Danish market, has made it a valuable addition to Stake’s portfolio. With the backing of Stake’s resources, the brand is poised for accelerated growth, catering to Denmark’s evolving player base.
Stake’s Growing Acquisition Portfolio
This acquisition marks another chapter in Stake’s strategy of entering regulated markets through mergers and acquisitions. Recent milestones include the purchase of IdealBet in Italy in 2024 and Betfair Colombia in 2023, solidifying Stake’s foothold in Europe and Latin America.
Peter Eugen Clausen, CEO of MocinoPlay, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The combination of our local expertise and Stake’s exceptional product and brand creates a winning formula. We are thrilled to bring Stake to Danish players.”
A Blueprint for Sustainable Growth
Stake’s approach emphasizes compliance and sustainable expansion. In January 2025, Stake launched operations in Brazil’s newly regulated market, a move preceded by securing a license in late 2024. Similarly, its acquisition of Betfair Colombia has allowed Stake to establish a stronghold in Latin America.
Pena elaborated on Stake’s ambitions, stating, “Our success in regulated markets provides a roadmap for entering other regions where compliance is critical. By integrating Stake’s winning formula with the expertise of local teams like MocinoPlay, we’re setting new standards in the global gaming industry.”
What Comes Next
While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the acquisition is expected to solidify Stake’s position as a leading player in Northern Europe. Pending regulatory approval, the integration of MocinoPlay into Stake’s operations will further enhance its global footprint.
This latest move aligns with Stake’s long-term goal of becoming a global leader in the gaming and entertainment industry. With a growing portfolio of acquisitions and a focus on regulated markets, Stake continues to shape the future of online gambling.
A Strategic Step into the Belgian Market
Octoplay, a leading online casino supplier, has further extended its European footprint by partnering with Gaming1’s Casino777 platform in Belgium. This collaboration grants Belgian players access to several popular Octoplay titles, including Cash Link Express: Hold and Win, 5 Star Coins: Hold & Win, and Lightning Blitz: Supercharged.
Octoplay’s Growing Presence in Europe
The entry into Belgium marks Octoplay’s ninth active jurisdiction in Europe, complementing its operations in markets such as the UK, Denmark, and Italy. Octoplay has demonstrated consistent growth, with recent expansions into regulated territories such as Sweden and partnerships with prominent operators like NetBet Casino, William Hill, and Svenska Spel.
Innovative Gaming Solutions for Belgian Players
The Casino777 collaboration introduces not only Octoplay’s acclaimed games but also its innovative opt-in jackpot feature, JackpotHunt, tailored to enhance player engagement. Casino777.be players can now enjoy an enriched gaming experience with fresh, high-quality content.
Leadership Insights
Nick Vuchev, Octoplay’s Commercial Director, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership:
“Our entry into Belgium with Casino777 represents another significant milestone in our expansion strategy. By partnering with established operators in regulated markets, we continue to bring our innovative gaming experiences to new audiences across Europe.”
David Carrion, COO of Interactive at Gaming1, also commented on the synergy between the two companies:
“Adding Octoplay’s innovative portfolio to our platform enhances our next-level entertainment offering. Their forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Casino777’s mission to deliver premium and responsible gaming experiences.”
Casino777: A Key Player in Belgium’s iGaming Scene
Casino777.be operates as the online arm of Casino de Spa under the Ardent Group subsidiary, Gaming1. The platform has a reputation for curating cutting-edge content and forging partnerships that prioritize player satisfaction and responsible gaming.
A Glimpse into Casino777’s Recent Partnerships
- May 2023: Casino777 Spain collaborated with Wazdan, introducing a diverse range of games to Spanish players.
- March 2023: Casino777 Netherlands partnered with Play’n GO, expanding its Dutch gaming library.
With this latest partnership, Octoplay continues to cement its role as an innovator in the online gaming industry, bringing its expertise and player-centric solutions to yet another regulated market.
MGM’s Shift to Digital Operations: A Strategic Pivot
MGM Resorts International is setting its sights on digital growth, with its online gambling platform BetMGM taking centre stage. As traditional casino operations face increasing challenges, Deutsche Bank analysts suggest that BetMGM’s performance will be pivotal to MGM’s valuation in 2025. This shift marks a strategic pivot for the company, prioritising innovation and digital ventures over brick-and-mortar casinos.
Fee Increases and Creative Revenue Strategies
Higher Fees in Las Vegas
MGM Resorts began implementing significant fee hikes at its Las Vegas properties in late 2024, increasing resort fees by $3 to $8 per day. Premium hotels like Bellagio, Aria, and Cosmopolitan now charge $55 daily, while mid-tier properties such as New York-New York and Luxor raised fees to $45. Parking fees also saw a steep rise, with valet services jumping to $40 daily. These adjustments are projected to add $70 million to MGM’s net revenue in 2025.
Innovative Revenue Streams
To further boost profitability, MGM is exploring creative revenue strategies, such as tiered seating in restaurants, where guests can pay a premium for prime seating areas. Though unlikely to significantly impact overall revenue, these low-cost measures are expected to improve margins and bolster earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA).
BetMGM: The Cornerstone of MGM’s Digital Expansion
A Major Player in Online Gaming
BetMGM, a joint venture with Entain, remains at the heart of MGM’s digital ambitions. Offering a wide array of online casino games and sports betting options, BetMGM has become a focal point for the company’s growth strategy. Deutsche Bank highlights the potential for MGM to consolidate its stake in BetMGM, enhancing control and streamlining operations—similar to its successful strategy with MGM China in 2011.
Positive Projections for 2025
Despite reporting losses in 2024, BetMGM is expected to transition into positive EBITDA territory in 2025. MGM has committed to improving transparency around BetMGM’s performance, ensuring investors have clear metrics to track its progress. Analysts anticipate that BetMGM’s profitability could significantly impact MGM’s overall valuation.
Challenges in Traditional Operations
Headwinds for Las Vegas Properties
MGM’s Las Vegas casinos face mounting pressures, including increased competition and rising operating costs. Analysts note that these properties require at least 3% annual revenue growth to maintain flat EBITDAR margins, highlighting the importance of diversifying revenue streams.
MGM China Under Pressure
After outperforming competitors earlier in 2024, MGM China experienced a slowdown in the latter half of the year. Rising expenses for new amenities and operational challenges are expected to impact margins in 2025.
Capital Investments and Strategic Goals
Focus on Expansion and Renovation
MGM is expected to increase capital expenditures in 2025, with plans for renovations at MGM Grand Las Vegas and potential investments in its Japan and New York properties. Securing a full casino license for Empire Resorts in New York could further bolster its portfolio, though it would require a $500 million licensing fee and facility upgrades.
Returning Value to Shareholders
MGM has been proactive in stock buybacks throughout 2024, a trend likely to continue into 2025. These efforts underscore the company’s commitment to maintaining strong investor confidence, even as it navigates shifting market conditions.
The Road Ahead: Balancing Innovation and Tradition
As MGM Resorts looks to the future, its success will hinge on balancing innovative digital ventures like BetMGM with the challenges facing its traditional casino operations. By embracing creative revenue strategies, focusing on transparency, and expanding its digital footprint, MGM aims to sustain growth and investor confidence in a competitive landscape.
A Deutsche Bank Outlook
Deutsche Bank’s $48 price target for MGM reflects a careful sum-of-the-parts valuation, placing significant emphasis on BetMGM’s potential to drive future growth. With strategic pivots and a focus on profitability, MGM’s 2025 outlook remains cautiously optimistic.
In a forceful demonstration of regulatory oversight, Sweden’s gambling authority Spelinspektionen has issued an immediate ban against Fortunepanda.com operator Versus Odds B.V., marking a significant moment in the country’s fight against unlicensed gambling. The January 2nd, 2025 enforcement action specifically targets the Curaçao-based company’s unauthorized gambling activities, which had been deliberately targeting Swedish players despite lacking the required licensing.
Deep Dive into the Investigation
The regulator’s thorough investigation revealed a sophisticated operation designed to capture Swedish market share while evading regulatory requirements. Fortunepanda.com maintained extensive Swedish-language materials, including detailed policy documents, comprehensive terms of service, and customer support pages. This wasn’t a case of casual oversight – the investigation uncovered coordinated marketing campaigns specifically crafted to attract Swedish consumers.
During their inquiry, Spelinspektionen attempted a covert test purchase on the platform. While this test wasn’t completed, the evidence gathered throughout the investigation painted a clear picture of deliberate circumvention of Swedish gambling laws. The regulator’s findings extended beyond just Fortunepanda.com, uncovering a network of related sites including Artcasino.io, Hazcasino.com, and Vegazcasino.com, all operating under the Versus Odds B.V. umbrella and all targeting Swedish players without proper authorization.
The Broader Context: Sweden’s Growing Illegal Gambling Challenge
This enforcement action arrives at a crucial juncture in Sweden’s gambling landscape. Recent data from AB Trav och Galopp (ATG), Sweden’s horse racing operator, has revealed an alarming trend: visits to unlicensed gambling websites have multiplied tenfold since 2019. While the country maintains a relatively healthy channelization rate – meaning 70-82% of gambling activity occurs on licensed platforms – the persistent and growing presence of illegal operators poses a significant threat to consumer protection and market integrity.
Regulatory Framework Under Scrutiny
Sweden’s gambling regulations require all operators to obtain local licensing before offering services to Swedish residents. This licensing system isn’t merely bureaucratic overhead – it’s designed to ensure operators meet strict standards for consumer protection, responsible gambling practices, and financial security. Versus Odds B.V.’s operation under a Curaçao license, which holds no validity in Sweden, represents a direct challenge to this regulatory framework.
Call for Comprehensive Reform
The Swedish National Audit Office has recently pushed for a thorough review of the country’s Gambling Act, highlighting the need for adapted regulations to address emerging challenges in the digital gambling landscape. The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) has thrown its support behind this initiative, emphasizing that current regulations may need strengthening to effectively combat unauthorized operators.
Pioneering the Regulated Market
On 1 January 2025, Brazil officially launched its regulated sports betting and gaming market, marking a new chapter in the nation’s gambling industry. Among the first to meet the stringent standards of the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) under the Ministry of Finance are Grupo Aposta Ganha, a leading operator, and Betby, a top sportsbook supplier.
Aposta Ganha: Licensed and Ready
Grupo Aposta Ganha has been a prominent player in Brazil’s betting scene for six years. With its operations now fully licensed under the new regulatory framework, the company received registration number 0022 in the Betting Management System (Sigap). This milestone allows Aposta Ganha to provide a secure and responsible gaming experience tailored to the Brazilian audience.
Rene Santos, Co-CEO of Grupo Aposta Ganha, shared the significance of this achievement:
“Strict criteria laid out in the application will bring stronger consumer protection and market integrity. Our hard work has seen us join an exclusive tier of companies authorised to offer an entertaining and 100% secure gaming experience throughout the country.”
Operating from São Paulo, Aposta Ganha is dedicated to delivering localised gaming experiences that reflect Brazil’s vibrant culture and strong sports enthusiasm.
Betby: Certified for Success
Betby has also made its mark by securing Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) certification in December 2024. This certification ensures the sportsbook supplier meets Brazil’s technical standards for platform functionality, information security, and sportsbook operations.
Ilze Ramolina, Head of Legal at Betby, expressed optimism about the Brazilian market:
“Brazil represents one of the most dynamic and high-potential markets globally. Securing GLI certification underscores our commitment to integrity, compliance, and long-term success in this region.”
Betby’s sportsbook solutions are customised for Brazil, with designs tailored to resonate with the nation’s love for sports, particularly football.
Brazil’s Thriving Market
Brazil’s regulated betting industry is poised to become one of the largest globally, driven by the country’s deep-rooted passion for sports and its expanding digital gaming audience. Operators like Stake have also entered the market, prioritising compliance and localisation strategies to meet the SPA’s high standards.
Looking Ahead
As Aposta Ganha and Betby establish themselves in Brazil’s regulated environment, their successes underline the importance of compliance, innovation, and localised offerings in capturing this burgeoning market. Their efforts signal a promising future for Brazil’s gaming industry, setting a high benchmark for new entrants.
