Degree 53 founder launches Sharp Gaming after £25m Betfred funding

Andrew Daniels, founder of Degree 53, has announced the launch of his new gambling technology business Sharp Gaming after a £25m investment from Betfred co-founder Fred Done.

Sharp Gaming, which stems from Degree 53’s gaming division, is a platform which provides a full suite of operational services for sports betting and gaming businesses worldwide.

Daniels will take up the CEO role at Sharp Gaming with him stepping away from the day-to-day running of Degree 53. He will retain director and shareholder roles, with Richard Wagstaff stepping up as managing director.

Daniels commented: “The online gambling industry works on various legacy technology and white label platforms that lack flexibility for operators when they’re ready to scale up.

“This is why I created Sharp Gaming to help leading brands to improve their processes, and provide products that not only offer a great experience to their customers, but the end users in the business too.

“Despite the current situation, I’m very excited to be launching Sharp Gaming and developing it into an industry-leading platform. The team’s effort to bring it to life and continue working on it remotely has been phenomenal.”

Once fully operational, the company will offer extensive functionality to create digital and retail products, integrating third-party services, as well as improving the overall performance for operators.

Daniels added: “There are many more projects ahead and it’s only the beginning for us. I am also very happy to be leaving Degree 53 in the capable hands of Rich Wagstaff, who has been successfully running the business while I’ve been focusing on the platform.”

Sharp Gaming will now begin operating as a separate business with it moving its employees over from Degree 53, yet both will continue to operate from the same office to collaborate over common projects.

Wagstaff added: “I am delighted to be stepping up to lead Degree 53. We have a talented team who are delivering amazing work for our clients. Our reputation for delivering complex, secure digital solutions in a way that delights end users has enabled us to produce high-quality work across a range of sectors.

“My focus will be on growing our reach, strengthening client relationships, and helping to improve their products and services through our expertise.”