Leap Gaming looks set to be acquired by IMG Arena after the sports data business agreed a price to buy the casino games provider.
Expected to be completed in the first half of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions including a regulatory review process, the acquisition builds on IMG Arena and Leap’s existing partnership and vision to “officialise” virtual sports with the addition of official logos, team names, venues and other branded assets.
Yariv Lissauer, CEO, Leap Gaming, explained: “Leap joining the IMG Arena business is a natural union born out of synergies in product, customer base and, most importantly, culture and vision.
“This will enable us to leverage our knowledge, strengths and resources to deliver an enhanced range of best-in-class virtual sports products.”
Through the aforementioned partnership, IMG Arena and Leap have launched official virtual sports betting products with NASCAR and EuroLeague.
Established in 2014 and based in Nevis, with offices in Israel, Malta and Ukraine, Leap Gaming currently works with 120 sportsbook operators worldwide. As part of the acquisition, Lissauer will become Senior Director & General Manager – iGaming, IMG Arena and his 58-strong team will join IMG.
“When we invested in Leap Gaming in 2018, our aim was to create official products and unlock new revenue streams and forms of fan engagement for our clients,” stated Freddie Longe, President, IMG Arena. “We are delighted to extend that partnership and officially welcome Leap into the IMG Arena team.
“The acquisition will enable us to build on the work we have already done with Leap to take the virtual sports experience to new levels and continue to enhance our sports betting content portfolio.”