Betsson to wind down UK presence
Some 40 staffers are affected as operator plans to move NetPlay operations to Malta HQ in November 2019
Betsson is planning to move its London-based operations to Malta in 2019 as part of an ongoing effort to increase the efficiency of its UK operations, EGR has learned.
Some 40 staffers will be affected in total, with all working on the operator’s NetPlay brands, which include the gambling TV channels, Jackpot247 and Supercasino, and online brand Vernons.
A Betsson spokesperson told EGR the firm had decided to “apply a more digital-focused strategy” to the NetPlay brands, which included letting existing TV contracts lapse.
Betsson plans to move NetPlay’s operations to its Malta hub in November 2019 when its Channel 5 and ITV contracts expire.
“After expiration we will move operations to our Malta office and keep operating the brands from there,” the spokesperson said. “All employees have been informed about these plans.”
“The affected employees will remain in employment throughout the duration of 2019 and where possible we will offer employees alternative employment and relocation to Malta.”
EGR understands some redundancies have already been made.
Betsson acquired NetPlay TV in March for £26.4m with plans to increase its UK presence, former CEO, Ulrik Bengtsson said at the time.
However, the investment in the UK did not meet the expected returns, with group CEO Pontus Lindwall saying in February the firm was scaling back operations and marketing spend in the UK as part of his “back on track” plan.