Exclusive: Tipico to launch debut US sportsbook in autumn 2020
Leading land-based and online operator in Germany targets New Jersey by inking market-access deal with Ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City
German land-based and online betting operator Tipico will launch its first US-facing sportsbook in New Jersey later this year, EGR NA can exclusively reveal.
The Malta-headquartered operator is currently awaiting licensing approval from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, having submitted a licence application earlier this year.
The unveiling of the sportsbook is slated for autumn 2020, to coincide with the resumption of US sports and the upcoming NFL season.
Tipico’s first US land-based casino partner will be the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which also partners with William Hill.
EGR can exclusively reveal that Tipico is also actively exploring new market opportunities in regulated states throughout the US.
It is understood the privately-owned firm does not plan to partner with an online sportsbook supplier for its US operations, instead choosing to deploy its own proprietary technology. A US-facing version of the Tipico website has already been launched.
Tipico’s US site invites players to register for early access ahead of the launch
Tipico opened its first US office last summer in Hoboken, appointing its first US MD Adrian Vella in December.
Since December, the operator has added a further 12 employees in a variety of roles, including the recruitment of Allen Ambrogio as director of operations, Keith Gormley as head of marketing, and Edward Schwendemann as US sportsbook product owner.
It is currently recruiting in several areas at present including digital marketing, cloud engineering and regional sportsbook-related roles.
EGR can reveal the operator is currently working on extending the lease of its Hoboken office before moving to bigger offices ahead of the launch of its debut sportsbook.
“Finding talent in these industries is something extremely important to us, as well as ensuring that each Tipico team member has a serious love for sports, along with experience in the sport, fantasy or gambling industries,” Vella explained to EGR.
Last week, Tipico appointed Stephen Krombolz as its new head of business development and strategy within its US division. Krombolz has spent the last six years founding US sports betting operator FantasyDraft, serving as the firm’s first CEO.
Prior to that, Krombolz spent six years with US ecommerce and telecommunications company Simplexity in two C-level executive roles.
In his new role, Krombolz will be responsible for driving Tipico’s US growth and development.
“Steve brings a wealth of sports, fantasy and igaming knowledge to Tipico and we’re excited to have him on board as we explore partnerships, new business and market access opportunities throughout North America,” Vella added.
Ocean Casino Resort CEO Terry Glebocki welcomed the new partnership and underlined Tipico’s 15 years of experience in European sports betting.
“Ocean Casino Resort is thrilled to partner with Tipico, a highly respected name in sports betting, to bring a fully mobile sports betting experience to our digital players,” said Glebocki.
“We can’t wait to introduce sports fans throughout New Jersey to this cutting-edge technology and look forward to seeing them place their bets.”
Tipico placed sixth in EGR’s global Power 50 rankings in 2019, ahead of William Hill and behind Unibet sportsbook operator Kindred.