FanDuel, the leading online sports betting and fantasy sports brand in the US, has announced that it has acquired BeyondPlay, a B2B iGaming software company, for an undisclosed amount. The deal will enhance FanDuel’s iGaming proposition by adding BeyondPlay’s innovative jackpots and multiplayer technology to its casino platform.
BeyondPlay: A Rising Star in the iGaming Industry
BeyondPlay was founded in 2021 by Karolina Pelc, a former casino director at LeoVegas. The company offers two main products: a jackpot management system that enables flexible and tailored jackpot campaigns, and a multiplayer software that allows multiple users to engage in shared casino game sessions, pooling their stakes for a collective entertainment experience.
BeyondPlay has secured gambling licenses in Ontario, the UK and Malta, and has partnered with some of the leading iGaming operators in the industry, such as LeoVegas, Casumo and ComeOn. The company has also raised €5 million in funding from various industry investors, including Bettor Capital, Tigrim Capital, Winforton Investments, Feda Mecan, Mark Blandford and Alexandre Tomic.
FanDuel: A Dominant Force in the US iGaming Market
FanDuel is part of Flutter Entertainment, the world’s leading sports betting and iGaming company, which also owns brands such as PokerStars, Betfair and Paddy Power. FanDuel operates the number one sportsbook and the number two iGaming brand in the US, with a market share of 26% in the fourth quarter of 2023, up from 21% in the same period of 2022.
FanDuel offers online sports betting, fantasy sports, casino, poker and horse racing products in various states across the US, where online gambling is legal and regulated. The company has also recently launched its own TV channel, FanDuel Sportsbook Live, which broadcasts live sports betting content and analysis.
The Benefits of the Acquisition for Both Parties
The acquisition of BeyondPlay by FanDuel will bring several benefits for both parties. For BeyondPlay, it will provide an opportunity to scale up its technology and reach a wider audience in the US, one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative iGaming markets in the world. For FanDuel, it will strengthen its iGaming offer by adding BeyondPlay’s best-in-class jackpots and multiplayer technology, which will enhance the customer experience and engagement.
Asaf Noifeld, the managing director of FanDuel Casino, said: “Our US strategy is about investing to win, and continuously improving our iGaming proposition for our customers is a key part of that. This acquisition further strengthens FanDuel Casino’s leading customer experience, by adding BeyondPlay’s best-in-class jackpots and multiplayer technology. We’re also excited to welcome their experienced team to FanDuel and look forward to working together to continue to grow our rising share of the US iGaming market.”
Karolina Pelc, the CEO and founder of BeyondPlay, said: “As a founder, witnessing the journey of our start-up from its humble beginnings to becoming part of the world’s leading online sports betting and iGaming company is an incredibly gratifying experience. This acquisition validates the hard work and dedication of our team and the vision behind our products. We are excited to join forces with FanDuel Casino to amplify the impact of our technology on a global scale. This milestone marks not just the culmination of our tireless efforts, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”
The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but it is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
