IMG Arena acquired Leap Gaming, a virtual casino and sports games provider, to expand its sports betting content.
This deal expands on the existing partnership between IMG Arena and Leap. The pair hope to “officialize” virtual sports by adding logos, team names, and venues, as well as other branding assets.
IMG Arena and Nevis-based Leap launched official virtual betting products for Nascar and EuroLeague through this partnership.
IMG Arena will be acquired by the betting giant. Its ‘Event Centre” product suite and Leap’s motion capture and 3D technologies will combine to offer customers, including sports federations, content that enriches the fan experience.
Leap works with 120 operators of sportsbooks around the world and is expected to close within the first half 2023. However, there are customary closing conditions, including a regulatory review.
Yariv Lissauer, Leap’s chief executive, will be the senior director and general manager of iGaming for IMG Arena. His 58-strong team will join him.
Lissauer said: “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.”
Freddie Longe, president of IMG Arena, added: “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. 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.”
