SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Ladbrokes are set to increase its presence in the Australian igaming market, with the purposed acquisition of Melbourne based sportsbook Eskander Betstar.
Industry news reports speculate that the UK listed gambling operator is set to finalise the acquisition of Betstar within the next 24 hours, for a reported AUS $20 million sum (£11 million). Betstar operations will be merged with Ladbrokes Australia operations.
In August 2013, Ladbrokes began its planned expansion into the Australian igaming market with the acquisition of Brisbane based Gaming investments holding company of Bookmaker.com.au for a sum of AUS $22.5 million (£12.5 million)
Founded by Alan Eskander, Betstar have been operational in the Australian betting market since 2007 offering online wagering and telephone betting service to Australian sports betting customers. Betstar reported annual sports betting turnover to be round the AUS $300 million mark.
The purposed deal will see all Ladbrokes acquired Australian gaming brands merged into one platform. The acquisition by the operator of Australian sports betting brands – Betstar and Bookmaker.com.au will reportedly earn Ladbrokes 5% market share of the Australian online betting market.
Australian news sources report that Ladbrokes beat competition from Swedish bookmaker – Unibet Plc in the acquisition of Eskander Betstar.
