SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Grupo CIRSA has acquired a 70% stake in Apuesta Total, to become Peru’s biggest gambling group.
As announced, Blackstone-owned CIRSA has become the majority shareholder of Apuesta Total, Peru’s biggest sportsbook, operating 500 betting locations across the Andean nation’s provinces and municipal districts.
CIRSA has operated in Peru since 1996, building its land-based portfolio of 19 casinos, 74 betting points, and 3,200 slot machines, and recognises the Peruvian market as a key growth area.
In 2023, Apuesta Total generated revenues exceeding €100m. CIRSA has committed to acquiring the remaining 30% of Apuesta Total shares in the coming years, ensuring full control over the company.
Cirsa informed investors that this acquisition aligns with its strategy to expand in the online sector and strengthens its presence in the Peruvian market, which has had specific regulations for online gaming and betting since March 2024.
The acquisition bolsters CIRSA’s Latin America expansion into new online gambling and sports betting sectors. It follows other significant acquisitions, such as Modena Giochi in Italy and ePlay24, as well as Ganabet in Mexico.
Gonzalo Pérez, General Manager of Apuesta Total, projects a 30% growth in revenues by the end of 2024, driven by major events like the Copa América and the UEFA Euros. The growth supports CIRSA’s investment decision, anticipating increased demand for online sports betting and gambling in Peru.
In Spain, speculation mounts on owner Blackstone tracking €5bn IPO path for CIRSA, having returned the company to growth in 2023, in which CIRSA reports revenues of €1.9bn and corporate profits of €80m.
