SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
BskyB’s agreed buy out of Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland broadcast services, could lead to BskyB’s subsidiary sports betting and igaming brand Sky Bet, entering the European igaming markets.
The Deal to incorporate the German and Italian broadcasters from 21st Century Fox, is estimated to be valued at £5 billion (€6.31 / $8.5 billion). If permitted by Italian and German broadcasting authorities it would allow BskyB to gain 20 million pay-TV Customers.
At the start of 2014, Chief Executive Jeremey Darroch commented that BskyB had been studying the possibility of potential acquisition in the European media and broadcast sectors.
UK Broadcast analysts and commentators expressed that the acquisition of a European multinational pay-TV business would be likely, as BskyB faced tougher competition in the UK from BTSports and Virgin Media plus digital content providers such as Netflix, Google and Apple TV.
The acquisition of Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland, would likely see BskyB offer additional customer services/products to their new customer base. Industry news source EGR Magazine highlighted on Monday, that senior management of BskyB would look to add igaming and sports betting services in the regions.
Currently Italy offers igaming licenses to foreign based operators willing to target the market. Germany is in the final processes of centralising its igaming regulation.
