SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Scientific Games has secured a further tier-1 operator commercial agreement after FTSE100 betting group Flutter Entertainment Plc renewed its technology partnership for a further five years.
Ahead of undertaking key merger integration projects, including Sky Bet and PokerStars, Flutter confirmed that it will maintain all Scientific Games ‘OpenSports’ technology provisions.
The five-year renewal comes on the back of Flutter’s US FanDuel division appointing Scientific Games to power its sportsbook offering across all current and future regulated US wagering markets.
In its interim statement, Flutter governance confirmed that all global sportsbook would be migrated onto the Scientific Games ‘OpenSports’ solution used by its Paddy Power Betfair division, which would be expanded to incorporate SkyBet (UK) and Sportsbet Australia assets.
Rik Barker, CIO at Flutter Entertainment UK & Ireland Division, said: “We’re very pleased to renew our partnership with Scientific Games. Whilst we take great pride in our proprietary technology and product development capabilities, Scientific Games’ OpenSports technology has been a key part of our sports betting platforms for many years.
“The reliability and scalability of their technology provides us with a robust platform to deliver on our strategic goals. As we enter a new era of sports betting, we’re looking forward to working with their world-class teams and technology to capitalize on the opportunities across our sector.”
Flutter’s announcement marks the 20th anniversary of its partnership with Scientific Games, who provided Paddy Power’s first digital platform in 2000 through its OpenBet domain.
The legacy partnership has achieved a number of ‘industry-first’ innovations, including Paddy Power deploying its first live odds markets in 2010, followed by the sportsbook becoming the first bookmaker to launch the innovative ‘Cashout’ feature, powered by the OpenBet engine.
Backing another five years Jordan Levin, Group CEO Digital at Scientific Games, added: “Flutter operates some of the world’s most innovative, diverse and distinctive sports betting and gaming brands.
“Over the last two decades, we’ve worked together through major shifts in technology, player expectations and the ramping up of U.S. sports betting where we partner with FanDuel. We share a common ambition to take podium positions in key regulated markets through responsible, engaging and safe player experiences.”
