Affiliate Announcements
Catena Media acquires poker comparison site PokerScout.com
Catena Media acquires the online poker news and comparison site PokerScout.com and its related assets.
PokerScout is the leading traffic comparison site for the online poker industry. The acquisition is made in connection with the passage of gaming legislation in the US state of Pennsylvania, which will open a new market for regulated online poker and casino games.
As an iconic name in the online poker industry, the acquisition of PokerScout will contribute to Catena Media‘s brand-first strategy in both the US and global markets. Catena Media will improve the usability and visibility of PokerScout and contribute to the brand’s continued growth. The purchase price amounts to USD 350,000.
Following the passage of legislation that legalizes online gaming in Pennsylvania, Catena Media continues to strengthen its presence in the US market in line with the company’s growth strategy.
In addition to the acquisition of PokerScout, Catena Media already operates multiple media assets in Pennsylvania and owns several domains tailored to the market. These assets are complemented by the company’s market-leading portfolio in New Jersey’s regulated online gaming market. With the impending launch of regulated online gambling in Pennsylvania, new revenues from online casino and poker are expected.
“We are proud of the acquisition of PokerScout, which is the leading traffic comparison site for the online poker industry. This acquisition is well-timed given that Pennsylvania is set to open their market for online gaming. We hope that more states will follow in Pennsylvania’s footsteps. We have been prepared for a long time and this is a milestone for our continued expansion in the US,” – said Henrik Persson Ekdahl, CEO, Catena Media.
Affiliate Announcements
Catena Media readies for online sports betting launch in North Carolina
Catena Media is well positioned to record a solid launch of online sports betting affiliation in North Carolina when the state opens for licensed sports wagering.
The group’s national brands, led by LegalSportsreport.com, are attracting North Carolina bettors with dedicated content, as is Catena Media’s state-focused NCSharp.com website. Alongside Catena Media’s own brands, the group has also published content in collaboration with media partners including Advance Local, owner of NJ.com and other news websites.
In the countdown to launch day, Catena Media held several top rankings for key organic search terms used by potential bettors to find relevant sports-betting-related content and offers.
Prior to the official go-live, the group has deals in place with five major operators offering sports betting platform access to North Carolinians. The customer agreements in North Carolina consist of a mix of revenue share and cost-per-acquisition (CPA) agreements.
North Carolina, with an adult population of 8.5 million, allows anyone aged 21 and over to place sports bets online.
Ryan Harper, Catena Media Vice President North America, said: “We have had a solid run-up to the launch date and are pleased with our efforts so far. We also expect the March Madness NCAA college basketball tournament later this month to be a big driver of new depositing customers in North Carolina.”
North Carolina expands Catena Media’s operational footprint in North America to 29 state and regional markets.
Affiliate Announcements
QMRA to enter Belgium, Poland and Estonia: Game Lounge joins immediately with Belgian website, Place2bet as well
QMRA was launched recently. QMRA is a Quality Mark for international iGaming affiliates, servicing the following markets initially: The UK, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Spain and USA Michigan.
Various websites joined already. Among which Leadstar Media with 4 German websites, BetterWorldCasinos.Com (UK, launching member), Unilead with a Swedish website and the Gaming Innovation Group with websites for three markets (UK, Germany, Sweden).
As of now, QMRA will be active within the following three markets as well: Poland, Estonia and Belgium.
For Belgium, the situation is interesting. All advertising, including affiliation, was initially banned under a Royal Decree. Recently though, the government decided to allow search engine affiliation (https://gamingcommission.be/nl/operatoren/kb-reclame) under the terms of article 10 of the named Royal Decree.
Compliance will be of high importance within the Belgium market. QMRA received applications for this market immediately.
Two new QMRA applicants:
Game Lounge, a well-known and large iGaming affiliate company (over 200 employees), applies with GuideCasino.Be. Place2Bet applies to QMRA as well, with Place2Bet.Be.
Affiliate Announcements
Catena Media appoints Manuel Stan as new CEO
Catena Media’s board of directors today announces the appointment of Manuel Stan as CEO, an experienced business executive in the online sports betting and casino gaming industry.
Manuel will lead Catena Media’s North American and global market operations from Las Vegas, where he is based. He will assume his position on July 1, 2024.
A veteran of almost 20 years in the industry, Manuel spent 16 years at Kindred Group, where he led marketing teams and served as Senior Vice President North America. At Kindred, Manuel led marketing teams for six years and played a core role in shaping the group’s affiliate marketing programme. He also has experience of customer marketing, business development, financial planning and analysis, and corporate governance.
Manuel holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Economics from Bucharest University of Economic Studies and an Executive Management Programme Diploma from Yale School of Management.
He said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to drive Catena Media forward on the next stage of its journey as the group takes on new challenges while further advancing its presence in North America. This is a strong business with talented employees and I look forward to working with the teams to capitalise fully on the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Göran Blomberg, Catena Media Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “Manuel was the outstanding candidate for this position among the names considered and we are extremely pleased that he is joining us. He is a leader with proven leadership skills and wide-ranging experience within our industry. His close knowledge of the North American market and of both the operator and affiliate sides of the business will be a significant asset for Catena Media and our North America-focused organisation as we begin this new chapter for the group.”