Evoke plc is making significant strides in Romania by acquiring the iGaming brand Winner.ro from New Gambling Solutions SRL. The acquisition, worth €10 million (£8.5 million/$11.1 million), bolsters Evoke’s presence in the Romanian gaming market, positioning the company for further growth.
Merging Winner.ro with 888.ro
Evoke plans to combine Winner.ro with its existing Romania-facing 888.ro brand. This strategic move will establish Evoke as the fourth-largest iGaming operator in Romania, commanding a 7% market share. Upon completion, Evoke will hold up to 57% of the business, with the option to acquire the remaining stake after three years.
A Smart M&A Strategy
Evoke CEO, Per Widerstrom, expressed confidence in the deal, stating that it fits well with the company’s focus on high-impact, low-capital opportunities. “Romania is an exciting growth market for us, and this acquisition solidifies our leadership. We are excited to work alongside the Winner team to further enhance our presence,” said Widerstrom.
An Established iGaming Brand in Romania
Winner.ro, launched in 2019, operates with an omnichannel approach, offering 20,000 retail deposit points across the country. The brand generated gross gaming revenue of €19 million in the first half of 2024. With Evoke’s acquisition, the company will utilize the highly localized Newton platform for enhanced gaming experiences.
Nicklas Zajdel, CEO of Winner.ro, will continue to lead the brand, ensuring seamless integration with Evoke’s team of 500 employees in Romania.
Obtaining a Romanian iGaming License
If you’re considering entering the growing Romanian iGaming market, it’s essential to obtain the proper licensing. Learn more about securing a Romania iGaming License to ensure compliance and success in this expanding market.
This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Evoke’s expansion strategy, solidifying its place as a key player in Romania’s gaming industry.
