Bwin to launch Russian operations

The online sports betting company will launch its services in Russia in mid-November.

Russia.- GVC Holdings, the parent company of Bwin, revealed that they’re expecting a mid-November launch in Russia. The partnership with the company has gone live for preliminary registrations and is currently giving away shared bonus pot of US$1.8 million to all new players.

The partnership was signed between GVC and Alexander Mamut, a Russian billionaire investor who owns Digital Betting LLC, the company that holds the license. It is expected that the businessman will invest US$11.2 million every year for the next three to develop the bwin.ru brand.

Bwin is the first foreign operator to land in Russia ever since the territory regulated the sports betting market two years ago, and it is expected that more international operators will follow the lead.

A spokesman for the partnership said that the Russian market is highly competitive as there are already 10 national bookmakers operating, such as Fonbet, Liga Stavok and 1xstavka. “Our entry into the Russian market is thought to be a pioneering movement – we are the first foreign brand to operate in the market ever – and will pave the way for the entrance of other major betting sites. We understand many players still bet offline due to there being plenty of betting shops. We did a lot of research to prepare for the launch and are ready to meet the expectations of those who believed and continue to believe in us.”