OpenBet Ups Safety Standards with Neccton Acquisition

In a step to amplify the safety aspects of its offerings, OpenBet has taken over Neccton, a leader in responsible sports betting. This strategic move arrives at a critical time as jurisdictions with legal sports betting are looking to enhance consumer protections.

Endeavor Group, an entertainment conglomerate that owns UFC, WWE, and prestigious talent agencies WME and IMG, brought OpenBet under its umbrella last year. OpenBet’s pivotal role in the expanding legal sports betting industry was a key driver behind this acquisition. Now, by integrating Neccton, OpenBet adds an unmatched level of safety and regulatory expertise to its credentials.

OpenBet provides a comprehensive suite of services to online sports betting sites, encompassing both customer-facing and back-office functions. The platform has a vast and international clientele, including prominent U.S. sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel, as well as top UK operators such as SkyBet, Ladbrokes, and William Hill. OpenBet also houses its content business, offering BetBuilder and DonBest pricing feeds.

Neccton represents OpenBet’s initial strategic acquisition since its buyout by Endeavor. Established in 1996, Neccton operates in more than 30 countries, supervising over 60 billion wagers. Neccton’s advanced AI-driven solutions can identify situations requiring responsible gaming interventions, making it an essential addition to OpenBet’s portfolio.

Reflecting on the strategic significance of this alliance, Dr. Michael Auer, Neccton’s Co-Founder and Managing Director, stated, “We have always held the belief that many of the world’s biggest problems can be solved through a potent combination of scientific research and advanced software. It’s an existential imperative for our industry.” He continued, “Our vision is to have Neccton technology deployed by the industry’s leading brands…there is no better partner than OpenBet to help us achieve that.”

The abolition of the sports betting ban by the US Supreme Court paved the way for states to legalize sportsbooks. Initially, the focus was primarily on capitalizing on this newfound source of state revenue, often leaving the finer details of responsible gaming in the rearview. However, jurisdictions are now taking proactive steps towards implementing and enforcing responsible gaming measures.

Amidst these developments, states have allocated substantial financial resources towards responsible gaming solutions, and OpenBet and Neccton are primed to deliver those solutions. As sportsbooks face hefty fines for consumer protection failures, responsible gaming solutions become even more valuable. In 2022 alone, non-compliant gambling entities had to pay more than $250 million in penalties, adding further impetus for companies to invest in responsible gaming.