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Spotlight’s B2B Growth Director Rob Brown said the deal will expand the company’s offering by combining Engage Games’ games engine with Spotlight’s data, content and global distribution network.
“This partnership marks a significant step for SSG as we extend our product capability into the games space,” Brown said. “In Engage Games, we have found a partner with a proven ability to deliver games that produce real commercial outcomes for partners.”
Ryan Lawrence, founder of Engage Games, added: “Partnering with SSG – one of the most trusted names in global racing and sports betting – reflects the reputation and results we’ve built, and it’s the natural next step in our mission, to get better game experiences into the hands of as many players as possible.
What is Volcano?
A complaint suggested that such placements were inappropriately targeted at under-18s.
White Hat Gaming paused the ads during the investigation and argued that HLTV’s audience is primarily adult and focused on professional competitive gaming rather than casual play, which tends to attract minors.
HLTV corroborated this, highlighting its editorial tone as adult-oriented.
What is Volcano?
Over 100 officers participated in the operation. Authorities seized several high-value vehicles, froze numerous bank accounts and imposed an asset restraint order valued at around €82 million. An arrest warrant was also executed.
Prosecutors allege that five suspects had operated internet-based gambling services without the required German licences from at least July 2021. The volume of bets placed on these platforms reportedly exceeded €5.8 billion between mid-2021 and the end of 2023.
In addition to illegal gambling, investigators suspect extensive tax evasion, with a projected tax shortfall of about €77.6 million for 2024.
