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Arabian Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
DoubleDown Accelerates Europe Push with €55 Million WHOW Deal
DoubleDown Interactive has struck an agreement to acquire Hamburg-based WHOW Games GmbH for €55 million, plus up to €10 million in performance-linked earn‑outs, in a move to deepen its foothold in Europe's expanding social casino market. The transaction, financed from existing cash reserves, is slated to finalise in the third quarter of 2025. The licensing deal, part of a Share Purchase and Transfer Agreement with Azerion Tech Holding B. V., covers full ownership of WHOW Games, which reported unaudited 2024 revenues of €41.8 million. The additional earn‑out structure—€5 million annually during the first two post‑closing years—aims to align incentives and reward growth. DoubleDown CEO Keuk Kim described the acquisition as a major leap forward in competitiveness within the German social casino sector, highlighting synergies between WHOW's local expertise and DoubleDown's global marketing and content capabilities. WHOW Games CEO Giovanni Valerio Valeriota expressed optimism, signalling that joining DoubleDown would accelerate innovation thanks to 'their deep expertise in gaming'. ADVERTISEMENT Industry data from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming indicates that while the broader European market has matured, social casino segments recorded growth in 2023 and 2024, driven by platforms blending entertainment and gaming simulation. WHOW Games holds strong presence in Germany through proprietary apps like MyJackpot and Lounge777 and licensed titles tied to brick‑and‑mortar names such as Merkur24. DoubleDown's strategic bet builds on its flagship title, DoubleDown Casino, used by millions worldwide, and complements its SuprNation subsidiary, which operates three real‑money iGaming platforms in Western Europe. The deal enhances regional coverage and cross‑platform integration potential. Financially, WHOW's €41.8 million in 2024 top‑line revenue, acquired for €55 million, represents a multiple of roughly 1.3 times. Analysts note that metrics for social casino firms often prioritise earnings over revenue multiples. While details on WHOW's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation remain undisclosed, these multiples suggest a valuation consistent with growth‑oriented acquisitions and limited execution risk. Market watchers pinpoint DoubleDown's strong valuation positioning—its cash‑heavy balance sheet mitigates dilution concerns, allowing an all‑cash acquisition to proceed without external financing. According to one note, the company trades at a trailing P/E ratio around 3.7, underscoring investor confidence in its cash flows and acquisition‑driven expansion. Potential hurdles include regulatory scrutiny around social casino games in European jurisdictions, variable earn‑out achievement, and integration execution. In its Form 6‑K filing dated 8 July 2025, DoubleDown emphasised that specifics on financing, closing timetable, and valuation were not included, leaving regulatory approval and other conditions implicit. WHOW Games, founded in 2014, has cultivated a loyal European user base through a mix of original and licensed titles targeting casual gamers. Its Hamburg headquarters serves as a key hub for design and operation of its portfolio, which has carved out a niche in a fragmented, competitive environment. DoubleDown anticipates maximising synergies through operational efficiencies, expanded marketing, and shared development resources. The company's statement highlights that combining forces could enhance market penetration across Europe, notably in Germany—a top-tier social casino territory. As social casino continues to blur lines between digital entertainment and gambling, this transaction reflects broader industry trends: consolidation in search of scale, regulatory resilience, and content depth. Firms with content ecosystems and cash reserves, like DoubleDown, may either win market share or face pressure to deliver on earn‑out targets tied to performance. In Keuk Kim's view, the deal is more than geographic expansion; it is a platform play. By adding WHOW's regional strengths to DoubleDown's global operations, the company positions itself as a more integrated player in Europe's casual gaming space. Giovanni Valeriota emphasised the cultural fit and strategic alignment, noting that WHOW's path under Azerion's stewardship laid solid groundwork, and the new alliance 'will accelerate our growth and innovation'.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
India vs England Tests: Will he, won't he? The Jasprit Bumrah dilemma!
Jasprit Bumrah of India (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) in Birmingham: Before they commence preparations for the second Test vs England from July 2, the Indian cricket team need to take that tough Jasprit Bumrah call. Well before the side arrived in the UK for the five-match series, it was decided that the ace seamer will only play three Tests to manage his body and workload. Which ones weren't revealed at that stage by chairman of men's senior selection committee Ajit Agarkar , and Bumrah maintained the three Test bit in an interview with Sky Sports without revealing too many details. So did head coach Gautam Gambhir during the post-match presser in Leeds. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Bumrah sent down 44 overs during the Headingley Test and while the side is enjoying a two-day break in Birmingham, the team management, and the seamer himself, need to take that rest call. There is little turnaround time between the second and third Test and there will be a strong temptation to play him at Lord's from July 10. If he continues to play at Birmingham, playing the third Test goes out of the window because there will be only a four-day gap before he wears the whites again. Taking a cue from the schedule and Gambhir's comments in the press conference, there is a bright possibility of the second Test being the break fixture for the star seamer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Vorarlberg: Das beliebteste kostenlose Spiel (Spielen) Lounge 777 Jetzt spielen Undo The head coach had said that the series scoreline will not affect which Tests Bumrah plays and misses, and that call will be taken based on his workload as they need to manage him better for the cricket which is ahead of them. Poll Should Jasprit Bumrah rest for the second Test in Birmingham? Yes, he should take a break. No, he should play to level the series. Former India head coach Shastri felt it could be a tough call to take as there will be a temptation to have him play in Birmingham, and level the series, and also have an eye at Lord's. 'Bumrah said he'll play three Test matches. Now, which of the three he'll play, that's, you know, another question to be asked. I think if he takes a break, it'll be the next one, because he'll definitely want to play at Lord's, right? And there's a break, and then you go into Lord's, then there's a break, and then there's a choice between Manchester and the same. It could be 2-0 down. So that is the problem. I think he has got to play,' Shastri said on Sky Sports Cricket. Leeds to Birmingham: On the road with TOI Sports But if the decision making remains on the expected lines - Bumrah missing Birmingham and staying fresh for Lord's - the other headache is going to be who replaces him for the second Test. India lacked bite, even with Bumrah, in the series opener and now a tough replacement call could await them. Former England quick Stuart Broad wants Arshdeep Singh to be drafted in for Bumrah, and the calls for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion are only getting louder because of what he brings to the table. The direction which the Indian cricket team takes will be clear in the next few days but one thing is for sure - it could be a new-look bowling attack which takes the field for the Birmingham Test. IND vs ENG Series Schedule: 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds – England won by 5 wickets 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord's, London 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
