Kaizen Gaming has acquired the AI-driven sports trading and analytics provider GameplAI, with the aim of enhancing its Betano brand.
Kaizen made the announcement on Wednesday, outlining the acquisition’s objective was to enhance its proprietary capabilities across sports trading, player markets and performance analytics for Betano through AI.
The Betano owner said the integration of GameplAI’s proprietary technology and expertise would “amplify its tier-one sportsbook experience” across its global markets, while also accelerating automation and enhancing risk management tools.
GameplAI specialises in sportsbook solutions, including micromarkets, player props and in-game parlays. It has previously partnered with the likes of Betsson and Superbet.
The company will maintain control of its B2B business and its original team will continue to play an active role in development to ensure continuity and support its next phase of growth under Kaizen’s ownership.
Kaizen Chief Product Officer Christos Tzalavras explained the deal was another example of the company’s long-term commitment to enhancing its core sportsbook capabilities through investment in technology.
“What stood out to us throughout this process was the strong cultural alignment between our teams, a shared focus on innovation, execution and performance,” Tzalavras said. “We believe this partnership will meaningfully accelerate our ambition to amplify the world‑class sportsbook experience we deliver to customers around the world.
“An obsession for top-tier customer experiences unites GameplAI and Kaizen Gaming, and I could not be more excited about what is ahead of us.”
GameplAI co-founder Nikos Volakis added the deal marked an “exciting new chapter” for the company, giving it the backing needed to take it into its next era.
“With Kaizen Gaming’s scale and strategic vision, we are confident that our combined capabilities will unlock new levels of automation, accuracy and performance,” Volakis said.
Kaizen expanding its Betano global expansion
The GameplAI acquisition follows Betano’s entry into Ghana earlier this year, marking its second African market after Nigeria.
It is also Betano’s 20th regulated market across the globe, with the company also entering the UK, Colombia and Brazil since the beginning of 2024.
It is currently the market leader in Brazil, driven by the brand awareness built by its heavy sponsorship investment prior to and post-regulation. It sponsored the Copa América football tournament in 2024, and is also the master sponsor of Flamengo, widely considered to be Brazil’s biggest football club.
Kaizen Gaming’s Director of Business Development George Skarlatos told iGB Ghana met all of its criteria for entry thanks to its high level of digital adoption and strong regulatory framework.
“Taken together, these areas make Ghana an attractive region for Kaizen to enter, as they have fostered a long-term, sustainable environment for us to operate in,” Skarlatos said.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/strategy/ma/kaizen-gaming-betano-gameplai-acquisition/
