Bwin

Founding and Early Years

Established in 1997 as Betandwin, the company started with a small team of 12 employees. In 1998, it launched its first online gambling platform, focusing primarily on sports betting. The company went public on the Austrian Stock Exchange in March 2000, signaling its ambitions in the emerging online gaming sector.

Expansion into New Markets

In June 2001, Betandwin acquired Simon Bold (Gibraltar), which led to the creation of Bwin International Ltd. This move placed the company alongside industry peers and provided a strategic base for future operations. By December 2001, Bwin expanded into online casino gaming, launching its first casino platform.

The following years saw further diversification. In 2003, the company introduced a soft games platform called “Balls of Fire.” A year later, it launched a multiplayer poker platform, strengthening its position in the growing online poker market.

Rebranding and Technological Advancements

To reflect its expanding portfolio, Betandwin rebranded as Bwin in August 2006. This name change signified its evolution beyond sports betting. Around this time, the company also developed an in-house live betting product, allowing users to place bets in real time. This innovation enhanced customer engagement and cemented Bwin’s reputation as a market leader.

Strategic acquisitions further fueled growth. In 2005, Bwin acquired Ongame e-Solutions AB, reinforcing its foothold in online poker. In September 2009, it entered the Italian market by acquiring Gioco Digitale, a leading Italian poker operator. However, the biggest milestone came on April 1, 2011, when Bwin merged with PartyGaming. This merger created Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, the largest publicly traded online gaming company at the time.

Leadership and Market Presence

After the merger, the newly formed company was led by co-CEOs Norbert Teufelberger and Jim Ryan. Teufelberger, a co-founder of Bwin, played a crucial role in guiding the company through its various growth phases.

Bwin also prioritized brand visibility. It secured high-profile sponsorships with major football clubs, including Real Madrid, A.C. Milan, and Bayern Munich. These partnerships significantly strengthened its presence in the European sports betting market.

Acquisition by GVC Holdings

In February 2016, GVC Holdings (now Entain) acquired Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment for £1.1 billion. This acquisition brought Bwin into a larger portfolio of gaming brands, further solidifying its place in the global online gambling industry.

Today, Bwin operates under the Entain umbrella, offering a diverse range of gaming products, including sports betting, poker, casino games, and soft games. By leveraging technological advancements, the brand continues to enhance user experience and maintain its competitive edge in the evolving online gaming landscape.