Is STS’s “United” strategy a step towards growth or a response to staffing changes?
STS, one of the largest betting operators in Poland, has announced a new consolidation strategy called “United.” This strategy includes collaboration with Croatian SuperSport and the technology companies minus5 and Betsys, both of which are part of the Entain CEE group. The primary goal of this initiative is to integrate operations in both countries and optimize processes within the group. However, this development is accompanied by staff layoffs in two companies
Job reductions
The announcement of this strategy coincided with questions from iGaming Polska regarding potential layoffs at STS. In its official statement, the company did not directly address these speculations but emphasized that the reorganization impacts only 2% of the workforce and is necessary to eliminate overlapping competencies, which is expected to create synergies.
– We are implementing the ‘United’ strategy, integrating the operations of STS, SuperSport, and the technology companies Betsys and minus5. As a result of this strategy, we are strengthening and synchronizing our operations and work environment. During these changes within Entain CEE, we identified overlapping competencies across the companies in the group. As a result, we have decided to reorganize teams in selected departments. This decision affects around 2% of the group’s workforce, but it will allow us, as the undisputed leader in the industry, to respond more effectively to current challenges. We are achieving synergies that will solidify our leading position in the Polish and Croatian markets. Employees with whom we part ways have access to support programs, including career counseling, training, and assistance in finding new employment. We want them to feel supported by us despite the end of their employment and to transition smoothly and quickly to new jobs – STS said in a statement published on iGaming Polska.
The reports of layoffs are not limited to STS. According to information obtained by iGaming Polska, similar actions have occurred at the technology company Betsys, which is also part of the “United” strategy.
What does the “United” strategy mean?
The “United” strategy primarily focuses on growth and consolidation, aiming to strengthen cooperation between key entities in the Entain CEE group, including STS and Croatian SuperSport. The collaboration involves optimizing operations and more efficient use of technologies provided by minus5 and Betsys. According to the statements, this strategy is intended to bring the company greater operational coherence and synergies, strengthening both bookmakers’ positions in their respective markets.
However, despite the optimistic vision of the future, concerns have arisen regarding the job cuts that affected around 2% of the group’s workforce. Employees fear further cuts, especially given the context of reorganization, which often entails the risk of layoffs. While the company emphasizes that parting ways with employees is necessary for operational optimization, it has not provided clear information on future actions in this regard. As a result, questions about the future of employees at STS and other companies in the group remain unanswered.
The introduction of the “United” strategy amid reports of layoffs raises suspicions that this may be an attempt at corporate image management, aiming to ease concerns among employees and the public.
Time will tell whether this consolidation will bring the anticipated operational benefits or is merely a way to deflect attention from difficult personnel decisions and internal challenges.