Kambi Group and Rush Street Interactive (RSI) have announced a significant extension to their longstanding partnership, reflecting a mutual commitment to advancing the online casino and sports betting industry across the Americas. This extension builds upon a successful collaboration that began in 2018, marking the second renewal of their agreement. As part of this multi-year deal, Kambi will continue to supply its sportsbook platform, along with core trading and risk management services, which are crucial components of RSI’s proprietary online gaming platform.
Kambi Group
Founded in 2010, Kambi Group is a global leader in providing premium sports betting services to licensed B2C gaming operators. The company’s offerings include a highly flexible sportsbook, powerful trading and risk management tools, and a data-driven platform that integrates seamlessly with its partners’ systems. Kambi has a strong presence in regulated markets around the world and is known for its innovation and commitment to responsible gambling.
Rush Street Interactive (RSI)
RSI, founded in 2012, is a premier operator in the online casino and sports betting sector. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, RSI operates under the brand name BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse in various markets. The company is recognized for its strong focus on customer experience, innovation, and delivering engaging and reliable gaming options to its users. RSI’s operations span across multiple jurisdictions in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
A Brief History of the Kambi-RSI Partnership
The partnership between Kambi and RSI began in 2018 when RSI selected Kambi as its sportsbook provider to complement its existing online gaming platform. This decision was based on Kambi’s reputation for delivering high-quality sportsbook solutions and its ability to provide a fully integrated service that would enhance RSI’s user experience. The collaboration proved fruitful, leading to rapid expansion across various markets, including multiple U.S. states and several countries in Latin America.
In the years following the initial agreement, Kambi and RSI worked closely to roll out a comprehensive sports betting platform that supported RSI’s growth strategy. The partnership was first extended in 2021, demonstrating the strong alignment between the two companies and their shared vision for the future of online gaming.
Details of the New Multi-Year Agreement
The latest extension between Kambi and RSI reaffirms their commitment to a collaborative partnership that has been instrumental in both companies’ growth in the highly competitive sports betting and online casino industry. Under the new terms, Kambi will continue to provide its sportsbook platform, along with critical trading and risk management services. These elements are seamlessly integrated into RSI’s proprietary online gaming platform, which supports various digital channels, including websites and mobile applications.
The Kambi-powered sportsbook is currently active in 15 U.S. states, Ontario in Canada, and several Latin American countries, including Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. This extensive reach highlights the strategic importance of the partnership and its role in supporting RSI’s expansion efforts across key markets.
Strengthening Market Position
The continuation of this collaboration enables both companies to consolidate their positions in the highly competitive online casino and sports betting industry. Kambi’s advanced sportsbook platform and RSI’s proprietary online gaming platform create a robust combination that can effectively serve diverse markets.
Expansion into New Markets
The multi-year agreement supports RSI’s growth strategy by providing the technological infrastructure necessary to enter and thrive in new markets. Kambi’s scalable platform allows RSI to quickly adapt to new regulatory environments and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Enhanced User Experience
By leveraging Kambi’s sportsbook platform, RSI can offer its customers a superior betting experience. Kambi’s advanced trading and risk management capabilities ensure a safe and secure environment for players, fostering trust and loyalty.
Innovation and Differentiation
The partnership allows both companies to innovate and differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. By combining Kambi’s cutting-edge technology with RSI’s unique approach to gaming, they can create new, engaging betting experiences that attract and retain customers.
Regulatory Compliance
Operating in the highly regulated gaming industry requires a strong focus on compliance. The partnership between Kambi and RSI ensures that both companies stay ahead of regulatory changes and maintain the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
The Sports Betting and Online Casino Industry in the Americas
The online casino and sports betting industry in the Americas has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the liberalization of gambling laws, advancements in technology, and changing consumer preferences. The United States, in particular, has seen a rapid expansion of legalized sports betting following the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
As of 2024, over 30 U.S. states have legalized sports betting in some form, creating a competitive landscape for operators. Canada has also embraced sports betting, with Ontario becoming the first province to launch a regulated iGaming market in 2022. In Latin America, countries like Colombia, Mexico, and Peru have established regulatory frameworks for online gambling, providing further opportunities for operators like RSI.
Key Trends in the Industry
Mobile Betting: The rise of mobile technology has revolutionized the sports betting industry, with most wagers now placed through smartphones and tablets. This trend is expected to continue as more consumers seek the convenience of placing bets on the go.
In-Play Betting
In-play or live betting has become increasingly popular, allowing bettors to place wagers on events as they unfold. This dynamic form of betting requires advanced technology and real-time data processing, areas where Kambi excels.
Player Engagement
Operators are constantly seeking new ways to engage players and enhance the betting experience. Features like live streaming, cash-out options, and personalized promotions are becoming standard offerings in the industry.
Regulatory Changes
The evolving regulatory landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for operators. Staying compliant with local laws while expanding into new markets requires a deep understanding of each jurisdiction’s requirements.
Responsible Gambling
As the industry grows, there is increasing scrutiny on responsible gambling practices. Operators are investing in tools and technologies that help identify and support at-risk players, ensuring a safe and sustainable gaming environment.
Kambi’s Recent Activities and Future Plans
Kambi has been actively expanding its footprint in the sports betting industry. In addition to its partnership with RSI, Kambi completed the migration of the Virgin Bet brand onto its platform in July 2024. This followed the launch of the LiveScore Bet sportsbook in the UK and Ireland earlier in May 2024. These moves highlight Kambi’s strategic focus on expanding its presence in key markets and enhancing its technological capabilities to support a growing client base.
Kambi’s CEO, Werner Becher, expressed enthusiasm about the extended partnership with RSI, stating: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with RSI, a company that has firmly established itself as one of the leading operators in the Americas.” Becher’s comments reflect Kambi’s confidence in its ability to support RSI’s growth and deliver a world-class sportsbook experience.
The extended partnership between Kambi Group and Rush Street Interactive represents a significant development in the online casino and sports betting industry. By continuing their collaboration, both companies are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for online gaming in the Americas. The multi-year agreement underscores the strength of their relationship and their shared commitment to innovation, customer experience, and regulatory compliance.
As the industry continues to evolve, the partnership between Kambi and RSI will likely serve as a model for successful collaborations in the online gaming sector. With a focus on providing cutting-edge technology and exceptional service, Kambi and RSI are poised to drive growth and set new standards for the industry in the years to come.