Hanzbet merges with BigBet following clash with licence owner
Summary
Hanzbet has formalised a strategic partnership with BigBet to operate jointly in Brazil’s regulated betting market after a public dispute with its previous licence holder, EA Entretenimento e Esportes Ltda (EA). The tie-up follows an earlier announcement that Hanzbet would halt operations amid the clash with EA; the new arrangement could see Hanzbet’s operations and customers absorbed into BigBet, which operates under Big Brazil’s licence alongside brands such as Apostar and Caesars Sportsbook.
Source
Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/strategy/ma/hanzbet-bigbet-partnership-licence-holder-clash/
Key Points
- • Hanzbet announced a partnership with BigBet to continue operating in Brazil’s regulated market after a dispute with its former licence holder.
- • BigBet operates under Big Brazil’s licence, which also covers Apostar and Caesars Sportsbook.
- • Founder and CMO Eduardo Peres accused EA of excluding Hanzbet from communications, diverting users to another EA brand (BateuBet) and allegedly withdrawing liquidity, rendering withdrawals impossible.
- • Hanzbet says an EA statement announcing its closure was published without consent; neither Hanzbet nor EA had responded to enquiries at the time of reporting.
- • The merger is pitched as strengthening the regulated market in Brazil and promises continued focus on compliance and responsible gaming.
- • Operational details and the extent to which Hanzbet will be integrated into BigBet are yet to be announced.
Content summary
Following a public clash that briefly forced Hanzbet to stop operating, the company has agreed to work with BigBet to remain present in Brazil’s regulated betting space. The dispute centred on claims from Hanzbet leadership that licence-holder EA had acted to marginalise Hanzbet — allegedly cutting off internal communications, steering customers to a rival EA brand and removing liquidity so customers could not withdraw funds. Hanzbet’s founder described the relationship with EA as an “operational dictatorship.”
BigBet and Big Brazil frame the new partnership as a positive development for the market, emphasising compliance and better choice for bettors. It remains uncertain whether Hanzbet will continue as a distinct brand or have its customer base and operations assimilated into BigBet; the companies say further details will follow.
Context and relevance
This matters for anyone tracking Brazil’s rapidly evolving regulated gambling market and operator behaviour. Licence-holder disputes can threaten market access and customer funds, so the outcome here — a rescue-style partnership with an established licence-holder group — is notable. It highlights the power dynamics between brands and licence holders in newly regulated jurisdictions and the risk operators face if relations with licence partners sour.
Why should I read this?
Quick and dirty: drama in Brazil’s betting market ended with a deal. If you follow operator M&A, licensing headaches or Brazilian market moves, this is the neat update you need — we’ve cut through the noise so you don’t have to.
Source
Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/strategy/ma/hanzbet-bigbet-partnership-licence-holder-clash/