Global sports OTT platform DAZN Group has this afternoon confirmed that it will partner with Pragmatic Play to launch its much-anticipated sportsbook offering. 

Having re-capitalised its business at the start of the year, DAZN announced to investors that it would launch a sportsbook platform, to expand its business beyond its OTT sports programming vertical.

Early 2022 developments have seen DAZN bolster its sportsbook technology resources by hiring former Entain COO and Corporate Director Sandeep Tiku as new CTO.

Under terms of the agreement, DAZN and Pragmatic Play will work together to launch a ‘next generation sportsbook product’ branded as DAZN BET.

“The convergence of sports media and betting is the future. This historic partnership brings together the leading sports media company and a technology partner who is committed to developing innovative experiences for fans,” read a statement by DAZN Group CEO Shay Segev.

“It underscores DAZN’s commitment to revitalising the sports viewing experience by offering a broader spectrum of digital entertainment for fans.”

Of significance, the partnership will aim to deliver global betting’s first ‘converged media and betting platform’ that will combine OTT live sports viewing with enhanced live betting markets – bringing new inter-connected experiences to sports audiences.

This April, Pragmatic Play announced the launch of its initial sportsbook solution, upon which it revealed that it had secured a major inbound partnership agreement. 

Untested within sportsbook ranks, Malta-based Pragmatic Play has built its business as an online slots studio and supplier of live casino gaming solutions.   

“The platform will become the first truly immersive sports entertainment ecosystem in which fans can watch live and non-live content, consume news and highlights, socialise, and bet,”  DAZN outlined as its shared objective.

Ashley Lang, CEO of Pragmatic Solutions, said: “It’s an honour for us to partner with DAZN. We know that fans want more integrated, immersive, and interactive experiences, and through our exclusive partnership with DAZN, we can deliver this.” 

DAZN BET is expected to soft launch a beta product to coincide with the start of the new football season.