Hanzbet Finds New Horizon After Licensing Confrontation
After a tumultuous period marked by a licensing dispute, the betting brand Hanzbet is regaining its footing through a new partnership with BigBet to expand its operations in the Brazilian betting market.
Earlier this month, Hanzbet was thrust into the spotlight when it was forced to pause its activities in Brazil due to disagreements with its former licensor, EA Entretenimento e Esportes Ltda. This development sparked concerns about the brand’s future in an increasingly competitive landscape.
However, just days later, Hanzbet officially announced its collaboration with BigBet, one of the prominent brands under the Big Brazil umbrella. This merger comes alongside other established names, including the well-known Apostar brand and Caesars Sportsbook, also operated under Big Brazil’s licensing.
The leadership at Hanzbet and BigBet expressed optimism, suggesting this new alliance will not only fortify their market presence but also enhance the variety of options for Brazilian bettors. Rodrigo Cariola, CEO of Big Brazil and BigBet, remarked on the significance of this partnership, emphasizing a commitment to uphold regulatory standards, prioritize responsible gaming, and strive for an exceptional user experience.
Commenting on the partnership, Hanzbet’s CEO, Gabriel Martins, highlighted the brand’s longstanding reputation and its dedication to transparency and integrity within the iGaming sector. Martins conveyed confidence that collaborating with a reputable entity like BigBet would further empower their operational capabilities.
While the exact details of this collaboration are still under wraps, speculation suggests that Hanzbet’s customer operations may be incorporated into the larger framework of BigBet. Additional announcements outlining the operational specifics of the partnership are anticipated soon.
The Background of Hanzbet’s Struggles
Hanzbet’s recent turmoil stemmed from claims surrounding the abrupt cessation of its operations. Eduardo Peres, the company’s founder and CMO, accused EA of unilaterally announcing the closure without Hanzbet’s consent, leading to exclusion from critical communications. In a vivid description, he characterized the partnership with EA as akin to an "operational dictatorship," alleging that EA was systematically channeling Hanzbet’s clientele to another brand, BateuBet.
Peres further alleged that EA destabilized Hanzbet’s financial underpinnings while misleading customers about the company’s impending shutdown, complicating withdrawal processes for users. Though inquiries regarding these allegations have been made to both parties, there have been no responses thus far.
Looking towards the future, Peres expressed hope and gratitude towards BigBet, spotlighting a sense of resilience after overcoming recent challenges. He stated on LinkedIn, “The attempts to undermine Hanzbet only fueled our determination. The end is reserved for those who surrender, and that was never our path.”
This new chapter for Hanzbet signals not just survival, but an exciting opportunity for growth and innovation as it joins forces with BigBet in Brazil.