888 to merge brands for Romania stay

888 Holdings will unify its casino, poker and sports brands in Romania under a new localised site after securing a full licence to continue its operations in the market.

The 888.ro site will merge its 888casino, 888poker and 888sport brands allowing customers to access all three verticals from a single gaming account.

“Our flagship brands, 888poker, 888casino and 888sport, operate in several regulated markets around the world, including the United Kingdom, Spain and Denmark, and have been an online destination of choice in these markets for years,” Itai Frieberger, chief executive officer of 888 Holdings, said.

“We aim to offer 888.ro to Romanian players as a global brand with a unique, local flavour,” he added.

The launch of the new Romanian site comes after the group had until the end of August to obtain a full licence to continue its operations in Romania after securing a one-year interim licence last year.

In order for operators to gain a full licence its suppliers must be fully licenced, otherwise they would be required to pull out until able to meet requirements set by Romania’s National Gambling Office (ONJN).

NetBet beat its regulatory deadline in June after its sportsbook supplier SBTech was granted a licence.

Last week, 888 Holdings and Rank Group failed in its attempt to merge with William Hill and ended its interest in the firm.