Happyhour.io announces investment into Chilean operator
Betsala aims to rapidly accelerate growth with investment from industry accelerator fund
Happyhour.io, a seed and early-stage accelerator in the igaming industry, has invested into Chilean online sports betting company Betsala.
Betsala joins six other companies in Happyhour.io’s portfolio. Happyhour.io currently has €109m assets under management, and a AUM year-over-year growth of more than €100m.
These include Livespins, Flows and WKND.
Betsala entered the market in early 2020, and with this investment, hopes to accelerate growth to support its roadmap to becoming one of the largest online betting operators in Chile.
Currently, the sportsbook has a focus on local market odds and a unique weekly free bet club.
Albert Bellavista, CEO of Betsala, said: “We have the right management team, experience and vision to be a sports betting and gaming powerhouse in Chile. The investment from Happyhour will allow us to scale rapidly with product and operational know-how to become the sports betting brand in Latin America.”
Robin Reed, CEO of Happyhour, said: “At Happyhour, we invest in people and businesses that will transform the industry. Betsala is poised to become the largest online operator in Chile and we are excited to be a part of this rapid growth into the market.”
The Chilean sports betting market is set for high growth; the market is expected to reach $425m gross gaming revenue within the next five years.
Betsala is fronted by former Roma and Juventus forward Marcelo Salas, considered the best striker in Chilean football history.
Speaking on his involvement, he said: “I am very happy that a brand as important as Betsala has chosen me to be their ambassador, and to help the growth of this bookmaker. I am very happy to be part of them, to be the official face here in Chile.”