On January 30, 2025, the Nevada Gaming Commission granted approval for Kambi Group PLC, a Malta-based sports betting solutions provider, to offer its services in Nevada. This approval marks a significant milestone for the company, allowing it to provide premium sports betting software and platform services on a business-to-business (B2B) basis. The license, which includes both a Manufacturer & Distributor License and an Information Services License, paves the way for Kambi to expand its operations in one of the world’s most prominent and highly regulated betting markets.

Strategic growth plans for Kambi in Nevada:

Kambi, which has been at the forefront of the regulated U.S. sports betting landscape since 2018, will primarily work with gaming establishments across Nevada rather than offering services directly to consumers. The company’s debut in the state will begin with Bally’s Lake Tahoe casino, and executives hope to leverage this initial test to grow their presence throughout Nevada. Kambi’s key client in Nevada is Bally’s, a major operator with a casino in Lake Tahoe, although there are no immediate plans for new developments in Las Vegas. However, discussions have occurred regarding the potential for a resort development at the site of the former Tropicana casino, potentially in connection with a Major League Baseball stadium for the Oakland Athletics, as reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal.

As Kambi continues to expand its footprint across the United States, the company has already established a solid presence in 15 states and one Canadian province. It currently serves over 45 operators, providing software solutions for both retail and online sports betting. Kambi’s approach centers on offering a comprehensive platform that includes odds compilation, risk management, and customer intelligence, which is tailored to the unique needs of each operator.

Despite its success in other markets, Nevada presents a unique opportunity for Kambi due to the state’s strong regulatory standards. As a business-to-business provider, Kambi does not directly manage player accounts or oversee financial transactions but rather works alongside its partners like Bally’s, who handle the operational side of sportsbooks. For Kambi, gaining approval in Nevada not only enhances its credibility in the U.S. market but also positions the company for long-term growth in a competitive space.

The company’s CEO, Werner Becher, emphasized the significance of Nevada’s approval, describing it as a testament to Kambi’s commitment to excellence. “Securing approval for our licenses in Nevada is an important milestone for Kambi and a testament to our market-leading technology, regulatory expertise and corporate integrity,” Becher stated in Kambi’s press release. “Nevada is widely known as the gold standard for betting and gaming regulation, insisting on a standard that few companies can meet, and is therefore recognition of Kambi’s unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Kambi’s growing presence and future in the U.S.:

Kambi’s operations in the U.S. are primarily focused on soccer, tennis, basketball, eSports, and American football, with an increasing number of wagers placed on these sports every year. The company processes over 1 billion wagers annually across its platforms. In addition to its operations in Nevada, Kambi has a robust presence in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and several other states, with more than 50 U.S.-based employees supporting its expanding operations.

The company, which was founded in 2010, has been praised for its solid track record and commitment to compliance. In fact, Kambi executives were commended for their dedication, having attended both Nevada Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission hearings in person, showcasing their willingness to meet the state’s rigorous regulatory standards.

Kambi’s technology division is currently working on finalizing the field trial for its retail solution at Bally’s Lake Tahoe. Kambi’s Chief Technology Officer, Kris Saw, noted that the company is submitting its solution to the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s technology division for evaluation and is in the process of testing with Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). This testing phase is expected to be completed by mid-2025, after which Kambi will proceed with the field trial at Bally’s.

Kambi’s business model is built on collaboration. The company’s sportsbook technology integrates with its partners’ existing systems, allowing casinos like Bally’s to manage risk, liabilities, and operations on the ground. This level of flexibility and adaptability has made Kambi a valuable partner to operators across the U.S.

Although Kambi has not yet introduced player account management systems into its offerings, its partnership model ensures that such services are provided by its clients. This approach allows Kambi to focus on the core aspects of sports betting technology, while its partners handle player transactions.

Kambi’s entry into Nevada follows years of preparation, and while the company has faced delays along the way, the Nevada Gaming Commission’s approval represents a major achievement for the company. Kambi Chairman Anders Strom acknowledged the difficulties of the application process but expressed confidence in the company’s future in Nevada. “We now have a good team in place and good advice and processes,” Strom said.

Brian Krolicki, a member of the Nevada Gaming Commission, expressed his admiration for Kambi’s commitment to meeting the state’s demanding standards. “Retail sports betting is probably more important in Nevada than anywhere else,” Krolicki remarked. “I know folks who work there are very excited and can see this value added.”