Former Betfred Executive to Lead Allwyn's New Online Gaming Efforts
Allwyn has taken a step toward expanding its online presence with the launch of a dedicated digital business unit and the appointment of a new leader to guide its growth. The company announced that Kresimir Spajic will become the CEO of Allwyn Digital, a newly created segment tasked with overseeing the operator's lottery, sports betting, and iGaming ventures. Spajic is scheduled to assume the role on September 1, following a tenure as Betfred's US CEO that spanned nearly three years.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Spajic arrives at Allwyn with more than two decades of gaming industry experience. Before leading Betfred's US operations, he held senior roles at Hard Rock International and Great Canadian Entertainment, contributing to the companies' expansion across regulated markets. He also previously served as an advisor to Apollo Global Management, further enhancing his credentials in corporate strategy and investment guidance. His move to Allwyn coincides with Betfred's decision to wind down its American sports betting operations.
Allwyn CEO Robert Chvatal emphasized that Spajic's appointment is a major advancement for the company, describing his expertise as a strong fit for the operator's ongoing push to improve the digital player experience across a wide portfolio of games and interactive products. The establishment of Allwyn Digital is intended to solidify the group's long-term strategy of diversifying beyond traditional lottery operations and accelerating its growth in online channels.
The creation of Allwyn Digital follows a series of moves designed to streamline the business and free resources for digital investment. In July, the company announced the sale of its casino assets in Germany and Australia, with the two transactions valued at roughly $123 million combined. Around the same time, Allwyn expanded its stake in Greek online betting operator Stoiximan by acquiring the remaining 15.5% minority interest for $224 million in cash, strengthening its position in the European iGaming sector.
In the US, Allwyn already holds a prominent role as an operator and supplier for multiple lotteries. Its most notable partnership is with the Illinois Lottery, which generated $883.6 million in net income for the state in fiscal year 2024. Allwyn entered Illinois in 2023 through its acquisition of Camelot Lottery Solutions, later rebranding the subsidiary as Allwyn North America. That move gave the company a major foothold in one of the largest state lottery markets.
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Digital Expansion to Boost Allwyn's Online Presence
The new digital division is expected to broaden the online offerings available to lottery players in Illinois and beyond. Earlier this year, Allwyn collaborated with the DC Lottery to provide e-instant games designed specifically for online players in the district. In addition, the Michigan Lottery has integrated Allwyn's e-instant products into its own digital platform through a supplier arrangement. These partnerships signal the operator's intent to expand its influence in US iLottery and iGaming markets.
Spajic's appointment represents the next phase of this digital expansion. With his leadership, Allwyn Digital is positioned to integrate lottery operations with sports betting and gaming products across both European and North American jurisdictions. The company views the launch of the new segment as a way to better respond to shifting consumer behavior and growing demand for digital lottery and gaming experiences.
Financial results underline the importance of this strategic shift. In the first quarter of 2025, Allwyn's North American division reported revenue of $71 million, a modest increase compared to $69 million during the same quarter in 2024.
However, adjusted EBITDA for the quarter fell sharply to $10 million, representing a 41% decline year-over-year. The company attributed the decrease to lower jackpot performance and reduced incentive fee accrual in Illinois.
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