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Four years after it left the market, 888 Casino has announced the return of its sports betting and online casino offerings via a strategic partnership with the ComeOn Group.
Under this new partnership with Evoke, 888’s owner, ComeOn Group, will run 888.nl, utilizing its own advanced casino and sportsbook platform. This setup allows players in the Netherlands to enjoy a wide selection of slots, exclusive games, and a variety of live casino tables, all under the recognizable 888 branding.
The collaboration signifies a major step for Evoke, which owns several popular brands, including William Hill and Mr Green. “888 is an incredibly strong global brand,” Evoke Director of Corporate Development Davide Marchisio said. “Partnering with a world-class operator gives us the opportunity to provide the amazing 888 experience to our Dutch fans.”
“We are excited about launching 888 to Dutch customers and further expanding in regulated markets with a high-impact, low-capital partnership aligned to Evoke’s strategy.”
Also commenting on the partnership, ComeOn Group CEO Juergen Reutter added: “Evoke is one of the biggest betting and gaming companies in our industry. We are honoured to be entrusted with the operation of 888.
“Our proprietary technology, strong market expertise, and commitment to responsible gaming will ensure that Dutch players enjoy a best-in-class experience with the 888 brand.”
888 Storied History with the Dutch Market
The partnership with ComeOn Group marks 888’s return to the Netherlands after nearly four years away. Back in October 2021, the company made the decision to block Dutch players, coinciding with the launch of the country’s regulated online gaming market on October 1, 2021.
Before this, 888 had operated in the Netherlands for several years, with its Dutch operations contributing around 3% to its overall revenue.
Since 88’s exit, the regulatory landscape has continued to shift, forcing other operators to leave the market as well. For instance, LiveScore Bet, one of the early entrants into the iGaming scene, announced its departure in November 2024. Similarly, Flutter Entertainment’s Tombola has also withdrawn from the Dutch market.
These changes have been influenced largely by rising taxes, which have added pressure on operators. As of January 1 this year, the tax on gross gaming revenue increased from 30.5% to 34.2%, with another hike planned for next year, pushing the rate to 37.8%.
Evoke Tracking Full Year Increases
This deal comes following the release of trading updates, where Evoke expressed confidence in its financial outlook. The company maintains its revenue growth forecast of 5% to 9% for the full year, alongside an expected adjusted EBITDA margin of at least 20%.
Evoke highlighted a strong performance in Q2, with notable contributions from its robust online segment, which saw a 6% increase in revenue. The retail sector also made a comeback during this period.
For the first half of the year, group revenue is projected to be 3% higher than the same period last year, driven by notable gains in gaming. Evoke’s profitability has improved, thanks to effective cost control and operational efficiency. The adjusted EBITDA for H1 is expected to range between £163 million and £167 million, suggesting a substantial increase from the previous year.
Source: iGB
