The launch builds on the LiveScore Bet platforms already live in Nigeria and the Netherlands. Kambi is replacing a third-party supplier to power the new sportsbook.

Confirmation of the roll-out comes after LiveScore and Kambi entered into a new sportsbook partnership in October of last year. The deal covers both the LiveScore Bet and Virgin Bet brands.

Kambi is providing its sports betting product suite for the new-look sportsbook. This offering includes a sports betting platform, managed services, AI-powered trading and Bet Builder.

In addition, the LiveScore in-house product teams will utilise Kambi’s open APIs, incentives tools and bespoke bet offer specials.

“We are delighted to have launched in the UK and Ireland with our enhanced sportsbook product ahead of the Euros and Copa América,” LiveScore Group CEO Sam Sadi said.

“It was crucial we were live on time in one of our most important markets. In collaboration with Kambi, we are incredibly excited to deliver memorable sports betting experiences for our players during these prestigious tournaments and beyond.”

Kambi managing director added: “This launch is a significant milestone in our partnership with LiveScore Bet. Kambi is committed to delivering a flexible sportsbook product that can be customised to meet the specific needs of each operator in their respective target markets. 

“The UK and Ireland are both highly competitive, but by leveraging the combined strengths and expertise of LiveScore Bet and Kambi technology, LiveScore Bet is uniquely positioned to create a one-of-a-kind sportsbook offering.”

What next for LiveScore?

The UK and Ireland launch marks the latest step for LiveScore and its ongoing expansion plan.

The group already has a sports betting presence in other markets including Nigeria, the Netherlands, Malta and Gibraltar. When the Kambi deal was announced last year, the group said it hoped to go live in “multiple” new markets. 

The actual LiveScore brand has been around since 1998, offering live scores from events around the world. At present, it has over 50 million daily users across more than 200 territories. 

LiveScore Group formed in 2019 following a spin-off from Gamesys and launched its first sportsbook product in the following year. Gamesys acquired the business in 2017 and, following Gamesys’ £490m sale to Jackpotjoy Group and the £2.0bn merger with Bally’s Corporation, LiveScore Group stands alone as an independent business led by Sadi. 

Mixed Q1 at Kambi

As for Kambi, the group last month released its Q1 results, with these revealing a slight drop in revenue to €43.2m (£36.7m/$46.7m).

Pre-tax profit hit €4.4m, in line with the amount posted last year. After paying €1.2m in tax, net profit for the quarter hit €3.2m, only marginally lower than in Q1 2023. In addition, EBITDA was 10.2% higher at €14.1m.

The mixed Q1 followed a follows a tricky 2023, during which CEO and co-founder Kristian Nylén said he was “not satisfied” with its financial performance. However, looking at Q1, Nylén was more upbeat. 

Nylén singled out the launch of LiveScore Group’s new Kambi-powered sportsbook in Nigeria as a key highlight. He also referenced the roll-out in the Netherlands soon after.

He went on to say the LiveScore partnership as a whole is “pivotal” for the group.