IMG Arena has agreed to acquire virtual sports and casino games provider Leap Gaming.

The sports data business noted that the investment will enhance its sports betting content portfolio, with the deal building on the existing partnership between the two parties.

Through this existing vision to ‘officialise’ virtual sports with the addition of official logos, team names, venues and other branded assets, the pair have launched official virtual sports betting products with the likes of NASCAR and EuroLeague.

Subject to customary closing conditions including a regulatory review process, the closing of the transaction is expected in the first half of 2023.

“When we invested in Leap Gaming in 2018, our aim was to create official products and unlock new revenue streams and forms of fan engagement for our clients,” said IMG Arena President Freddie Longe. “We are delighted to extend that partnership and officially welcome Leap into the IMG Arena team.

“The acquisition will enable us to build on the work we have already done with Leap to take the virtual sports experience to new levels and continue to enhance our sports betting content portfolio.”

Established in 2014, Leap Gaming currently works with 120 sportsbook operators across the world. As per the deal, Leap Gaming CEO Yariv Lissauer will become Senior Director & General Manager – iGaming, IMG Arena, with his 58-strong team to join the group.

Lissauer commented: “Leap joining the IMG Arena business is a natural union born out of synergies in product, customer base and, most importantly, culture and vision.

“This will enable us to leverage our knowledge, strengths and resources to deliver an enhanced range of best-in-class virtual sports products.”

Last week,

PointsBet integrated IMG Arena’s Golf Event Centre into its app

, with the aim of delivering an enhanced golf betting experience to its users.