Online gaming company, Betsson, to exit the US direct-to-consumer market by September's end
Betsson Exits US Market, Leaves Colorado Poker and Sports Betting Market
In a surprising move, Betsson, the popular online gambling company, has announced its decision to cease operating Betsafe in America, including Colorado. This exit comes as a response to the challenging and highly competitive regulatory environment, as well as evolving strategic business priorities common among international gambling operators navigating the US landscape.
The exit from Colorado follows the launch of Betsafe in the state in 2022, under a 10-year agreement with Dostal Alley Casino. However, specific reasons for Betsson's exit from Colorado were not detailed in the company's official statements.
Customers with questions regarding the matter are urged to contact Betsson's customer support. As of now, no further information about the exit has been provided in Betsson's FAQ section.
Betsafe will no longer accept new registrations from September 6, and customers can deposit money into their Betsafe betting accounts until the same date. Customers will have until September 27 to withdraw all their money from Betsafe, and all customer accounts will be closed on September 30, marking the end of its B2C business in the USA.
Despite this exit, Betsson has decided to maintain some presence in the Americas. The company has entered into a new partnership with Premier Padel, a move that highlights its commitment to internationally promoting the sport of padel tennis. In fact, Betsson remains one of the staunchest supporters of padel tennis and has recently launched the Betsafe brand in Peru this year.
Regarding long-term bets placed on events after Betsson's exit, typically, operators that cease services in a region are required to honor all existing bets and obligations until settled, especially for legally placed bets. However, detailed official terms on Betsson's handling of ongoing or long-term wagers post-exit were not found in the available data. Bettors should check Betsson’s official customer communication or regulatory disclosures for precise rules, as operators often have policies to resolve outstanding bets before complete withdrawal.
In the US market context, some operators have exited but bettors sometimes utilize secondary markets to trade or resell wagers before their events conclude, which is an emerging trend aiding liquidity and bet risk management. This secondary market might offer alternatives for bettors impacted by operator exits.
Betsson has also applied for a license in Brazil as the country continues its strides toward regulated online betting. However, the company did not opt to launch Betsafe in other states.
In conclusion, Betsson's exit from the US and Colorado likely stems from strategic adjustments in response to regulatory and market challenges, consistent with industry movements. Long-term bets already placed are normally honored and resolved by the operator, but bettors should verify specific terms directly with Betsson or Colorado gambling authorities for official guidance. Emerging secondary betting markets may provide options for bettors holding long-dated wagers in such scenarios.
- Betsson, having initially launched Betsafe in Colorado for sports betting in 2022, is now discontinuing its sports-related operations in the state.
- Despite ceasing casino-related services in the US, Betsson remains committed to promoting sports like padel tennis, as evident by its new partnership with Premier Padel.