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Meridian Gaming Ltd.
Available inEnglish
Founded2001
Headquarters
Sliema
,
Malta
Area servedEurope, Africa, Americas
Key peopleZoran Milošević (CEO)[1]
IndustrySports betting, Online gambling, Sports journalism
ServicesOnline betting & gaming, Sports journalism
URLOfficial website

Meridian Gaming Ltd. is an international business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) online sports betting and gaming group, founded in Serbia and registered in Malta. Operating under the brand name Meridianbet, it serves over thirty jurisdictions across Europe, the Americas and Africa which are exclusively regulated markets.[2] The company also entered the mass media market through the Meridian Sport online platform.

The company operates through betting shops and online platforms, with a primary focus on sports betting, while also offering various casino and fixed odds games. The Group's business model leverages proprietary technology and a scalable system, enabling operations in multiple countries and currencies. Their omni-channel approach includes retail, desktop online, Android, iOS and mobile platforms.[3]

The company has joined United Nations Global Compact Initiative dedicating its business operations and strategies to ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption and supporting UN goals and issues embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals.[4] In that manner, over fifty percent of top management positions are held by women as of 2022.[5]

History and expansion[edit]

Meridian was founded in 2001 by Joker Games d.o.o. during the expansion of sports betting in Serbia. In the Western Balkans, the company operates under the name Meridian Tech d.o.o. In 2007, the company registered in Malta as Meridian Gaming Ltd., where its headquarters remain today, and it is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority.[6] Initially, it was established as a land-based casino and after a great success, they have decided to expand their business online in 2018.

The company is broadly diversified across over thirty markets with leading footholds in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Malta and Cyprus. Other fast-growing markets include Mexico, Tanzania, Colombia and Peru.[7] A significant addition in 2023 include Kenya.[8]

In the competition of over 100 companies, based on the votes of the audience and the expert jury, Meiridanbet won the Hot Spot eCommerce Betting Awards 2022, which is awarded to the best betting company for contribution and merit in the progress of electronic commerce in Serbia and the region.[9]

In January 2023, it was announced that the Meridianbet group was sold to the American company Golden Matrix, but according to the contract, it will continue to operate under the same name.[10] The acquisition was completed in April 2024,[11] after which Meridian joined Nasdaq under the Golden Matrix Group.[12]

Meridianbet[edit]

The Group's online betting and gambling platform, Meridianbet, feature:[13]

  • extensive sportsbook section (a wager on the most popular sports events in the world – pre-match and live);
  • a huge casino gaming library;
  • virtual games;
  • slots section;
  • play table games;
  • live casino games.

Meridian Gaming has also developed over 100 in-house online casino games with cooperation with domestic producer Expanse Studios,[14] of whom the most notable being Wild Icy Fruits, Titan Roulette, Titan Dice, Diamond Black Jack, Sic Bo, Mayas Treasure, Golden Hi Lo, Fairy in Wonderland, Piggy Party, Evoji, Sticky 777 and Circus Fever Deluxe.[15]

By utilizing complex algorithms to calculate probabilities, the company has created a software solution that gives a wide range of options to operators and customers, such as longer trading periods, odds in wide ranges, and big payouts. Meridian has developed a unique option known as empty bet that allows customers to submit their own unique wager ideas, as long as they meet legal, ethical, and industry good practice standards. This feature is available to Meridianbet's players worldwide, both online and in its retail network of 735 shops across Europe, the Americas, and Africa.[16][17] There is another innovative option which allows users to predict which referee will be watching VAR during the match.[18]

When registering, users receive a welcome bonus without making a deposit, as well as with the payment of the first deposit.[19] Each payment also brings bonuses that differ depending on the payment method.[20]

As a founding member of the European Organization for Gaming Law,[21] a special attention is paid to responsible gambling with a focus on addiction prevention and the protection of minors and players in general witihin a Meridian company. Initiative named Betting Awareness was developed to implement a multi-faceted approach to raise awareness of addiction prevention. The company provides online resources and tools to help customers better understand their gambling habits and access support services if needed. This includes information about self-exclusion, setting limits and responsible gaming features.[22]

Meridian Sport[edit]

Meridian has a sports journalism section. The Meridian sport website has been active since 2017, and has existed in written form since 2001.[23] In 2020, the site got its android app available on google play.[24] Within the site, there is also a Meridian TV YouTube channel that publishes thematic blogs and podcasts with people related to sports.[25]

Cooperation with sports organizations[edit]

The company supports over 30 amateur and professional clubs worldwide, providing not only financial aid, but also essential sports and technical equipment and often is supporter of many regional and foreign sports events.

At the end of 2022, Meridian established cooperation with the Crvena zvezda basketball club, which changed its name to Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet.[26] Other investment in Serbian sport include a multi-year contract with the Sports Federation of Serbia through the construction of sports fields and the purchase of sports equipment,[27] sponsorship of Biathlon Union of Serbia, FMP Meridian, Water Polo Club Partizan, ŽKK Crvena zvezda, Serbian eGames Association, Fencing Club Red Star, etc.

In Montenegro, Meridian is the main sponsor of the Montenegrin First League in football, whose name it bears.[28] It also sponsors Water Polo and Swimming Federation of Montenegro,[29] FK Sutjeska Nikšić, KK Jedinstvo Bijelo Polje, Ragbi klub Budućnost...[30]

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Meridian became the main sponsor of Sarajevo football club.[31] Other sponsored clubs include FK Sloga Meridian Doboj, FK Goražde, FK Alfa Modriča, FK Sloga Trn, KK Bosna Meridianbet Sarajevo, OKK Sloboda Tuzla, KK Promo Donji Vakuf, ŽKK Mladi Krajišnik, ŽKK Banovići...[32]

In Malta, the company sponsored two football clubs Valletta F.C. and Zabbar F.C.[33]

In Cyprus the company sponsores AEL Limassol B.C., while in Africa among others CD Costa do Sol from Mozambique and Pan African S.C. from Tanzania.[34]

Humanitarian and socially responsible work[edit]

Meridian's business philosophy includes corporate social responsibility actions.[35] In accordance with that, Meridian launched an initiative encouraging customers to actively participate in and fund various environmental, societal, and humanitarian projects. In 2023 alone, the Group launched 225 CSR campaigns worldwide.[36]

Enviromental actions[edit]

  • supporting Green Agenda, taking part in a global affrestation effort, with a commitment to planting 20,000 seedlings across different regions;[37][38]
  • donation to the Malta Ranger Unit, an emerging Maltese environmental non-governmental organization dedicated to safeguarding the environment;[39]
  • on the occasion of Earth Day, helping the Resource Center in Montenegro.[40]

Humanitarian actions[edit]

  • in cooperation with people from public life, Meridian on several occasions organized a humanitarian ticket campaign in Montenegro and Serbia, where the amount of the winning ticket and any bonuses would be donated to individuals or institutions that need help;[41][42][43]
  • for every medal won at the Olympic Games in Tokyo by Serbian athletes, Meridian donated RSD 100,000;[44]
  • joined the global coalition initiative supporting communities devastated by severe flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.[45]
  • joined Unicef Covid Solidarity Response Fund for India[46]
  • donation to the Cypriot Charisma Foundation - help for children with special needs;[47]
  • cooperation with charity organization Budi human from Serbia;[48]
  • donations to meal kitchens in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina[49] and Bar, Montenegro;[50]
  • donations to retirement homes in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina[51] and Podgorica, Montenegro;[52]
  • organizing charity activities and donation to Dar Bjorn, neurological home in Malta, and others.[53]

Public health[edit]

During the global pandemic of COVID-19, Meridian established the humanitarian foundation Od srca sa ljubalju in order to help the health and socially endangered population and health institutions increasing social responsibility.[54] The company's reports in 2021 show that donatations have reached over million euros to Covid-related projects and charities throughout Southeast Europe, European Union, Latin America, Central America, Africa, and Asia.[55] During the pandemic, actively supported UNICEF's immunization campaign, and gave benefits to vaccinated customers.[56]

Foundation continued to work after the end of the pandemic. For every scanned QR code and subsequent registration on the Meridian Foundation's website, funds are allocated towards equipping maternity hospitals across Southeast Europe. The 'Scan. Help.' campaign has received institutional support ad backing from the Ministry of Health.[57] On the occasion of International Women's Day, Meridian donated to maternity hospitals throughout the regions as well.[58][59][60]

Societal activities[edit]

  • raising public awareness about violence against women;[61]
  • raising awareness about the importance of recycling;[62]
  • launching initiatives to rescue abandoned animals[63]

Meridian sponsored the publication of a documentary film Više od igre, više od života by Montenegrin author Milutin Grgur about the preservation of friendship between people from different sides in the 1990s through Yugoslav football, which is another action that contributes to regional reconciliation in the Balkans.[64]

Supporting local communities through charitable donations, as in Serbia, the company donated a mobile popcorn machine to the charity association Mali Princ (Little Prince) from Apatin.[65]

Meridian also cooperates with other humanitarian organizations. In Bosnia, on several occasions during the matches of FK Sarajevo, whose general sponsor is, Meridian, in cooperation with the organization Pomozi.ba organized donations for every goal that Sarajevo scores in the match of the championship of Bosnia and Herzegovina which completes the experience at the match itself.[66]

Youth and students[edit]

  • through its humanitarian foundation awarding and providing scholarships for the best students at Universities in Serbia;[67]
  • several donations to public schools in Northern region of Motenegro, as well as Podgorica;[68][69]
  • in cooperation with Moto club Familija humanitarian rides for mountain schools in Montenegro where classes are held in poor conditions.[70]
  • organizing youth school of sports across Serbia in cooperation with local clubs and sport's organizations;[71]
  • being general sponsor of Montenegrin student's sports association, organizing Meridianbet Student League of Montenegro in basketball;[72]
  • in 2022, organizing high level International friendly basketball tournament for players up to fifteen years of age with famous teams from Serbia, Romania, Spain and Turkey;[73]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "IZ PRVE RUKE: Direktor regionalnog lidera u industriji igara na sreću otkriva sve detalje o sportskom klađenju!". Meridian sport. 25 April 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  2. ^ "Meridianbet ima spektakularne novosti pred početak Sajma G2E u Las Vegasu". vijesti.me. 4 October 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  3. ^ "Meridian Bet Provides Update on Corporate Progress and Pending Acquisition". yahoo! finance. 8 January 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Meridianbet Group joins UN Global Compact Initiative". Malta today. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Meridianbet Releases Its 2022 ESG Report, With Record Sponsorships and Community Milestones". globenewswire (Press release). 27 April 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  6. ^ "Srpski državljani u "Rajskim papirima"". KRIK. 6 November 2017. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Strike Gold with GMGI and MeridianBet's Global Gaming Powerhouse". yahoo! finance. 9 April 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  8. ^ "MeridianBet clocks 25% revenue growth in 2023 ahead of proposed acquisition by Golden Matrix". yogonet. 10 January 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  9. ^ "NOVO PRIZNANJE ZA REGIONALNOG LIDERA: Meridianbet je najbolja online betting kompanija u Srbiji!". GM press. 31 January 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  10. ^ "Srpski MeridianBet Group prodat za $300 miliona – kupac je američki Golden Matrix Group". Netokracija. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  11. ^ "Golden Matrix completes acquisition of MeridianBet". igamingbusiness. 9 April 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  12. ^ "MeridianBet marks Nasdaq launch with opening bell ceremony". SBC Americas. 22 April 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Meridianbet offers €10 No Deposit Bonus for Malta Players". TVM News. 23 July 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  14. ^ "Official website of Expanse studios". Expanse Studis. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  15. ^ "Meridianbet partners with Blue Ocean Gaming". intergame. 24 February 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  16. ^ "Meridianbet's Live Betting: Two Decades of Betting Excellence and Innovation". globenewswire (Press release). 21 March 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  17. ^ "Revolutionising Online Betting: How MeridianBet's 'Empty Bet' Changes the Game". globenewswire (Press release). 2 February 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  18. ^ "VAR, Cards, Penalties - Meridianbet's New Spot Wagers Are Redefining the Betting Experience". globenewswire (Press release). 27 February 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  19. ^ "Ovo niste očekivali – brutalno dobar bonus dobrodošlice!". vjesti online. 28 April 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  20. ^ "U Meridianu svaki način uplate donosi bonus za još veće uživanje u ponudi!". glas online. 30 March 2020. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  21. ^ "LATEST NEWSMeridian Provides Update on Corporate Progresss and Pending Acquisition". i gaming news. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  22. ^ "Meridianbet launches new Corporate Social Responsibility initiative". Times of Malta. 28 April 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  23. ^ "O nama". Meridian sport.rs. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  24. ^ "Aktuelne sportske vesti na klik od vas – Instaliraj Meridian sport aplikaciju". Kladjenje.rs. 30 July 2020. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  25. ^ "Meridianov YouTube kanal kao i portal Meridian sport od marta mjeseca je bogatiji za jednu novu, jedinstvenu, rubriku koja nosi ime: Time out!". Crnogorski portal. 13 January 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  26. ^ "CRVENA ZVEZDA JE OD 1. JANUARA – CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET!!!". KK Crvena Zvezda offical website. 26 December 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  27. ^ "Nova saradnja za novu godinu: Sportski savez Srbije i kompanija Meridian udružili snage za predstojeće izazove". Novosti. 24 December 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  28. ^ "MERIDIANBET SPONZOR 1. CFL". Football federation of Montenegro offical website. 18 July 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  29. ^ "Meridianbet novi sponzor Vaterpolo plivačkog saveza". RTCG. 1 October 2020. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  30. ^ "Meridianbet novi sponzor Vaterpolo plivačkog saveza". Meridian Sport CG. 3 February 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  31. ^ "LIDERI U REGIONU: Meridianbet je najveći sponzor sportskih klubova na Balkanu!". 8 September 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  32. ^ "Regionalni lider u razvoju sporta: Kompanija Meridianbet najveći sponzor klubova i Saveza!". Novosti. 4 February 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  33. ^ "With a goal to promote Maltese sport, Meridianbet sponsored two football clubs during the 2021/22 season!". TVM News. 10 July 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  34. ^ "ZA MERIDIAN NEMA GRANICA: Domaća kompanija podržala i Biatlon savez Srbije - da olimpijski sport više ne bude na začelju!". TVM News. 20 June 2022. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  35. ^ "Meridianbet Donate: Revolutionizing CSR in the Betting and Gaming Industry". yahoo! finance. 2 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  36. ^ "Meridianbet Group Strengthens the ESG Reporting Segment". europeangaming.eu. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  37. ^ "Sportska kladionica Meridian donira sadnice širom regiona!". antena M. 10 February 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  38. ^ "GLOBALNI PROJEKAT: Meridian do sada donirao više od 1.000 sadnica". trebinje.com. 7 April 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  39. ^ "Meridianbet reinforces commitment to environmental conservation with donation to Malta Ranger Unit". Malta Today. 29 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  40. ^ "Meridianbet i Resurni centar u zajedničkoj akciji: Budi i ti dijete proljeća". Standard. 18 April 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  41. ^ "Opet dobitan! Još jedan humanitarni tiket koji je ispunio cilj". crnogorski portal. 4 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  42. ^ "Meridian humanitarni tiketi donijeli pomoć onima kojima je najpotrebnija!j". antena M. 18 July 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  43. ^ "HUMANITARNI TIKET – Teodora Džehverović i Meridian obradovali Dom za nezbrinutu decu (FOTO)". Mondo. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  44. ^ "MERIDIAN SLAVI SPORT! Milionska donacija u čast naših olimpijaca". Novosti. 9 August 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  45. ^ "MeridianBet joins global coalition for Rio Grande do Sul flood relief". yogonet. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  46. ^ "MERIDIAN I UNICEF UDRUŽILI SNAGE: Stiže novčana pomoć Indiji". Srbija Danas. 18 May 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  47. ^ "Διαχρονική στήριξη στα παιδιά με αξιοσέβαστο "ΧΑΡΙΣΜΑ"". Meridian Sport CY. 21 April 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  48. ^ "Humanost spaja – Meridianbet podržao rad Fondacije "Budi human"". Vijesti online. 5 June 2020. Retrieved 30 May 2024.;
  49. ^ "Kompanija Meridian: Širimo humanost cijelim regionom". Banja Luka danas.com. 29 August 2020. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  50. ^ "Meridianbet uručio vrijednu donaciju Narodnoj kuhinji u Baru". 17 November 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  51. ^ "https://banjalukadanas.com/kompanija-meridian-briga-o-starijim-stanovnicima-uvijek-prioritet/". Banja Luka danas. 22 July 2020. Retrieved 30 May 2024. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  52. ^ "Meridianbet povodom 8. marta obradovao korisnice Doma starih "Podgorica"". Dom starih Podgovorica. 13 March 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  53. ^ "Runs, donations and charity work for Movember campaign". Malta Today. 29 November 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  54. ^ "O nama". Od srca sa ljubavlju. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  55. ^ "One of the Largest Online Gambling Platforms Donated Over $1M to Tackle the Covid Pandemics". european gaming. 9 November 2021.
  56. ^ "Sportska kladionica Meridian donira sadnice širom regiona!". Vijesti. 10 February 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  57. ^ "Meridianbet Launches 'Scan. Help.' Humanitarian Initiative to Support Maternity Hospitals in Southeast Europe". yahoo! finance. 17 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  58. ^ ""MERIDIAN NAM OMOGUĆAVA DA LAKŠE ŽIVIMO": Domaća kompanija poklonima iznenadila porodilje širom Srbije". Blic. 9 March 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  59. ^ "Meridian za 8. mart poklonima iznenadio porodilje širom regiona". Crnogorski portal. 9 March 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  60. ^ "GEST ZA SVAKU POHVALU: Obeležavanje Dana žena u Institutu za majku i dete upriličili posebni gosti". Telegraf. 8 March 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  61. ^ ""STOP NASILJU NAD ŽENAMA" NISU SAMO REČI: Meridian fondacija poslala važnu poruku (VIDEO)". kurir. 25 November 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  62. ^ "POTEZ ZA DIVLJENJE: Fondacija Meridian kroz igru pokrenula VAŽNU DRUŠTVENU TEMU (VIDEO)". Radio televizija Krusevac. 24 February 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  63. ^ "I NJIMA TREBA POMOĆ: Kompanija Meridian podržala inicijativu spasavanja životinja sa ulica)". Novosti. 9 December 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  64. ^ "Novo filmsko ostvarenje MILUTINA GRGURA uz podršku MERIDIANBET: "Više od igre, više od života"". kolektiv.me. 14 February 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  65. ^ "Radost i sreća u Apatinu: Zahvaljujući vrednoj donaciji kompanije Meridian Uroš (19) je dobio posao (FOTO)". Telegraf. 3 January 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  66. ^ "ČETIRI GOLA ZA HUMANOST: Meridian uplatio 4.000 KM udruženju Pomozi.ba". Portal micro mreza. 28 March 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  67. ^ "Desetke za ponos i svetlu budućnost: Kompanija Meridian najboljim akademcima uručila vredne stipendije". 24 sedam. 5 November 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  68. ^ "Meridianbet ulaže u obrazovanje djece na sjeveru Crne Gore". Antena M. 16 March 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  69. ^ "Meridian kompanija nastavlja da unapređuje školstvo u Crnoj Gori: Ovog puta pomoć je pružena OŠ "Sutjeska" u Podgorici". portal Zeta. 26 October 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  70. ^ "Uzbudljiva vožnja humanitarnim stazama!". portal Zeta. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  71. ^ "MERIDIAN ORGANIZUJE ŠKOLE SPORTA ŠIROM SRBIJE". kurir. 28 July 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  72. ^ "Startovala Meridianbet Studentska liga u košarci". DAN. 11 March 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  73. ^ ""Meridian Friendship Tournament" pripao Megi, podršku pružili i legendarni srpski reprezentativci". RTS. 26 June 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2024.

External links[edit]

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