Åland-based betting and gaming operator expands Land & Ship division to additional ferry routes and destinations across Europe
Paf is expanding its gaming operations with the acquisition of Bell Casino, which provides onboard entertainment to 50 ferries and cruise ships across Europe.
Swedish family-owned Bell Casino was founded in 1973 and operates on routes between Sweden, Germany, Poland, the Baltic nations, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Netherlands.
“We are very pleased to bring this deal to a successful conclusion,” said Paf CEO Christer Fahlstedt. “The acquisition is strategically important for our Land & Ship business, as it gives us the right conditions to continue developing our operations over the long term.”
Paf’s gaming operations are currently live on board 26 vessels, primarily in the Baltic Sea and North Sea regions.
Through the acquisition of Bell Casino, Paf will broaden its operational reach to new routes, markets and destinations across Europe.
Together, Paf and Bell will provide gaming entertainment onboard approximately 80 vessels, operating around 1,500 gaming machines and 450 arcade games.
“Our combined business gives us scale advantages when investing in modernisation and new technology,” said Lasse Danielsson, chief operating officer for Paf’s Land & Ship division. “Together with Bell’s business, we will have the right foundation to continue investing and growing in the years ahead.
“Bell complements Paf’s existing business both geographically and commercially. I look forward to the positive opportunities and synergies that our combined operations can create.”
Following the acquisition, Bell Casino will continue to operate under the same brand and business model. The company’s 28 employees include founder Morgan Eliasson and his son Marcus Eliasson, who will continue as CEO.
“Naturally, there is a sense of nostalgia in handing over a company that I have helped build since the very beginning,” said Morgan Eliasson, who will serve as senior advisor. “At the same time, I feel both reassured and confident about the future when Bell is a part of the Paf Group. Paf is a company in our industry with a long-term perspective and both feet firmly on the ground.”