European lottery giant Allwyn is placing a focus on digital operations with the launch of a new business segment and the appointment of leadership to oversee its growth.
Allwyn announced the hiring of Kresimir Spajic as CEO of Allwyn Digital, a newly established business segment that will allow the lottery giant to expand its reach and diversify its offerings. Spajic will join Allwyn on Sept. 1 after serving as Betfred’s U.S. CEO for nearly three years. Before Spajic’s stint at Betfred, the 20-year industry veteran held leadership roles at Hard Rock International and Great Canadian Entertainment.
He also previously served as an advisor at Apollo Global Management. Spajic is bringing his talents to Allwyn after Betfred decided to shutter sports betting operations in the U.S.
“Kresimir’s appointment is a transformative step for our business,” said Allwyn CEO Robert Chvatal. “His expertise perfectly aligns with our commitment to continuously enhancing the player experience across our digital portfolio of products and games.”
Allwyn Digital will focus on the company’s digital efforts in lottery, sports betting and iGaming with North American markets being a potential point of emphasis for the operator.
The hiring of Spajic and the establishment of Allwyn follow recent efforts by the lottery company to strengthen its online operations. Last month, Allwyn sold its casino assets in Germany and Australia in deals that had a combined value of roughly $123 million.
Allwyn offloaded the casino assets while also bolstering its digital business. In July, the company also agreed to acquire the remaining 15.5% minority stake in Greek online sports betting and iGaming operator Stoiximan for a total cash consideration of $224 million.
New hire could impact Allwyn’s U.S. operations
Allwyn’s North American operations include being an operator and supplier for several U.S. lotteries, including the Illinois Lottery. In FY2024, Allwyn’s partnership with the Illinois Lottery generated $883.6 million in net income for the state. Allwyn established a presence in the Land of Lincoln through its 2023 acquisition of Camelot Lottery Solutions, the operator of the Illinois Lottery, through a private management agreement.
Allwyn would later rebrand Camelot Illinois to Allwyn North America.
The company’s new digital business is poised to provide lottery players in Illinois and other U.S. markets with new online offerings. Earlier this year, Allwyn prepared for the launch of its digital business by partnering with the DC Lottery to provide a collection of e-instant games. Allwyn delivered customized e-instant games to online lottery places in the district.
The Michigan Lottery also leverages Allwyn’s products by also offering its e-instant games through a digital games supplier partnership.
Allwyn is poised to deliver more iLottery content to U.S. markets through the hiring of Spajic and the establishment of its digital business.
Mixed results for Allwyn in North America
The company’s new focus on digital can also help stabilize profits in North America. In Q1 2025, Allwyn’s North American operations, which include technology and content, generated $71 million in revenue. By comparison, revenue was $69 million in Q1 2024.
Allwyn reported revenue growth in Q1 2025 but a substantial decline in adjusted EBITDA with the company closing at $10 million for the quarter, a 41% decrease year-over-year.
It attributed the decline to unfavorable jackpots and a lower incentive fee accrual in Illinois.
