Is Microgaming/Apricot on the Brink of Collapse?

by Lisa

September 3, 2024

in Companies & People, iGaming News

139

In an industry-shaking turn of events, concerns are mounting regarding the stability and future of one of the longest-standing names in the online gaming world: Microgaming, now known as Apricot. As an entity that has been a pioneer in online gaming since 1994, Microgaming has always been synonymous with cutting-edge gaming technology and innovation.

However, recent developments are raising red flags about the company's current status.

We began our investigation into the connection between Microgaming/Apricot and certain online casinos purportedly operating under fake MGA licenses. Websites such as https://www.ob9myr.com/, https://lotusbook.io/, and https://www.youplayfortuna.com/have raised suspicion for claiming to be licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), despite evidence suggesting otherwise.

Given Microgaming's longstanding reputation in the industry, we sought to verify whether these platforms had any affiliation with Apricot or Microgaming. To our astonishment, during our routine check, we discovered that both of the official websites of these gaming giants—https://www.apricot.co.im/ and https://microgaming.com/ are no longer accessible. This alarming discovery has sparked widespread speculation about the company's current operational status.

Adding fuel to the fire, Microgaming has recently surrendered its Maltese license, as evidenced by the shocking document showing that its B2B Critical Supply License under the jurisdiction of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has been surrendered. This unprecedented move has left industry insiders and gaming enthusiasts alike questioning whether Microgaming/Apricot is on the brink of going out of business.

These developments are particularly surprising given the company's extensive history and influence within the online gaming sector. Microgaming has already undergone significant changes in recent years. In 2020, the Microgaming Poker Network (MPN) was shuttered, marking the end of an era. The situation seemed to stabilize when, two years later, Games Global acquired Microgaming’s aggregation platform Quickfire along with a substantial catalog of games. This sale, though seen as a significant shift, was justified by Microgaming's leadership as a strategic refocus on its core strengths.

However, the recent surrender of its Malta license and the unavailability of its official websites suggest that all might not be well at Apricot/Microgaming. While the company’s PR strategies over the past decade have heavily centered around their slots and casino offerings, the Quickfire sale seemed like a major pivot. Now, these new developments raise critical questions about the company’s future.

Is this the beginning of the end for Microgaming/Apricot? Or is it merely another phase in a long and storied history of adaptation and transformation? At this point, the company's silence is deafening, and the gaming community is left anxiously awaiting further clarification.

One thing is clear: something significant is happening at Microgaming/Apricot, and the implications for the online gaming industry could be substantial. The gaming world will be watching closely as this story continues to unfold.

FAQs

What recent developments have caused concern about Microgaming/Apricot?
Recent developments include the surrendering of Microgaming's Maltese license and the inaccessibility of its official websites, leading to speculation about the company's stability.

Are Microgaming/Apricot's official websites currently accessible?
No, both of Microgaming’s official websites (https://www.apricot.co.im/ and https://microgaming.com/) are currently inaccessible, raising questions about the company's operational status.

What has led to the suspicion around certain online casinos and their MGA licenses?
Some online casinos, such as those listed in the article, are suspected of operating under fake MGA licenses, which has further fueled concerns about Microgaming/Apricot's affiliations.

How has Microgaming's recent license surrender affected its reputation?
The surrender of Microgaming’s Maltese license has raised significant concerns about the company's future, causing industry insiders and enthusiasts to question whether it is nearing the end of its operations.

What previous changes had Microgaming undergone before these recent issues?
Prior to these issues, Microgaming had already undergone significant changes, including the closure of the Microgaming Poker Network (MPN) in 2020 and the sale of its Quickfire platform to Games Global in 2022.