Meridian Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: MRDN) announced that its subsidiary Expanse Studios has signed a content distribution agreement with Casino Portoroz d.d., one of Slovenia's leading gaming operators. This marks Expanse's first operator agreement in Slovenia, and its certified titles will be available on Casino.si, the operator's online gaming platform.
The agreement follows the certification of Expanse Studios' titles for the Slovenian market, completed by Gaming Laboratories International, LLC. Slovenia's regulatory framework is among Europe's most stringent, granting online concessions only to Slovenian-registered companies that already hold a land-based concession. The Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia supervises the market, keeping the number of licensed operators small and making per-title certification mandatory. This structure raises the cost of entry for content providers but makes established operator relationships more durable.
Casino Portoroz operates Grand Casino Portoroz, Grand Casino Lipica, and Grand Casino Mons Ljubljana, alongside the Casino.si online platform. It was the first holder of a Slovenian online casino concession, and Grand Casino Portoroz, established in 1913, is the oldest casino in Slovenia. This partnership adds Slovenia to Expanse's list of EU-regulated markets with certified content, following approvals in Malta, Portugal, Sweden, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Estonia, and Latvia. Expanse's model pairs jurisdiction-level certification with direct operator integrations, with player acquisition costs borne by the operator.
Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios, emphasized the strategic value of entering Slovenia, stating, "Slovenia is a closed market with a demanding certification process, which is exactly why we deemed it worth entering. Casino Portoroz has been in this business for more than a century and holds one of the hardest positions to obtain in European online gaming." Ksenija Bezek, Head of Online Operations at Casino Portoroz, welcomed the partnership, saying, "Their commitment to certification and regulated operations aligns closely with our focus on providing Slovenian players with a safe, reliable, and high-quality gaming experience. With a diverse portfolio spanning slots, strategy titles, and roulette games, Expanse brings valuable new content to our platform."
This expansion is part of Meridian Holdings' broader strategy to grow its B2B revenue alongside its B2C operations. By securing certification and operator partnerships in tightly regulated markets, Expanse Studios strengthens its position as a provider of certified content across Europe. The agreement with Casino Portoroz not only opens the Slovenian market but also establishes a foundation for long-term growth in a region where regulatory barriers protect established players. As Expanse continues to add regulated markets to its portfolio, it enhances its appeal to operators seeking reliable, certified content providers. This move aligns with Meridian Holdings' focus on expanding its international footprint and delivering value to shareholders through diversified revenue streams.
