Clever Advertising buys Pickswise as Spotlight focuses on Racing Post

Clever Advertising has acquired Pickswise, the US sports betting picks and analysis site, from Spotlight Sports Group, giving the Malta-based affiliate ownership of an American audience it previously helped develop.

The buyer acquired 100% of the brand in a transaction completed on 2 November. Neither party disclosed the price. Clever Advertising says Pickswise draws 1.4 million visits a month.

Spotlight Sports Group launched Pickswise in 2019 as its US sports betting media brand. The site covers professional and college sports, provides daily picks and compares odds across legal sportsbooks. It also reaches users through mobile apps, a newsletter and social channels.

Clever Advertising had already worked with Pickswise since late 2025. During that arrangement, it took responsibility for content strategy, relaunched the app and worked on the website and social channels. 

Owning the brand now adds a direct publishing asset to its existing paid media, search and influencer marketing work for operators.

The deal follows Clever Advertising's July investment in iGaming Nuts, a Polish SEO affiliate active in several European markets. Taken together, the transactions extend the group's control over search and content channels in the US and Europe, though the company has not disclosed the revenue or profitability of either investment.

The US market provides a substantial audience for sports betting media. The American Gaming Association said commercial sportsbooks generated $16.89bn in revenue during 2025, up 22.6% year-over-year. Licensing and advertising rules vary by state. 

Clever Advertising said Pickswise works only with operators legally available in each user's state. 

Spotlight Sports Group retains Racing Post and its operator and media partnerships. 

Spotlight Sports Group CEO, Mark Renshaw, said: "For us, the move sharpens our focus on Racing Post and our partnerships with operators and media groups around the world, where we see the biggest opportunities."

Clever Advertising said Pickswise will continue operating under its existing name, website and apps.

In February, Genius Sports agreed to acquire betting media network Legend for $1.2bn, reflecting another industry move towards owned betting audiences.