Central Europe
SAZKA Group Q3 and 9M Results and Update on Current Trading
SAZKA Group a.s. announces its financial results for the three months to 30 September 2020 and provides an update on recent developments and current trading.
Q3 2020 Financial highlights
- Consolidated gross gaming revenue increased by 66% year-on-year to €769 million. Excluding CASAG1, GGR increased by 1% year-on-year.
- Consolidated Operating EBITDA2 increased by 37% year-on-year to €197 million. Excluding CASAG, Operating EBITDA increased by 6%.
- Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes certain one-off items, increased by 32% year-on-year to €207 million.
- Consolidated profit after tax decreased by 33% year-on-year to €48 million, impacted by a €54 million restructuring provision at CASAG. Excluding CASAG, profit after tax increased by 3% year-on-year.
9M 2020 Financial highlights
- Consolidated gross gaming revenue increased by 4% year-on-year to €1,421 million. Excluding CASAG, GGR decreased by 18% year-on-year due to the impact of COVID in the second quarter.
- Consolidated Operating EBITDA decreased by 15% year-on-year to €364 million. Excluding CASAG, Operating EBITDA decreased by 26% year-on-year.
- Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes certain one-off items, also decreased by 15% year-on-year to €375 million.
- Consolidated profit after tax from continuing operations decreased by 58% year-on-year to €90 million. Excluding CASAG, profit after tax decreased by 50%.
Pro-rata LTM Q3 2020 highlights3
- Pro-rata LTM Adjusted EBITDA was €379 million.
- Pro-rata net debt / Adjusted EBITDA was 3.2x and Pro-rata priority net debt / Adjusted EBITDA was 0.5x at 30 September 2020.
Key strategic initiatives
- In July, the Supervisory Board of CASAG approved a plan to optimise the cost structure of the casino business in Austria. This plan is underway and expected to achieve c.€45 million of annual cost savings by FY22.
- In July and November, OPAP acquired additional interests in Stoiximan Group’s Greek and Cypriot business (“SMGC”), the leading online gaming business in Greece. OPAP now holds an 84.5% interest in SMGC.
- In November, KKCG and SAZKA Group announced that funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, one of the world’s leading investors in gaming, will invest €500 million in a newly formed holding company which will become the owner of SAZKA Group at a valuation of €4.2 billion.
Trading update
- Restrictions which had impacted some of our land-based businesses (in particular, in Greece, Italy and our casinos in Austria and internationally) in H1 were lifted at the end of Q2, and sales of these businesses recovered well in Q3.
- Our land-based businesses in the Czech Republic and Austria, which were not materially impacted by restrictions in H1, have continued to perform well.
- Online sales, which increased significantly during the period most impacted by COVID, have generally remained at these higher levels.
- Since late October/early November, there has been a second wave of COVID restrictions, having some impact on our businesses.
- The vast majority of the land-based POS of our businesses in the Czech Republic, Austria and Italy remain open and continue to sell our products.
- The majority of the POS in these locations are located in shops and other outlets which provide essential products and services which therefore remain open. These include tobacconists, supermarkets and petrol stations.
- Our land-based business in Greece and Cyprus as well as our casinos have been more affected by the current lockdown and are currently closed.
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Central Europe
Gaming in Germany Conference returns to Berlin November 10, 2026
The Gaming in Germany Conference is set to return to Berlin on November 10, 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from across the country’s regulated online gambling sector. The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Ku’damm and is expected to once again attract a wide range of industry professionals.
Organised by Gaming in Europe, the annual conference has established itself as a central meeting point for operators, regulators, legal experts, and service providers involved in Germany’s evolving iGaming landscape.
Key Topics on the Agenda
The 2026 edition will focus on some of the most pressing issues facing the German market. A major highlight will be discussions around the evaluation of the GlüStV 2021 (State Gambling Treaty) and its impact on the regulated online gambling environment.
In addition, the conference will cover a broad range of topics, including:
- Regulatory developments and compliance
- Market growth and competitive dynamics
- Player protection and responsible gambling
- Marketing strategies in a regulated environment
- The role of eSports within the sector
These sessions are designed to provide actionable insights while fostering dialogue between industry participants and regulatory authorities.
Confirmed Speakers
Although the event is still several months away, a strong lineup of speakers has already been confirmed. These include:
- Dr. Jörg Hofmann, Senior Partner at Melchers Law
- A senior representative from the GGL (German Gambling Authority)
- Dr. Dirk Quermann, President of DOCV
- Mathias Dahms, President of DSWV
- VP Games at ZEAL Network
- Prof. Dr. Christian Piska, University of Vienna
- Dr. Nepomuk Nothelfer, University of Agder & Melchers Law
- Josh Hodgson, COO at H2 Gambling Capital
This mix of legal, regulatory, and commercial expertise ensures a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities within Germany’s regulated market.
A Key Industry Meeting Point
Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in Germany, highlighted the importance of the event:
“After last year’s highly successful edition, we are extremely pleased to return to Berlin in 2026. Our goal is to connect the industry with regulatory and social stakeholders. This year, we expect to gain valuable insights into the evaluation of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty and its impact on the market.”
He also emphasized that the conference remains one of the best opportunities to meet key decision-makers in Germany’s iGaming sector.
Registration and Participation
Industry professionals are encouraged to save the date and secure their place early. The event also offers opportunities for speakers and sponsors to get involved and share their expertise with a targeted audience.
With its strong agenda and high-level networking opportunities, the Gaming in Germany Conference 2026 is set to be a must-attend event for anyone active in the German regulated iGaming market.
The post Gaming in Germany Conference returns to Berlin November 10, 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Central Europe
Gaming Laboratories International Named Best Testing Laboratory in the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named “Best Testing Laboratory in CEE” in the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026. The awards were presented during the Hipther Prague Gaming & TECH Summit. GLI has won this award multiple times in a row.
“We are thrilled to be honored by the industry in this way. At GLI, we have been fully committed to the gaming industry across Central and Eastern Europe for decades, working with suppliers, regulators, and operators to provide the insights and technical expertise that help the industry move forward safely and securely. Being recognized for our efforts is humbling and gratifying,” said GLI Managing Director EMEIA James Boje.
According to organisers, the GamingTECH Awards celebrate the standout companies, teams and individuals shaping the future of gaming, compliance, payments and innovation across Central & Eastern Europe.
The post Gaming Laboratories International Named Best Testing Laboratory in the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Austria
Wazdan strengthens European foothold with Austrian market entry via win2day
Wazdan has continued its European growth strategy by entering the Austrian iGaming market through a new partnership with win2day, the country’s only licensed online casino operator. The move represents a significant milestone for the developer as it strengthens its footprint in regulated markets across the region.
The agreement will see a selection of Wazdan’s most recognisable titles made available to Austrian players, including 9 Coins
, Hot Slot
: 777 Cash Out, and Mighty Wild
: Panther. These initial releases mark the beginning of a broader rollout strategy aimed at steadily expanding the studio’s presence on the platform.
Gradual Rollout Strategy
Following the initial launch, Wazdan plans to introduce one new title each month to the win2day portfolio. This phased approach allows the operator to continuously refresh its offering while ensuring each addition aligns with player preferences and market demand.
By focusing on quality over volume, the partnership is designed to enhance player engagement through carefully selected content that combines strong visual appeal with innovative gameplay mechanics.
Bringing Signature Features to Austria
In addition to its established titles, Wazdan will introduce Austrian players to its suite of proprietary features that have become central to its brand identity. These include Hold the Jackpot
, Cash Infinity
, Collect to Infinity
, Sticky to Infinity
, and Cash Out
.
These mechanics are designed to increase player interaction and extend gameplay sessions by adding dynamic elements and customizable experiences. As operators increasingly seek differentiated content, such features play a key role in enhancing retention and overall player satisfaction.
Partnering with a Trusted Operator
win2day is operated by Austrian Lotteries, a long-established organization with more than four decades of experience in the market. As the sole licensed online casino operator in Austria, win2day holds a unique position, combining strict regulatory compliance with a strong reputation for responsible gaming.
The collaboration brings together Wazdan’s expertise in game development with win2day’s established market presence, creating a partnership focused on delivering high-quality and secure entertainment to players.
Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said:
“Entering the Austrian market with win2day is a significant milestone for Wazdan and a rewarding step in our continued European expansion. Partnering with a trusted, long-established operator allows us to deliver the quality user experience we are known for to a new audience.”
Georg Wawer, Managing Director of win2day, added:
“As Austria’s only licensed online gaming operator, we are committed to offering a carefully curated portfolio of high-quality games. Partnering with Wazdan allows us to combine engaging gameplay with the highest levels of safety and responsibility.”
Strengthening Regulated Market Presence
As the European iGaming landscape continues to evolve, expansion into regulated jurisdictions remains a key priority for leading developers. Wazdan’s entry into Austria highlights its commitment to sustainable growth through strategic partnerships and compliance-driven market entry.
By aligning with a trusted operator and delivering proven content alongside innovative features, Wazdan is well-positioned to establish a strong presence in the Austrian market.
The post Wazdan strengthens European foothold with Austrian market entry via win2day appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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