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Aspire Global’s Year-End Report 2019 – Another Year of Strong Growth

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FOURTH QUARTER 2019 (OCT-DEC)
• Revenues decreased by 2.0% to €32.2 million (32.9).
• B2B revenues increased by 10.0% to €21.2 million (19.3), constituting 66.0% of total revenues.
• EBITDA decreased by 33.6% to €4.4 million (6.6).
• EBITDA for B2B decreased by 21.0% to €3.4 million (4.4), constituting 78.8% of total EBITDA.
• The EBITDA margin amounted to 13.5% (20.0%)
• EBIT amounted to €3.1 million (6.0).
• Earnings after tax amounted to €-12.1 million (4.6), impacted by the tax settlement of €13.7 million related to the fiscal years 2008–2018.
• Earnings per share after tax amounted to €-0.26 (0.10) including, and €0.03 (0.10) excluding, a one-off tax item.
• First time depositors in thousands (FTDs) decreased by 14.6% to 105.6 thousand (123.7).

FULL YEAR 2019 (JAN-DEC)
• Revenues increased by 26.0% to €131.4 million (104.6).
• B2B revenues increased by 43.4% to €81.1 million (56.6), constituting 62.0% of total revenues.
• EBITDA increased by 2.4% to €21.7 million (21.2).
• EBITDA for B2B increased by 29.0% to €15.9 million (12.4), constituting 73.4% of total EBITDA.
• The EBITDA margin amounted to 16.5% (20.3%)
• EBIT amounted to €17.7 million (19.3).
• Earnings after tax amounted to €0.4 million (16.2), impacted by the tax settlement of €13.7 million related to the fiscal years 2008–2018.
• Earnings per share after tax amounted to €0.01 (0.36) including, and €0.31 (0.36) excluding, a one-off tax item.
• First time depositors in thousands (FTDs) increased by 20.0% to 444.5 thousand (370.4).
• The Board proposes the AGM that no dividend is paid out for 2019 following the tax settlement and the continued search for M&A opportunities. The long-term dividend target of 50% of net profit remains.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS DURING AND AFTER THE FOURTH QUARTER
• October 7th, Aspire Global finalized the acquisition of the leading game aggregator platform Pariplay for €13.3 million in cash, according to the initial conditions. With the acquisition Aspire Global has gained control of yet another crucial part of the iGaming value chain – creating synergies, broadening the game portfolio and providing a channel to distribute propriety games outside the partner network. The transaction had a positive effect on the company’s EBITDA already in Q4 2019.
• Aspire Global appealed against the lawsuit made by the Swedish Consumer Agency (“KO”) in October claiming that the company violated the marketing provisions of the Gaming- and Marketing acts.
• November 1st 2019, Aspire Global announced the coming entering into the regulated US market as Pariplay signed an agreement for New Jersey with longstanding partner 888casino.
• December 31st 2019, Aspire Global reached an agreement for a settlement with the Israeli Tax Authority in the previously disclosed tax audit.

STATEMENT FROM THE CEO
I am pleased to conclude that we have delivered another year of strong growth, despite changes in the market environment. Revenues increased by 26% to €131.4 million with an EBITDA margin of 16.5%, in line with our financial targets. We have proven that our strategy is efficient, and we have a solid foundation to continue to expand our business through organic growth and M&A.
We had a somewhat disappointing last quarter of the year due to new regulatory requirements in regulated markets, such as the UK, as well as markets to become regulated. Compliance is top on our agenda and we swiftly adapt to new regulatory requirements, knowing that our longer-term benefits are larger than the short-term impact. Our settlement with the Israeli tax authorities had a significant impact on net income and EPS in the quarter. Nonetheless, I am satisfied with the settlement as it provides the market with clarity around the outcome of the audit. The additional tax charge of €13.7 million is reported as a one-off tax item.

Growth for Pariplay in 2020
One of the highlights in the quarter is the successful integration of Pariplay where we already have realized some of the synergies. Pariplay contributed to revenues and EBITDA in the quarter with €3 million and €0.5 million respectively. The acquisition will create further cost synergies, strengthen our market presence in B2B, serve as our first footprint in the US and generate revenue streams outside our existing partners on our platform. The technical integration is completed, and we are happy to have all main third-party suppliers on board from the start. During the fourth quarter, Pariplay signed two new operator deals. We expect Pariplay to generate significant growth in 2020 with a positive effect on the Group’s EBITDA.

Material organic growth in 2019
In 2019 we continued to deliver on our growth strategy and accelerated the number of partners and brands as well as strengthened our offering. In the quarter, three new partnerships were signed, and seven new B2B-brands were launched. By year-end, we had 77 B2B-brands and 44 partners operating on our platform, which is a material increase from 2018. The B2B-segment grew by 43.4% in 2019, constituting 62.0% of Group revenues, while growth for B2C was around 5% following weaker performance due to new regulatory requirements, although partially compensated by other markets.
We see great interest in our recent verticals  sports and bingo  and several partners are looking to broaden their offering. Four B2B-brands are currently offering sportsbook and three launches are soon to come. Bingo is live with one B2B-brand and three launches are near, including Karamba.

Competitive advantages in the regulated landscape
We have given clear proof of our ability to grow with good profitability in regulated markets. In 2019, more than 50% of our revenues came from regulated and taxed markets. We welcome the trend where more markets become regulated. We believe it benefits companies like ours, with a sustainable growth strategy rather than a more opportunistic approach and we consider it to be a business opportunity. We will continue to strengthen our market position in the regulated landscape by expanding in the value chain. It grants us a unique, competitive advantage as current and future partners wish to enhance their potential in any jurisdiction. Thus, we continue the active search for acquisition opportunities and new projects across various parts of the value chain, in Europe as well as other parts of the world. We are confident in our integration skills and we have the financial strength to execute on our M&A-strategy.

Continued sustainable profitable growth
Our broad market presence and product offering give us a solid foundation for sustainable profitable growth. We will continue to enhance our multi-vertical offering while maintaining the search for M&A-opportunities, supported by our strong balance sheet. We are confident in our ability to meet our financial targets for 2021, €200 million in revenues and €32 million in EBITDA.

Tsachi Maimon, CEO Aspire Global

Anja Ortmanns Account Manager at Push Gaming

Push Gaming strengthens Dutch market presence with Starcasino.nl partnership

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B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming has broadened its profile in the Netherlands through a new commercial deal with prominent operator Starcasino, increasing access to its award-winning content within the regulated market.

Now live, the partnership makes Push Gaming’s full portfolio available on www.starcasino.nl, giving players access to popular titles across Push Originals, Push Action, and Reel Hot Games. These include hits such as Razor Returns, Goat Getter, and Wild Swarm 2.

The deal strengthens the strong relationship between the two companies, following a successful rollout with Starcasino in Belgium. It also supports Push Gaming’s wider growth strategy in the Netherlands, one of its key regulated markets in Europe.

The agreement marks the latest milestone in Push Gaming’s ongoing expansion, as the supplier continues to grow its operations with trusted partners and proven content strategies.

Anja Ortmanns, Account Manager at Push Gaming, said: “The Netherlands remains a key market in our European strategy, and we’re pleased to be expanding our presence there with Starcasino in the Netherlands.

“It’s a trusted name with a strong local following, and this partnership enables us to reach even more Dutch players through a platform that shares our commitment to quality content and regulation growth.”

Pieter Van den Bos, Director at Starcasino.nl, said: “Push Gaming’s reputation precedes it, and we’re excited to bring its acclaimed content to our players in the Netherlands.

“Our mission is to provide the best possible experience, and this partnership is another step towards achieving that. We look forward to a fruitful relationship together.”

The post Push Gaming strengthens Dutch market presence with Starcasino.nl partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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ICE 2026

Setting the benchmark for 2026: NOVOMATIC at ICE Barcelona

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At ICE 2026, NOVOMATIC will once again take to the global stage in Barcelona with a showcase that sets a clear direction for the year ahead. As the largest exhibitor at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, the Group – together with its subsidiaries and technology partners NOVOMATIC Italia, NOVOMATIC Spain, NOVOMATIC Gaming UK, LÖWEN ENTERTAINMENT, APEX, and Ainsworth Gaming Technology – will present a portfolio shaped by performance, player engagement, and future-oriented innovation. And the centerpiece of this presentation is XTENSION LINK™, accompanied by a range of powerful new multi-feature progressives, as well as a brand-new premium cabinet that is designed to unlock fresh dimensions of immersive play.

XTENSION LINK™: Expanding the global success story

Building on the proven success of the global hit series, XTENSION LINK™ will headline NOVOMATIC’s appearance at the show, introducing entirely new game worlds and evolved feature mechanics that broaden the entertainment spectrum across international markets. The XTENSION LINK™ brand has become a standout performer in casinos around the world, consistently demonstrating strong and sustainable floor results in a wide range of jurisdictions.

On top of this, NOVOMATIC will unveil a lineup of brand-new multi-feature progressives, each designed to offer distinctive engagement dynamics, compelling bonus features, and lasting floor performance. The development of these game concepts reflects a clear focus: more choice for operators, deeper engagement for players, and sustained results over time.

Elevating cabinet design to a new galaxy of experience

To accompany this expanded multi-feature offering, NOVOMATIC will present a new premium cabinet that is engineered to elevate the player experience and broaden the entertainment landscape. With an expanded visual stage, refined ergonomics, and powerful sound performance, this cabinet sets a new benchmark for immersive gameplay presentation on the casino floor. Its design supports the full depth and energy of the XTENSION LINK™ universe, enabling operators to create standout entertainment zones with strong visual impact and player appeal.

Systems that power performance

Beyond cabinets and game content, NOVOMATIC will also highlight its latest advances in Electronic Table Games. The presentation of the Novo Unity™ Pro platform, with its expanded functionality and flexible configuration options, will demonstrate how operators can combine live, automated, and virtual game formats within a single seamless environment. With new interface experiences and scalable multi-game capabilities, Novo Unity™ Pro continues to offer a powerful solution for venues that are aiming to diversify their table game offering while maximizing floor efficiency.

For the systems sector, NOVOMATIC presents the NOVOVISION™ Casino Management System, a modular suite of applications built to handle the complexities of modern gaming operations. From biometrically supported cashless gaming and real-time analytics to sophisticated player tracking and loyalty dynamics, NOVOVISION™ equips operators with tools to run smarter floors and cultivate deeper player engagement.

With their own spectacular Booth #2M70 in the iGaming area, Greentube – the digital gaming and entertainment division of NOVOMATIC – will showcase its latest iGaming offerings, perfectly complementing our land-based portfolio. Dive into an ever-expanding range of online content that includes classic NOVOMATIC hits and exclusive proprietary brands and developments. This is where innovation meets tradition in a truly thrilling way!

The stage is set for Barcelona

As one of the industry’s most anticipated annual gatherings, ICE 2026 will once again provide the ideal setting for international operators, partners, and industry stakeholders to experience NOVOMATIC’s latest developments firsthand. With XTENSION LINK™ as the leading theme, alongside an expanded multi-feature game portfolio, the debut of a next-generation premium cabinet, and a strengthened systems and ETG offering, NOVOMATIC will present a comprehensive vision for the future of gaming entertainment. Adding to the on-site experience, Max Hopp – one of Germany’s most acclaimed professional darts players – will join the program at the NOVOMATIC booth with a special highlight for attendees. Visitors can look forward to an exciting challenge as well as the opportunity to collect exclusive prizes.

“This year’s showcase reflects our continued commitment to meaningful innovation,” says Thomas Schmalzer, Vice President Global Sales and Product Management, NOVOMATIC AG. “From multi-feature progressives to immersive cabinet design and intelligent system architecture, we are focusing on solutions that deliver sustained value for operators and compelling experiences for players worldwide.”

“ICE Barcelona is a key platform to demonstrate the strength of our localized development and customer-focused approach,” adds Bernhard Teuchmann, Managing Director Product and Technology, NOVOMATIC Spain. “We look forward to welcoming our partners and presenting innovations that are aligned with the needs and dynamics of these markets.”

Visitors are invited to explore this showcase at the NOVOMATIC Booth #3P70 and to see how these developments can shape stronger performance and more engaging gaming experiences.

The post Setting the benchmark for 2026: NOVOMATIC at ICE Barcelona appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Brightstar Lottery

Brightstar Lottery Gains Exclusive Omnichannel Lottery Licensing Rights to Rubik’s® brand

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Brightstar Lottery PLC announced that it has signed a five-year exclusive licensing agreement with Spin Master Toys UK Limited (“Spin Master”) to develop and distribute Rubik’s-themed omnichannel lottery games worldwide, including instant tickets, innovative draw-based games and engaging iLottery games.

Created in 1974, the Rubik’s Cube is an iconic puzzle that inspires creativity and problem-solving across generations, with millions of cubes sold worldwide. Spin Master’s partnership with Brightstar to bring this cultural phenomenon into the lottery space creates fresh ways for fans and players to engage.

“The Rubik’s Cube is one of the most iconic symbols of pop culture and Brightstar is thrilled to extend its timeless legacy into compelling, next-generation experiences for lottery players to enjoy,” said Matthew Whalen, Brightstar Senior Vice President, Global Instant Ticket Services. “We look forward to producing exciting omnichannel games featuring Rubik’s Cube, which will include innovations such as our revolutionary Infinity Instants technology, creating an infinite number of possibilities to customize each ticket.”

The post Brightstar Lottery Gains Exclusive Omnichannel Lottery Licensing Rights to Rubik’s® brand appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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