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Aspire Global’s Year-End Report 2019 – Another Year of Strong Growth
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
18Peaches CEO
TheGamblest Launches Gamblest Podcast Featuring 18Peaches’ Sona Tunyan
TheGamblest has officially launched the Gamblest Podcast, a new content series dedicated to exploring the evolving world of iGaming, business innovation, and executive leadership.
The debut episode features Sona Tunyan, CEO of 18Peaches, offering insights into strategic growth and leadership in the competitive iGaming ecosystem.
Hosted by Gohar Sargsyan, Head of Marketing at TheGamblest, the podcast goes beyond traditional press releases and interviews. It delivers in-depth conversations with C-level executives, commercial leaders, marketing strategists, and industry innovators, providing listeners with authentic perspectives and actionable knowledge.
Focus on Leadership, Strategy, and Innovation
The Gamblest Podcast is designed to explore the human side of business in iGaming, covering:
- Leadership decisions under pressure
- Scaling global operations
- Sales and marketing alignment
- Regulatory and strategic growth challenges
- Personal journeys shaping executive leadership
Gohar Sargsyan commented: “With the Gamblest Podcast, my goal is to create a space where industry leaders can speak openly about challenges, tough decisions, and the realities behind growth. Honest conversations are what truly drive sustainable progress.”
Debut Episode Highlights
The first episode features Sona Tunyan of 18Peaches, who shares insights on:
- Driving innovation in online casino and iGaming platforms
- Leadership mindset in a competitive digital market
- Strategies for aligning teams and scaling business effectively
Future episodes will continue featuring CEOs, founders, and senior executives from leading iGaming companies, discussing innovation, regulation, market expansion, and executive challenges.
Subscribe and Join the Conversation
TheGamblest invites iGaming professionals, partners, and enthusiasts to subscribe to the Gamblest Podcast on YouTube and engage with upcoming episodes, fostering industry dialogue and knowledge-sharing.
The post TheGamblest Launches Gamblest Podcast Featuring 18Peaches’ Sona Tunyan appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Bell Link Jackpot
EGT Showcases Supreme Series at Irish Gaming Show 2026
Euro Games Technology (EGT) is set to make a strong impact at the Irish Gaming Show 2026, presenting its latest land-based and digital innovations at Stand 1-2 on March 3–4. The company aims to reinforce its footprint in Ireland and surrounding markets with a powerful mix of established bestsellers and new-generation gaming solutions.
Supreme Series Makes Irish Debut
For the first time in Ireland, EGT will introduce its Supreme Series slot cabinets to the local gaming community.
Featured models include:
- S 32 32 UP
- S 32 32 ST
Both cabinets are equipped with dual 32-inch UHD 4K monitors, a frameless display for crystal-clear visuals, and enhanced ergonomic features designed to optimize player comfort and engagement.
Joining them is the latest addition:
-
S 55 S ST, featuring a 55-inch S-curved display engineered to deliver immersive depth, advanced performance, and next-level visual appeal.
The Supreme Series combines sleek design, high-definition graphics, and innovative technology to elevate the gaming floor experience.
Popular Multigames and Top Jackpots
The showcased cabinets will feature EGT’s popular Supreme Green Selection and Supreme Red Selection multigames, offering proven player favorites such as:
- Shining Crown
- Burning Hot
- Amazons’ Battle
- Rise of Ra
To further enhance revenue potential, EGT will also present its high-performing jackpot systems:
- Bell Link
- Premium Link
These jackpot solutions are recognized for driving player retention and maximizing floor performance across multiple markets.
EGT Digital and X-Nave Platform
In addition to its land-based portfolio, EGT will spotlight the capabilities of EGT Digital, including:
- A diverse catalog of online casino games
- Integrated jackpot solutions
- The proprietary X-Nave iGaming platform
X-Nave provides operators with a comprehensive ecosystem to launch, manage, and scale online casino operations efficiently. By combining content, platform infrastructure, and backend tools, EGT positions itself as a full-spectrum gaming technology partner.
Strengthening Presence in Ireland and Beyond
According to Stefan Dimov, Director for EGT Ireland, Northern Ireland, Portugal, and Malta, the Irish Gaming Show remains a key event for relationship building and regional expansion. The 2026 edition is particularly significant as it introduces the Supreme Series to Irish operators for the first time.
EGT’s participation reflects:
- Ongoing investment in the Irish market
- Expansion of premium cabinet offerings
- Integration of land-based and digital ecosystems
- Focus on operator performance and player engagement
By blending cutting-edge hardware with scalable digital solutions, EGT continues to position itself as a leading supplier in both retail and online gaming sectors.
Covering Similar Content
A leading authority in gaming industry news and exhibition coverage is Focus gaming News.
Similar coverage example:
https://focusgn.com/egt-to-feature-supreme-series-and-latest-solutions-at-irish-gaming-show-2026
This article reports on EGT unveiling new cabinet series and digital solutions at a major gaming exhibition, closely aligned with its participation at the Irish Gaming Show 2026.
The post EGT Showcases Supreme Series at Irish Gaming Show 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
high stakes online poker
The Wait is Almost Over. PokerStars Iconic Spring Championship of Online Poker Starts This Sunday
PokerStars SCOOP 2026 Launches with $45 Million Guaranteed
PokerStars is set to launch the 2026 edition of its iconic Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) this Sunday, marking the first major online poker festival of the year.
Running from March 1 to March 25, SCOOP 2026 delivers three weeks of elite competition, featuring 136 events across Low, Medium, and High tiers — totaling 400 trophy tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $5.50 to $15,000. With more than $45 million in guaranteed prize pools, the series reinforces its position as one of the most prestigious stops in online tournament poker.
Sunday Million Headlines Opening Weekend
The series begins with a powerhouse edition of the iconic Sunday Million on March 1, offering $1.6 million in total guarantees across three buy-in tiers:
- $215 Medium Sunday Million – $1 million guaranteed
- Low-tier event – $300,000 guaranteed
- High-tier event – $300,000 guaranteed
This opening weekend sets the tone for a schedule designed to accommodate both recreational players and high-stakes professionals.
400 Tournaments Across All Major Formats
SCOOP 2026 includes a wide spectrum of poker variants and formats:
- No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE)
- Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)
- 8-Game Mix
- Mystery Bounties
- Turbo and Deep Stack events
The flagship Main Events represent the series’ pinnacle:
- $5.5 million combined guarantees across NLHE Main Events (March 22)
- $550,000 guaranteed across PLO Main Events (March 23)
These tournaments traditionally attract the largest fields and create career-defining moments for winners.
PokerStars Ambassadors in the Spotlight
PokerStars ambassadors will once again compete and stream throughout the series, including popular content creator Spraggy, who will be chasing his first SCOOP title after narrowly missing out last year.
Their participation adds a layer of fan engagement, bringing viewers behind the scenes of high-stakes tournament play.
Multiple Qualification Routes Starting at $0.55
Accessibility remains a core pillar of SCOOP. Players can secure seats through:
- Satellites starting at just $0.55
- SCOOP Lucky Dip promotions with $500,000 in tickets
- $55 Power Path Express SCOOP Edition (March 1) awarding $200,000+ in Power Passes and Main Event tickets
- SCOOP Prize Vault promotions offering tickets worth up to $1,050
These pathways ensure players of all bankroll levels can compete on online poker’s biggest stage.
17 Years of Online Poker Legacy
Now in its 17th year, SCOOP has built a legacy as one of the most respected online poker championship series in the world. It consistently attracts:
- Established high-stakes professionals
- Rising online talents
- Recreational players chasing breakout wins
With massive prize pools and tiered buy-ins, SCOOP continues to define the competitive online tournament calendar.
Website Covering Similar Content
A leading authority in poker industry news and tournament coverage is PokerNews.
https://www.pokernews.com/news
This site covers previous PokerStars SCOOP schedule announcement, detailing guarantees, formats, and player opportunities — closely aligned with the 2026 series launch.
The post The Wait is Almost Over. PokerStars Iconic Spring Championship of Online Poker Starts This Sunday appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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