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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
Artificial Intelligence
Pay4Fun integrates payments into Betconstruct AI ecosystem for Brazil
Integration adds Pix, account validation, fraud controls and compliance tools for operators targeting Brazil’s regulated betting market.
Pay4Fun has integrated its financial infrastructure with Betconstruct AI’s platform in Brazil, giving operators connected to the ecosystem access to payments and compliance tooling built for the country’s regulated betting market.
Pay4Fun said Betconstruct AI clients will be able to use Pix payment processing, account ownership validation, transaction monitoring, fraud prevention, and compliance tools aligned with Brazil’s regulatory requirements.
According to Leonardo Baptista, CEO and Co-Founder of Pay4Fun, regulation is pushing operators to look beyond basic processing. “The Brazilian market has entered a new phase of maturity. Today, operators require solutions that go far beyond payment processing. They need partners capable of delivering security, compliance, and operational efficiency in an increasingly demanding regulatory environment. By integrating our solutions with Betconstruct AI, we are expanding access to a financial infrastructure specifically designed to meet the needs of the Brazilian market.”
Betconstruct AI said the integration strengthens its Brazil-facing offer for clients operating in the country or planning entry. “Pay4Fun was selected based on the expertise and industry knowledge the company has built within the Brazilian betting market. As the industry continues to evolve, the importance of working with specialized partners capable of delivering security, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance continues to grow,” said Beatriz Lopes, the Brazil Regional Director.
Pay4Fun said it was the first payment institution serving the betting industry to receive authorization from the Central Bank of Brazil, and that the company’s infrastructure combines monitoring, identity verification, fraud and anti-money laundering controls, and compliance processes tailored to regulated iGaming operations.
The post Pay4Fun integrates payments into Betconstruct AI ecosystem for Brazil appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Artificial Intelligence
BetConstruct AI hosts Harmony Predictstreet event in Yerevan
Eighth Harmony edition runs July 8–9 and spotlights ADI Predictstreet collaboration ahead of the FIFA World Cup Final.
BetConstruct AI held its Harmony Predictstreet event on July 8–9, 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia, bringing together more than 300 guests for two days of networking and company updates.
The eighth edition introduced the “Predictstreet” branding to reflect BetConstruct AI’s strategic collaboration with ADI Predictstreet, described in the release as “FIFA’s Official Prediction Market Partner.” BetConstruct AI said the partnership includes integrating ADI Predictstreet’s prediction market solutions and official match streaming rights into its platform, timed for “the most important commercial moment in the four-year sports calendar, with the FIFA World Cup Final just days away.”
Day 1 was hosted at Garni Temple for an evening reception, including a live performance by the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, a mapping show and music from DJ Leblanc.
Day 2 began at SoftConstruct headquarters with an office tour and networking session, before moving to Dvin Music Hall for the Harmony Predictstreet Gala Dinner. BetConstruct AI said founders and executive leadership presented updates on Eventbook, the ADI Predictstreet partnership, Betting Mate, The Last Battle Universe, Betbuilder & Powerbank, Softgates, and “the latest updates driving Vivaro.me and Open Stake forward.”
The company positioned the event as a forum for discussing future direction across its ecosystem, and confirmed plans to continue the series with a ninth edition.
The post BetConstruct AI hosts Harmony Predictstreet event in Yerevan appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
ESPN Networks
THE 57th ANNUAL WORLD SERIES OF POKER® CONCLUDES AN EXTRAORDINARY SUMMER OF GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT AND ELITE COMPETITION
This summer’s event also saw huge growth in reach and engagement across WSOP’s social media channels, with over 378 million views
With 51 days of thrilling, high-stakes competition in the bag, the 57th annual World Series of Poker (WSOP®) at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas officially concluded its summer tournament schedule on July 15, 2026. Featuring a massive slate of 100 live gold bracelet events, this year’s festival once again demonstrated the unparalleled scale, passion, and global community of live tournament poker.
“The 57th annual World Series of Poker proved that Las Vegas remains the undisputed epicenter of the poker universe,” said Ty Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of the WSOP. “The energy inside Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas was nothing short of electric. What is truly remarkable this year is how our community expanded far beyond the physical walls of the casino floor. Through our newly redesigned final table arena, extensive linear broadcast schedule, and unprecedented digital engagement, we brought the drama, excitement, and glory of winning a WSOP gold bracelet to millions of new fans worldwide. We are incredibly proud of this summer’s success and cannot wait to witness the Final Nine battle for the World Championship on ESPN next month.”
Redefining the Live Experience on Poker’s Biggest Stage
Throughout the summer, the Las Vegas Strip was the focal point of the poker world as players from around the globe competed for poker’s ultimate prize: a WSOP gold bracelet and a place in poker history.
Key milestones from the summer tournament action include:
- Colossal Main Event Field: The legendary $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship (the ‘Main Event’) attracted a massive field of 9,208 entrants, creating a colossal prize pool and proving the enduring allure of the world’s premier freezeout tournament
- The New Final Table Arena: WSOP officially unveiled a completely redesigned, state-of-the-art Final Table Arena and broadcast environment. The new stage integrates advanced lighting and large-scale digital displays to elevate the presentation of poker’s most prestigious final tables
- Historic Broadcast Expansion: Live coverage of the Main Event returned to ESPN alongside a new multi-year broadcast agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery to distribute coverage across HBO Max, Eurosport, and TNT Sports globally
- The “Final Nine”: The final nine players survived a grueling field to punch their ticket to the historic Main Event Final Table. They will return to Las Vegas from August 3 to 5, 2026, to play down to a champion live on ESPN
- Summer of Superstars: This year’s event saw an unprecedented number of bracelets won by poker luminaries with impressive records in the game’s history books; Daniel Negreanu won his eight WSOP bracelet by taking down Event #76 $100,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha for over $2.2M, while reigning WSOP Main Event champion Michael ‘The Grinder’ Mizrachi further burnished his reputation by winning Event #70 $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship, claiming his ninth WSOP bracelet and a $1.35M prize. The poker world’s undisputed power couple Kristen and Alex Foxen also made history by each claiming a WSOP bracelet in 2026, taking down Event #19 $25,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em and Event #44 $10,000 Super Turbo Bounty No-Limit Hold’em, respectively
- Seamless Player Experience: The WSOP Live mobile app continued to enhance the playing experience, streamlining registration, virtually eliminating cage lines, and providing real-time seat alerts to thousands of players throughout the summer
WSOP 2026 By The Numbers
- 251,899 entries – a new record for the total number of entries in a single WSOP series
- $469,975,059 – total 2026 WSOP gold events prize amount
- 35,157 places paid
- 22,811 entries to Event #63 $1,000 Mystery Millions No-Limit Hold’em – the biggest field in the 2026 series, the largest Mystery Millions event, and the largest $1,000 event in live tournament poker history
- 1,368 entries to Event #68 $1,000 Ladies No-Limit Hold’em Championship – the largest Ladies event in live tournament poker history
- 11,933 entries to Event #18 $1,500 Monster Stack No-Limit Hold’em – the largest Monster Stack event in live tournament poker history
- 4,764 entries to Event #87 $1,000 Mystery Bounty Pot-Limit Omaha – the largest Pot-Limit Omaha event in live tournament poker history
- 12,560 entries to Event #72 $1,000 Mini Main Event – the largest Mini Main event in live tournament poker history
- 41 – The number of $1M+ prizes won across the 2026 series
- 57 events exceeded $2+ million prize pools – equalling last year’s record
- 8 events exceeded $10+ million prize pools
- 149 – number of countries represented in the WSOP 2026 playing field
- Top Ten Countries by WSOP 2026 participants: 1 – United States, 2 – Canada, 3 – France, 4 – Great Britain, 5 – Japan, 6 – China, 7 – Israel, 8 – Germany, 9 – Brazil, 10 – Mexico
- 111 – number of countries represented in the WSOP Main Event 2026 playing field, a new record
- Oldest Player – Merle Vangieson, born June 28, 1931
- Youngest Player – Easton Jorgensen, born July 13, 2005
Worldwide Broadcasts Drive Growth Of Game
With thrilling WSOP action broadcast exclusively on ESPN Networks, Eurosport, TNT Sports, Abema Japan, Groupe M6 in France, and other media partners, poker fans had more opportunities than ever to follow their heroes, new and old, at the felt in 2026.
Comprehensive linear and digital coverage, available in more than 300 million homes across 70+ countries, ensured that countless big moments – from calculated bluffs to cunning value bets – were analyzed and enjoyed by enthusiasts on every continent.
Edited WSOP broadcasts will air from July 21, allowing a worldwide audience to catch up on all the summer’s action.
Explosive Digital Reach: WSOP’s Social Media Footprint
A highlight of the 57th annual WSOP was its unprecedented digital growth. While fans packed the physical tournament rooms, millions more watched the action unfold online. Across all major platforms, WSOP social media channels generated an astronomical 378.3 million total views during the 100-bracelet series, adding 222,828 total new followers across its digital ecosystem.
WSOP 2026 Social Media Performance
|
Platform |
Total Views/Impressions |
New Audience Growth |
|
YouTube |
38.7 million views |
103,128 new subscribers |
|
|
125 million views |
54,450 new followers |
|
|
127 million views |
56,800 new followers |
|
X |
36.6 million impressions |
8,450 new followers |
Looking Ahead: A True Global Season
While the Main Event action in Las Vegas has paused until the Final Table resumes in August, the WSOP excitement continues year-round. This year marks the formal rollout of the ambitious, revamped $1 Million Global Player of the Year (POY) race. The new global leaderboard unifies the brand’s three flagship festival pillars: WSOP Europe (which completed its historic run in Prague earlier this spring), the Las Vegas summer series, and the upcoming WSOP Paradise winter festival.
The global POY winner will be crowned at the conclusion of WSOP Paradise, hosted at Baha Mar resort in The Bahamas from December 1 to 17, 2026. In the meantime, the WSOP Circuit (WSOP-C) continues its action-packed year, including a special concurrent Circuit run in Las Vegas from July 14 to 25, 2026.
Players should follow @WSOP on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram or check WSOP.com for more news and updates on WSOP events.
The post THE 57th ANNUAL WORLD SERIES OF POKER® CONCLUDES AN EXTRAORDINARY SUMMER OF GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT AND ELITE COMPETITION appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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