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

Published

6 years ago

on

February 19, 2020

By

Zoltan Tundik

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

Related Topics:Aspire Global Tsachi Maimon CEO Aspire Global

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When LATAM gambles: Blask reveals seasonality patterns across six countries

Published

14 minutes ago

on

February 12, 2026

By

Wladimir P.

when-latam-gambles:-blask-reveals-seasonality-patterns-across-six-countries

Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Colombia represent six distinct iGaming markets — each with its own regulatory framework, player base and cultural rhythms. Yet beneath these differences lie powerful shared drivers: domestic football seasons concluding in Q4, mandatory year-end bonuses injecting billions into local economies, and national holidays that stretch into multi-day celebrations.

Using Blask’s Seasonality feature, player activity across all six countries was analyzed to map engagement peaks by month, day and hour. While regional trends are visible, the execution varies sharply at the local level.

Here’s what the data reveals.

Brazil: The Q4 Convergence Effect

In Brazil, November and December form a clear peak driven by three converging factors.

The Brasileirão season concludes in early December, with title races and relegation battles intensifying betting activity. At the same time, the Copa Libertadores semifinals and final fall in October and November — and Brazilian clubs’ recent dominance has kept engagement high.

The economic boost comes from the décimo terceiro, Brazil’s mandatory 13th salary paid in two instalments by November 30 and December 20. In 2024 alone, it injected R$321 billion into the economy, increasing disposable income during football’s decisive phase.

Saturday edges out Sunday as the top-performing day, reflecting the league’s fixture concentration. Weekends dominate overall, with a pronounced spike between 1 AM and 5 AM on Friday-to-Saturday nights — a sign that late-night casino sessions complement live sports betting.

Argentina: Aguinaldo and League Finals

December leads the calendar in Argentina, driven by the Liga Profesional’s mid-December conclusion and the aguinaldo, the country’s mandatory 13th salary paid by June 30 and December 18.

Sunday ranks highest for engagement, closely followed by Saturday, aligning with concentrated weekend fixtures. The peak activity window — midnight to 3 AM on Saturday-to-Sunday nights — reflects pre-match anticipation and late-night casino play following the workweek.

The pattern closely mirrors Brazil’s Q4 surge, but with a stronger Sunday bias.

Mexico: Liguilla and Late-Night Culture

December again stands out, coinciding with the Liga MX Apertura playoffs (Liguilla) and the championship final in mid-December. The aguinaldo — at least 15 days’ salary, paid by December 20 — provides additional liquidity at the same time.

Sunday leads weekly activity, with Saturday close behind. However, Mexico’s most distinctive feature is its consistent 2–3 AM activity peak across all days, amplified on weekends.

This pattern suggests a strong late-night gambling culture, where casino verticals such as slots, crash games and live dealer experiences drive engagement alongside sports betting.

Chile: September Over December

Unlike its regional peers, Chile’s biggest month is September — not December.

The surge is powered by Fiestas Patrias (September 18–19), the country’s most significant national celebration. When calendar alignment allows, festivities can stretch into a full week, with fondas, music and social gatherings creating a nationwide party atmosphere that extends into online gambling.

Saturday is the dominant day, with activity elevated throughout. Peaks occur around midnight on Friday-to-Saturday nights and again during Saturday afternoon (3–5 PM), indicating a blend of late-night casino play and daytime sports betting.

Peru: The Purple Month Effect

October and November represent Peru’s peak period, with November slightly ahead.

The Clausura tournament reaches its decisive stretch in early November, while October is dominated by Señor de los Milagros — the country’s largest religious festival. Celebrations extend into All Saints’ Day (November 1) and Day of the Dead (November 2), creating a sustained festive period.

Unlike Brazil and Mexico, Peru’s engagement is concentrated during daytime weekend hours, particularly morning and afternoon. This suggests a stronger alignment with live Liga 1 fixtures rather than late-night casino sessions.

Colombia: Primetime Precision

In Colombia, November leads, with October close behind.

The Torneo Finalización enters its cuadrangulares (semifinal group stage) during this period, building toward a December final. Anticipation around the prima de servicios — a mandatory half-month salary bonus due by December 20 — also supports late-year liquidity.

Sunday is the clear weekly leader, with evening primetime activity standing out. Engagement closely mirrors Liga BetPlay broadcast schedules, indicating sports betting is the primary driver rather than late-night casino behaviour.

The Bigger Picture: Regional Liquidity, Local Execution

Across LATAM, the Q4 bonus cycle — décimo terceiro, aguinaldo, prima de servicios and similar payouts — represents a predictable liquidity event spanning six major markets within an eight-week window. Crucially, it coincides with domestic football seasons reaching their climax.

However, peak timing differs significantly:

Mexico’s engagement spikes at 2 AM, while Peru’s is daytime-focused.
September outperforms December in Chile.
Colombia revolves around Sunday primetime broadcasts.
Brazil peaks on Saturday nights.

The takeaway is clear: while seasonality patterns are regional, execution must be hyper-local. Campaigns, product pushes and marketing spend need to align not just with the right month — but the right day and even the right hour in each individual market.

The post When LATAM gambles: Blask reveals seasonality patterns across six countries appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.