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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
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Bet It Drives
Bet It Drives Is Back for Season 4: Two CEOs Take on iGaming’s Uncomfortable Truths
Season 4 of Bet It Drives has officially launched, opening with a candid and controversial debate between two prominent industry leaders. Cedomir Tomic, Founder of Alea, and Oleksandr Feshchenko, CEO of GR8 Tech, hit the road in Barcelona during ICE to confront the topics many in iGaming prefer to avoid.
From expo spending and marketing budgets to regulation loopholes and grey market growth, the season premiere delivers the unfiltered discussion the show has become known for.
Big Booths, Bigger Egos?
One of the episode’s standout moments comes in a single line that captures the tone of the discussion:
“If the booth is big, that’s growth. If the booth is very opulent, that’s ego.”
It’s a sharp observation that reflects the broader theme of the episode — questioning industry norms and exposing the realities behind high-profile conference appearances and award wins.
The CEOs dive deep into:
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How much iGaming companies really spend on conferences
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What percentage of budgets go toward marketing
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How much is allocated to affiliate partnerships
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When and why grey markets began accelerating
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What doesn’t make sense about regulation in the US and UK
Debate, Confessions and Prank Calls
Beyond boardroom-level discussions, the episode maintains the show’s signature mix of entertainment and unpredictability.
Filmed against the backdrop of rainy Barcelona during ICE, both guests take part in the “Confess or Call” segment, delivering dramatic prank calls. Cedomir Tomic shares stories from some of the wildest iGaming conference parties, while Oleksandr Feshchenko opens up about the shadiest thing he has done in his professional life.
The result is a fast-paced, unscripted conversation that balances serious insight with candid humour.
Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech and host of Bet It Drives, said:
“The opening of ICE is always electric, and I hope this episode gives everyone a boost. This is an entertainment business, so we didn’t want a boring piece. Huge respect to both CEOs for being so public and sharing what usually stays behind the scenes.”
What’s Ahead in Season 4
Season 4 continues with three more high-impact episodes, each maintaining the same uncompromising tone:
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Max Krupyshev explores crypto payments and their long-term impact on iGaming
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Akhil Sarin discusses streaming-first acquisition strategies and sponsorship power plays
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Marek Suchar examines esports betting infrastructure and where the ecosystem still falls short
With strong opinions and little room for safe answers, the new season promises even sharper debates and deeper industry insights.
Where to Watch and Listen
Season 4, Episode 1 of Bet It Drives is available on:
About Bet It Drives
Powered by GR8 Tech, Bet It Drives positions itself as the “Front Seat in the iGaming World.” The show brings industry leaders into a moving conversation format where bold questions, candid answers and quickfire games replace traditional scripted interviews.
Hosted by Yevhen Krazhan, Chief Sales Officer at GR8 Tech, the podcast blends hard truths with light-hearted moments as guests discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of iGaming — all while cruising past iconic landmarks around the world.
The post Bet It Drives Is Back for Season 4: Two CEOs Take on iGaming’s Uncomfortable Truths appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Kerry Katona
Kerry Katona and Pat Sharp to star in first episodes of Zingo Bingo’s new content series
Online bingo brand Zingo Bingo is launching Your Era, a new social-first content series designed to celebrate iconic throwbacks, spark nostalgia, and bring people together through shared memories from past decades.
The first episodes will feature Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona and renowned radio and TV presenter Pat Sharp, with additional guests set to be announced throughout the year.
Celebrating the Moments That Shaped Us
Created specifically for short-form social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, Your Era invites well-known personalities to reflect on the music, fashion, technology and pop culture moments that defined their era.
The format focuses on authentic conversation rather than overt promotion, allowing personality and shared experiences to take centre stage. The series reinforces Zingo Bingo’s positioning as a home for nostalgic fun and a community built around shared memories.
Each episode is structured around five themed throwback segments, designed to unlock memories, emotions and discussion.
Episode Format and Recurring Segments
Every guest takes part in five core segments:
The Memory Bag
Guests reveal five personal nostalgic items and share the stories behind them.
Flashback Files
A quick-fire interview covering music, fashion, technology and defining cultural moments.
Mixtape Memories
Guests select the throwback tracks that shaped them, contributing to a collaborative Your Era playlist.
Taste of the Past
Guests sample retro sweets and snacks, rate their nostalgia levels and share personal associations.
Yesterday’s News
A headline-guessing game featuring real throwback media stories with missing words, prompting humour and reflection on past press eras.
Developed with Blueprintx
Your Era was created in collaboration with long-term content partner Blueprintx, which has previously delivered digital and television campaigns for Kinetic Digital brands including Prime Casino and Slingo.
The series launches in February, with new segments released weekly. Series One will feature six guests across 2026. Content will be distributed across dedicated social channels, shared by participating guests, and promoted on Zingo Bingo’s own platforms.
A Community-Driven Approach
Jack Watson, Brand Manager at Zingo Bingo, commented:
“Your Era is all about what we’re doing at Zingo Bingo — having fun while celebrating the moments that shaped us, the music we played on repeat, the old fads we cringe at and the memories that still make us smile.
We’ve created something for all audiences, with a focus on bringing people together through shared nostalgia and reminding everyone that bingo is about enjoying these moments together.
We have an amazing lineup of guests and are delighted to be working with Blueprintx to shape and bring the content to life — we can’t wait to share it all with the world.”
With familiar faces, cultural throwbacks and a strong community focus, Your Era positions Zingo Bingo as more than an online bingo brand — it becomes a platform for shared stories, connection and collective nostalgia.
The post Kerry Katona and Pat Sharp to star in first episodes of Zingo Bingo’s new content series appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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