Bragg Gaming Group
Bragg Gaming Nominates Kent Young, Don Robertson, and Ron Baryoseph to the Board of Directors
Bragg Gaming Group announced that it has filed a notice of meeting and management information circular (Circular) in respect of its upcoming annual meeting of shareholders (Meeting) to be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 10:00 am (Toronto Time).
In addition, the Company also announced that there will be three new nominees for election to its board of directors (the Board). The new nominees will replace three existing directors, Paul Godfrey (Chair), Paul Pathak, and Rob Godfrey, who have each opted not to stand for re-election to the Board at the Meeting. Paul Godfrey has entered into a 24-month consulting agreement under which he will provide the Company with advisory services.
Including the new nominees, there will be seven individuals nominated for election to the Board. The election of the three new directors will add significant gaming and financial industry experience to the Board and demonstrates Bragg’s ongoing commitment toward initiatives to further establish the Company as a leading global provider of innovative online gaming content. Set out below are the new nominees together with brief background information on each.
Kent Young
Kent Young is an innovator, entrepreneur, and longtime leader in the global gaming industry. In a career spanning more than 30 years, he has held senior executive positions with Bragg and other prominent companies, including Aristocrat Technologies in Australia and America; and Aruze Gaming America. While at Aristocrat, Mr. Young held several roles including Vice President of Research and Development and Global General Manager of Marketing. In this role, Mr. Young helped spearhead the successful effort to introduce and popularize “penny slots” in the industry and significantly contributed to Aristocrats North American market entry. He has served on multiple industry boards including the Gaming Standards Association. An entrepreneur, Kent successfully founded, built, and sold two gaming technology companies – True Blue Gaming and Spin Games. Kent holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from James Cook University of North Queensland. He and his wife, Christina, are based in Reno, Nevada, where they are deeply involved in supporting nonprofit organizations with their time, skills, and assets.
Don Robertson (Independent)
Don Robertson has more than 25 years of corporate finance, risk management, and governance experience and is currently serving on the Board of Directors of Orillia Power Generation Corporation. He served as Managing Director and Head of Global M&A at Scotiabank from 2017 to 2022 and as Chief Executive Officer, Canada and Head of Corporate Finance, Americas at Standard Chartered Bank from 2012 to 2016 as well as Managing Director and Head of Canadian M&A at Credit Suisse from 2006 to 2012. Earlier in his career, Mr. Robertson served as a Director at RBC Capital Markets from 1997 to 2006 and Articled at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP from 1996 to 1997. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University, an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University, and a JD from the Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. He was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1998.
Ron Baryoseph (Independent)
Ron Baryoseph is a gaming industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in the North American regulated land based and online gaming sectors. Ron is president of RBY Gaming which has provided distribution, sales, and consulting services to companies including Cammegh, Playtech, Inspired Gaming, Suzo Happ, Softweave, e Connect, Tangiamo, Apt Pay, and others. Prior to opening RBY Gaming, Ron served as SVP of Amaya Gaming. During his tenure, Amaya acquired The Stars Group as well as Cadillac Jack which was subsequently sold to AGS. Ron has also held senior positions with Aristocrat Technologies, IGT, TCS John Huxley, and Paulson Gaming Supplies (now GPI). His strategic planning and collaborative style have led to numerous successes.
Yaniv Sherman, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bragg, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kent Young, Don Robertson, and Ron Baryoseph to the Board. We believe their collective gaming industry experience, relationships and expertise will provide a significant boost to our continued execution on our many B2B iGaming growth opportunities as we seek to deliver profitable revenue growth and increasing cash flow which will ultimately drive enhanced value for our shareholders. We are confident that the changes to the Board announced today will help take our Company to the next level.
“Paul Godfrey has served as the Chair of the Board since January 2021, and Paul Pathak and Rob Godfrey have dutifully served on the Board and various committees of the Board since 2019. The Company sincerely thanks Messrs. Godfrey, Pathak, and Godfrey for their significant contributions and guidance to the Company. During their time on the Board, Bragg has transformed itself and become a global organization with a diverse platform of game development studios and leading technology. As directors, they played an important role in helping to expand our iGaming capabilities including through the acquisitions of Spin Games and Wild Streak Gaming, which have significantly enhanced our game development efforts and provided an important foundation for our North American expansion which is successfully diversifying our business. More recently, they have helped foster our successful content-led focus which has seen Bragg begin to deliver proprietary and exclusive third-party content to a growing roster of iGaming operators around the globe.”
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Bragg
Bragg Gaming Group Announces Record Third Quarter 2024 Revenue of Eur 26.2 Million (USD 29.3 Million)
Bragg Gaming Group, a global B2B content-driven iGaming technology provider, reported record revenue for the third quarter of 2024.
Summary of 3Q24 Financial and Operational Highlights
| Euros (millions)(1) | 3Q24 | 3Q23 | Change |
| Revenue | € 26.2 | € 22.6 | 15.9 % |
| Gross profit | € 14.0 | € 11.9 | 18.1 % |
| Gross profit margin | 53.5 % | 52.5 % | 99 bps |
| Adjusted EBITDA(2) | € 4.1 | € 3.8 | 7.1 % |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 15.6 % | 16.9 % | (129) bps |
| Operating Income (Loss) | € (0.4) | € (2.1) | (81.0) % |
(1) Bragg’s reporting currency is Euros. The exchange rate provided is EUR 1.00 = USD 1.12. Due to fluctuating currency exchange rates, this reference rate is provided for convenience only.
(2) “Adjusted EBITDA” is a non-IFRS measure. For important information on the Company’s non-IFRS measures, see “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” below.
Chief Executive Officer Commentary
Matevž Mazij, Chief Executive Officer for Bragg, commented, “The third quarter marked another period of strong growth and record results for Bragg. Revenue grew 16% year-over-year, gross profit increased 18%, and Adjusted EBITDA rose 7%. In the U.S., strong third quarter revenue gains from content distribution helped drive a 40% global increase in proprietary online content revenue year-over-year.
“Additionally, we announced today that the Board of Directors has unanimously decided to conclude its review of strategic alternatives for Bragg. After extensive evaluation and deliberation, the Board determined that the ongoing execution of the Company’s strategic plan is the best way to maximize value for shareholders at this time.
“Since stepping in as Chairman 16 months ago and then as CEO 14 months ago, we’ve transformed our executive team, restructured commercial operations, and sharpened our sales strategy with a targeted, jurisdictional approach. These decisive actions position us to drive growth and capture market opportunities with greater precision and impact. Under new leadership, we’ve built a strong pipeline of tier 1 opportunities across key markets and key products, positioning Bragg for accelerated top- and bottom-line growth.
“With the strategic review process now complete, Bragg is now fully focused on commercialization and unlocking profitable growth, without the need for significant new investment in product development. Our decade-long investments in technology and talent, combined with a robust leadership team, have built a scalable platform that uniquely positions us for aggressive growth in 2025 and beyond. With significant operating leverage now within reach, we’re poised for an exciting, high-growth, and profitable future.”
Third Quarter 2024 and Recent Business Highlights
- Launched its newest games and Remote Gaming Server (RGS) technology with Caesars Digital in Pennsylvania and Ontario. The launch marked the expansion of Bragg’s existing partnership with Caesars Digital, following earlier launches in New Jersey and Michigan respectively, doubling the number of states/provinces in which Bragg content is offered on Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino.
- Launched its newest games and RGS technology with FanDuel in New Jersey, adding to its existing distribution with the leading North American operator in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Ontario
- Post-quarter end, the Company additionally launched its newest games and RGS technology with bet365 in New Jersey, following on from its second quarter launch in Pennsylvania, and an earlier launch in Ontario with the major global iGaming operator
- Launched HardRockCasino.nl in the Dutch market, supplying its cutting-edge player account management (PAM) software to the brand. The agreement is Bragg’s 6th PAM customer in the Netherlands, reinforcing Bragg’s status as the leading technology and content supplier in the Dutch market
- Launched the Kambi sportsbook on 711.nl, adding an additional revenue-generating product stream to a key PAM customer in the Netherlands
- Management is pleased to announce the appointment of Robbie Bressler to CFO of Bragg, effective immediately. Robbie had been serving as Bragg’s interim CFO since July 1, 2024.
Additional September 30, 2024 Key Financial Metrics
- For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, Cash flow generated from operations was EUR 8.4 million (USD 9.4 million), compared to EUR 6.2 million (USD 6.9 million) for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023.
- Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024 was EUR 11.6 million (USD 13.0 million) and net working capital, excluding deferred consideration, loans payable, and convertible debt, was EUR 11.3 million (USD 12.7 million)
Strategic Alternatives Process Concluded
The Bragg Board announced the strategic alternatives process in March 2024 with the formation of a Special Committee, comprised solely of independent members of the Board. The Committee, together with its advisors Oakvale Capital LLP and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, evaluated a wide range of strategic alternatives for maximizing shareholder value including a potential sale or merger of the Company. Bragg solicited interest from a significant number of potential counterparties and received multiple non-binding proposals.
After careful consideration, the Board, on recommendation from the special committee, unanimously determined that none of the proposals received reflect the Company’s intrinsic value or current and projected financial performance, and therefore elected to conclude its review and disband the Special Committee.
Don Robertson, independent Board member and Chair of the Special Committee, said, “After a comprehensive and exhaustive process, the Committee recommended, and the Board unanimously agreed, that continuing to execute Bragg’s strategic plan as an independent public company is the best approach for maximizing shareholder value. Although the process has now concluded, Bragg’s Board will continue to be open to and consider all opportunities for enhancing shareholder value.”
“Over the past year, our financial performance, cashflow generation and revenue outlook have significantly improved. We remain extremely confident about our business plan, operating strategy, and financial prospects” said Matevž Mazij, Chairman and CEO of Bragg.
Reiterates Full Year 2024 Guidance and 2025 Outlook
Bragg reiterates its 2024 full year revenue guidance range of EUR 102.0-109.0 million (USD 114.2-122.1 million) and its full year Adjusted EBITDA range of EUR 15.2-18.5 million (USD 17.0-20.7 million), noting that the Company is currently tracking to the lower end of guidance.
Bragg is actively advancing a robust pipeline of opportunities that is anticipated to drive strong momentum as we enter 2025. The outlook for 2025 remains positive, with expectations of sustained double-digit top line growth, expanding bottom line margins, and increased operational leverage, further strengthening Bragg’s position in the market. The preceding guidance and outlook constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a number of risks.
GAMOMAT, one of the leading independent software developers for online slot games, is proud to announce its debut move into the U.S. market through a strategic partnership with Bragg Gaming Group.
This is a major milestone in GAMOMAT’s global expansion strategy, as it brings its popular gaming knowledge to players across four initial states: Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Feng’s Fortune Flaming Link, Great Grizzly and Lava Lions will be included in the first tranche of games going live. Games have been specially developed for the U.S. market following extensive research and analysis of U.S. player tastes, with all titles aligned to these preferences.
In 2022, GAMOMAT and Bragg successfully entered the province of Ontario in Canada where momentum has been building since launch.
Founder and Managing Director Dietmar Hermjohannes of GAMOMAT Development GmbH, commented: “The regulated U.S. online market offers significant potential, and we are excited to bring our games to these vibrant jurisdictions. Our team’s commitment to analysing the diverse preferences of U.S. players has been pivotal in preparing a suite of games tailored to meet their demands.”
Matevž Mazij, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board at Bragg Gaming Group, added: “Our partnership with GAMOMAT continues to thrive and we’re thrilled to now be working together in the U.S. GAMOMAT excels at balancing innovation with proven success and we expect great results.”
Bragg Gaming Group has announced the launch of its newest games and Remote Game Server (RGS) technology with BetMGM in Pennsylvania.
This marks the third state in which Bragg content is live with BetMGM, following earlier launches including in Michigan in 2022 and New Jersey in 2023 respectively. BetMGM players in Pennsylvania can now enjoy popular titles such as “Egyptian Magic” and “Fairy Dust” from Bragg’s Atomic Slot Lab proprietary content studio with further titles set to follow.
Players will soon gain access to content from Bragg’s Las Vegas-based proprietary content studio Wild Streak Gaming, as well as titles from multiple exclusive content partners under the Powered By Bragg program including King Show Games and Sega Sammy Creation.
This expansion underscores Bragg’s commitment to delivering innovative and engaging content to players across North America. All online casino games delivered on Bragg’s new RGS technology come with the Company’s Fuze promotional tools, which offer player engagement features on games such as free rounds, tournaments, and quests.
H2 Gambling Capital projects Gross Win of over $2.5 billion for the regulated online casino market in Pennsylvania in 2024, illustrating the tremendous growth potential in the region.
Garrick Morris, Senior Vice President, Commercial for the US and Canada, at Bragg Gaming Group commented: “We’re delighted to strengthen our existing collaboration with BetMGM to a third U.S. state, as part of our ongoing drive to provide the highest quality content to players in the U.S. iGaming market.
In developing high-quality engaging content, we want to contribute to the long-term success of our partners, and importantly provide a gaming experience which is exceptional for players.”
Oliver Bartlett, Vice President, Gaming, Product & Casino at BetMGM commented: “Bragg has been a great partner for BetMGM in Michigan and New Jersey, and it’s exciting to now be able to expand that relationship to Pennsylvania.
We’re confident that players in Pennsylvania will embrace this new online casino content which has proven to be popular in other regulated markets, with players already familiar with these titles from the land-based sector.”
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