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Brightstar Lottery Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results
Brightstar Lottery PLC has reported the financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025.
“We achieved several important milestones over the last few months. We secured the Italy Lotto license through November 2034, closed the sale of our Gaming & Digital business for $4 billion in cash, and announced plans to return significant capital to shareholders. With a singular focus on lottery and unmatched industry expertise, we are well positioned to create value for all stakeholders with our mission to elevate lotteries and inspire players around the world,” said Vince Sadusky, CEO of Brightstar.
“Our second quarter results reflect sustained global demand for instant ticket and draw games. We are investing in key initiatives to drive sustainable, long-term growth, while also delivering structural cost reductions to right-size the business. The Company’s attractive profit profile and strong, predictable cash flows support our balanced approach to capital allocation,” said Max Chiara, CFO of Brightstar.
Key Highlights
• Successful completion of Gaming & Digital sale for approximately $4.0 billion of net cash proceeds on July 1, 2025.
• Secured several meaningful contract wins and extensions including a nine-year Lotto operator license in Italy, an eight-year contract in Missouri which includes a fully-integrated OMNIA retail and digital solution, and several multi-year instant ticket printing contract extensions.
• Expanding OPtiMa 3.0 cost reduction programme to $50 million to right-size the business following the Gaming & Digital sale.
Second Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights
Second quarter revenue was $631 million, up 3% or stable at constant currency.
• Instant ticket & draw same-store sales increased across geographies with Italy increasing 3.7%, U.S. higher by 0.6%, and Rest of World climbing 8.4%.
• Product sales rose 59% on higher instant ticket printing and terminal sales.
• Foreign currency translation had a positive impact on growth.
• Growth from the drivers above was partially offset by elevated U.S. multi-state jackpot activity and associated LMA incentives in the prior year.
Loss from continuing operations was $60 million compared to income from continuing operations of $84 million in the prior year period.
• Incurred a foreign exchange loss versus a foreign exchange gain in the prior year, primarily reflecting the non-cash impact of fluctuations in the EUR/USD exchange rate on debt.
• Operating income was lower, driven by the high profit flow-through from elevated U.S. multi-state jackpot sales and associated LMA incentives in the prior year and restructuring charges related to the expanded OPtiMa 3.0 cost reduction programme in the current year.
• Increased provision for income taxes.
• Dynamics noted above were partially offset by reduced interest expense.
Adjusted EBITDA was $274 million compared to $290 million in the prior-year period, demonstrating resiliency despite incremental investments in the business and multi-state jackpot and LMA dynamics.
• Prior year results include the high profit flow-through from elevated U.S. multi-state jackpot sales and associated LMA incentives.
• Selling, general, and administrative costs were modestly higher as ongoing investments in the business were partially offset by OPtiMa cost savings.
• The Q2’25 period benefited from positive foreign currency translation.
Diluted loss per share from continuing operations was $0.47 compared to diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.21 in the prior year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.12 compared to $0.20 in the prior year, primarily driven by lower operating income.
YTD 2025 Financial Highlights
Year-to-date revenue of $1.2 billion compares to $1.3 billion in the prior-year period.
• The decline was due to higher U.S. multi-state jackpot activity and associated LMA incentives in the prior year.
• Global instant ticket & draw same-store sales rose 1.2%.
Loss from continuing operations was $52 million compared to income from continuing operations of $200 million in the prior year period.
• Lower operating income, primarily due to the items affecting Adjusted EBITDA as noted below.
• Foreign exchange loss versus foreign exchange gain in the prior year, primarily reflecting the non-cash impact of fluctuations in the EUR/USD exchange rate on debt.
Adjusted EBITDA of $524 million compares to $617 million in the prior-year, primarily driven by high profit flow-through from elevated U.S. multi-state jackpot sales and associated LMA incentives in the prior year, partially offset by positive foreign currency translation.
Diluted loss per share from continuing operations was $0.59 compared to diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.56 in the prior year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.20 compares to $0.47 in the prior year primarily driven by lower operating income, partially offset by reductions in net interest and income tax expense.
Net debt was $5.2 billion compared to $4.8 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily driven by an approximate $340 million impact from fluctuations in the EUR/USD exchange rate. Net debt leverage was 3.0x pro forma for $2 billion debt reduction completed in July.
Cash and Liquidity Update
Total liquidity was $2.9 billion as of June 30, 2025 with $1.3 billion in unrestricted cash and $1.6 billion in additional borrowing capacity from undrawn credit facilities.
Other Developments
The Company plans to launch a $250 million accelerated share repurchase programme (ASR) by entering into an accelerated share repurchase agreement with a counterparty bank. The Company plans to execute the ASR as part of its $500 million share repurchase authorization outlined below and in accordance with the share repurchase authorisation provided by the Company’s shareholders at the Company’s 2025 Annual General Meeting. The Company has been informed by De Agostini S.p.A., that it does not intend to participate in the ASR.
The Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share with a record date of August 12, 2025 and a payment date of August 26, 2025.
Completed the sale of the Gaming & Digital business on July 1, 2025. The Company received approximately $4.0 billion of net cash proceeds that are expected to be allocated in the following manner:
$2.0 billion used to reduce debt (completed in July 2025).
• Redeemed in whole the 4.125% Senior Secured U.S. Dollar Notes due April 2026 and the 3.500% Senior Secured Euro Notes due June 2026.
• Prepaid €300 million of the Term Loan Facilities due January 2027.
• The remaining amount was allocated to prepay the Revolving Credit Facilities due July 2027.
$1.1 billion to be returned to shareholders.
• The Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend to common shareholders in the amount of $3.00 per share. The record date of the distribution was July 14, 2025, and it is payable July 29, 2025.
• In addition, the Board authorized a $500 million, two-year share repurchase programme. The new authorisation replaces the Company’s existing share repurchase programme.
$500 million to partially fund upcoming Italy Lotto license payments.
$400 million to be used for general corporate purposes.
The U.S. federal income tax consequences of distributions by the Company will depend, in part, on whether the Company has current or accumulated earnings and profits (“E&P”), as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Based on preliminary estimates, the Company does not expect to have current E&P for fiscal year 2025 or accumulated E&P from prior fiscal years that would offset the current year expected E&P deficit. Accordingly, the Company anticipates that the special dividend, the Q1 dividend paid on June 12, and any future dividends paid in the current fiscal year will be treated for U.S. income tax purposes as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of a shareholder’s basis in its shares, and thereafter as capital gain, although no assurances can be provided because the determination of E&P is a full-year calculation which depends upon facts that are not known as of the date hereof.
FY’25 Outlook: Adjusted EBITDA Reaffirmed, Cash Flow Improved
• Revenue of approximately $2.50 billion; adjusting revenue down $50 million compared to the previous outlook to reflect a timing shift in product sales and increased amortization related to Italy Lotto upfront license fee (which is treated as contra-revenue).
• Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.10 billion, in line with the previous outlook as incremental benefit from foreign currency translation is offset by higher-than-expected U.S. multi-state jackpot and LMA impacts.
• Net cash used in operating activities of approximately $275 million reflects a $75 million improvement versus the previous outlook driven by interest, income taxes, and other working capital items.
• Capital expenditures of approximately $375 million, a $75 million improvement from the previous outlook to reflect timing shifts related to recent contract extensions.
• Increasing FY’25 EUR/USD assumption to 1.12.
The post Brightstar Lottery Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Francesco Cuzzupoli
REEVO Goes Live with Microgame, Expanding Its Reach in Italy
Reading Time: < 1 minute
REEVO has announced that its innovative portfolio of in-house games is now live with Microgame, one of Italy’s leading gaming service providers.
This partnership marks another significant milestone in REEVO’s expansion strategy, bringing its rapidly growing collection of original slot titles to Microgame’s extensive operator network. Known for its cutting-edge technology, immersive mechanics and distinctive themes, REEVO continues to redefine the online casino experience for players worldwide.
Italian operators and players will now gain access to some of REEVO’s most popular and engaging titles, including Bongo Safari, Her Genie Ways and Bullfighting Champion—games that blend striking visuals, fresh concepts and dynamic gameplay designed to captivate audiences.
Francesco Cuzzupoli, Gaming Product Director at Microgame, said: “With REEVO joining our portfolio, we strengthen Microgame’s ability to provide Italian operators with a diverse and high-quality offering. The vast selection of titles and the advanced architecture of REEVO’s platform represent an important competitive lever for us.”
Karl Grech, Head of Business Development at REEVO, said: “We’re delighted to officially go live with Microgame, a market leader in Italy with an impressive operator network. This collaboration is a powerful step forward in our mission to deliver exceptional content and aggregation solutions to operators globally. By combining REEVO’s innovative in-house games with Microgame’s deep local expertise, we’re confident players in Italy will enjoy a truly unique and next-level gaming experience.”
The post REEVO Goes Live with Microgame, Expanding Its Reach in Italy appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Ivelina Balova Product Owner at Sneaky Slots
Sneaky Slots reveals a bunch of freaks in its second release, Freak Show Revelation
Reading Time: 3 minutes
The show is about to begin… so find your seats, sit back and enjoy The Freak Show Revelation! B.T Parnum has gathered the freakiest freaks and created a program that is meant to shock the people! This is the second release from Sneaky Slots since the launch of Nip Tuck last month, with Gopnik and Gods Go Pew Pew up next!
Reel Area
The Freak Show unfolds across a 3-3-3-3-3 reel setup with a couple of sneaky Host tricks above the reel. Each linked to a Host symbol that can land anywhere on the reels. When a Host Symbol lands, the corresponding feature above the reel activates:
- Host Multiplier: Awards a random Multiplier 5x, 10x, 25x and 50x.
- The Generous Host: The Host will expand to cover the entire reel and acts like a wild.
- Host Cash: Instant cash prize will be awarded and the Host will add a random multiplier between 2x and 10x.
xBomb®
Well, well, well… look what decided to make an surprise appearance! It’s one of Nolimit City’s iconic xMechanic, xBomb®, making its first ever appearance in another provider’s game!
In Freak Show Revelation, xBomb® explodes removing all adjacent symbols and increases the Multiplier for the next collapse.
Pick Your Bonus!
The beauty of this show is that get to choose between Heaven and Hell. Land 3 Bonus Symbols and choose between either the Heaven Spins or Hell Respins. Landing 4 Bonus Symbols will unlock the choice for the Super Variants of each bonus.
Heaven Spins
So, you think you have a good cocnscious. When selecting the Heaven Spins, you get 10 free spins. During this feature the Host activation increase in frequency. A single Bonus Symbol will activate Super Heaven Spins and will award +3 Spins.
Super Heaven Spins
The difference between Heaven and Super Heaven Spins is that the Host is guaranteed to land at least once in each spin.
Hell Respins
Maybe you’re feeling a little mischievous. When selecting the Hell Respins Bonus, you are award 3 respins where the only symbols that can land are; Multipliers between 1x-10x, Blank, Bonus and the Host.
When a multiplier lands on the reels, it’s value will be added to the current multiplier on top of the relevant reel.
Whenever the Host lands on any reel, he will double the value of the multiplier above that reel.
Landing a Multiplier or the Host will always award +1 respin. At the end of the feature all Multipliers will be added up and added to the bet.
Landing a single Bonus Symbol will upgrade Hell Respins to Super Hell Respins and award +2 respins. Super Hell Respins will also keep the collected Multipliers above the reels.
Super Hell Spins
The difference between Hell and Super Hell Respins is that in Super Hell Spins you start with 4 free respins . During Super Hell Spins whenever the Host lands it will triple the value of the Multipliers above that reel. Landing at least 1 Multiplier Symbol or Host will award +1 respin.
Sneaky Buy
Do you want the best seat in the house? The Sneaky Buy feature lets you jump straight into the action:
- The Host – Guaranteed to land at least 1 Host symbol
- Bonus – Guaranteed to land 3 Bonus Symbols and pick either Heaven Spins or Hell Respins
- Super Bonus – Guaranteed to land 4 Bonus Symbols and pick either Super Heaven Spins or Super Hell Respins
Sneaky Boost
Sneaky Boost makes for an unforgettable performance in Freak Show Revelation.
Sneaky Boost is activated for 2 times the base bet, where there is an increased chance of triggering the Bonus rounds. Landing 1 or 2 active Sneaky Symbols in a spin trigger a normal bonus feature.
Super Sneaky Boost can be activated for 5 times the base bet for an increased chance of triggering the Super Bonus feature. Landing 1 Super Sneaky symbol will trigger a normal Bonus and landing 2 Super Sneaky symbols will trigger a Super Bonus.
The Stats
Max Win: 13,000x
Volatility: Extremely Volatile
Ivelina Balova, Product Owner at Sneaky Slots, said: “We’ve gotten great reception after our first release and now we’re looking to capitalise off that momentum. Freak Show Revelation has been in the works for a while, we have even changed the name a few times, but the Host? He has always been the star of the show. Sit back, enjoy the spectacle and keep an eye out for those easter eggs!”
‘Freak Show Revelation’ will be available to all Sneaky Slots partners on October 29th, 2025.
The post Sneaky Slots reveals a bunch of freaks in its second release, Freak Show Revelation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BGaming
Land Colourful Cluster Wins in BGaming’s Merge Up™ 2
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Rapidly expanding content provider delivers data-driven sequel to improve on popular hit
Popular iGaming content provider BGaming is proud to announce the release of Merge Up
2, the long-awaited sequel to the hugely popular cluster-pay title, Merge Up
. The new release elevates the original’s gameplay mechanics and design, using data-driven insights and research to give players exactly what they want.
The company has collaborated with Strmlytics, which provided factual streaming data and direct feedback from the streaming community playing Merge Up
. These insights have enabled BGaming to enhance gameplay without losing the charm and appeal of the original title.
This data-first approach has resulted in a visually modernised and polished slot experience. Merge Up
2 features an eye-pleasing pastel theme, with simplified visuals and mechanics that are now even easier for players to read.
Gameplay has seen the most significant enhancements. Cell Multipliers are now a central part of the base game, while consecutive clusters can trigger the all-new Bomb symbols, an idea inspired by a more rewarding experience compared to the original title.
Bonus features have also been made more accessible. The Free Spins bonus is triggered with three Scatters, as opposed to four, while three Bonus Buy options now offer different entry levels for players with a brand new bonus with maximum potential.
Merge Up
2 also boasts an explosive math model, offering a 10,000x maximum win and an impressive 98% RTP, enhancing the overall entertainment experience.
Yana Drabianok, Game Designer at BGaming, said, “We aimed to keep the merging mechanic as dynamic as before and make it even more engaging, but in the end, we knew the game must also have a heart. Merge Up
2 is more than a set of soulless features – it’s a game made with love for detail. We want the feeling of it to be precisely that of a game with a soul: with a smooth flow, understandable rhythm, instant readability, and pleasant “micro-rewards” at every step.
Sebastian Khalighy, CEO at Strmlytics, said, “We are delighted to work alongside BGaming again, and we are excited to see how players react to Merge Up
2. Our data, expertise and research identified key areas improvements of the original gaming experience focusing on improving the overall player experience, and we believe the final product addresses all of them, both for the fans of the original and also new players.
Data-driven insights and player research are going to play a key role in gaming development in the coming years, and titles like Merge Up
2 are an excellent example of what they are capable of helping to produce.”
The post Land Colourful Cluster Wins in BGaming’s Merge Up™ 2 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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