Press Releases
Betsson Group – strong full-year operating profit thanks to geographical spread and efficient organisation
QUARTER OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019
- Group revenue was SEK 1,289.5 (1,436.6) million, a decrease of 10 percent with an organic decrease of 11 percent.
- Casino revenue declined by 10 percent and Sportsbook revenue declined by 9 percent. The sportsbook margin was 6.8 (7.3) percent.
- Operating income (EBIT) was SEK 200.5 (341.5) million. The variance was mainly due to decreased revenue. The EBIT margin was 15.5 (23.8) percent.
- Operating cash flow amounted to SEK 237.8 (289.3) million.
FULL YEAR 2019
- Group revenue was SEK 5,173.0 (5,419.8) million, a decrease of 5 percent, reported and organic.
- Operating income (EBIT) was SEK 865.0 (1,193.8) million, corresponding to an operating margin of 16.7 (22.0) percent.
- Net income was SEK 787.1 (1,078.1) million, corresponding to SEK 5.69 (7.79) per share.
- Operating cash flow amounted to SEK 1,150.3 (1,273.3) million.
- The Board of Directors proposes to the AGM that SEK 393.1 (538.4) million, which corresponds to SEK 2.84 (3.89) per share, is distributed to shareholders.
FOURTH QUARTER
Revenue for the fourth quarter was SEK 1,289.5 million, a decrease compared to the same quarter last year but an increase compared to the previous quarter. Development in Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands have continued to be weak, while other markets in which Betsson operates, locally regulated and non-locally regulated, have performed well. The sportsbook margin for the fourth quarter at 6.8 percent is slightly lower than the previous two quarters, which impacted the sportsbook’s revenue for the quarter negatively. Sportsbook gross turnover on the other hand, have developed strongly both during the fourth quarter and the full year 2019, with an increase during the quarter of 15 percent compared with the same period last year and 6 percent for the full year. Operating profit (EBIT) for the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 200.5 million, which corresponds to an operating margin of 15.5 percent.
CEO COMMENTS
2019 full-year operating profit of SEK 865 million shows that Betsson can deliver despite several market challanges
“We are proud to present an operating profit for the full year 2019 of SEK 865 million. The operating profit shows Betsson’s ability to deliver profitability, also during the challenges that 2019 entailed. We had expected some recovery in the closing fourth quarter, above all in the Swedish market, but we did not reach our objectives there. Up until now, one year after the Swedish re-regulation, we have still not seen the market consolidation that we expect due to the great number of operators, many of them showing no profitability. On the other hand, we have seen declining channelisation, which makes it difficult for the licensed operators who pay 18 percent gaming tax and it also jeopardizes consumer protection. High channelisation contributes to competition on equal terms for the companies in the sector that operate in the Swedish market.
During its long history, Betsson has grown more than the market. In 2019, we had a notch in this curve, but our long-term ambition to grow more than the market, organically and through acquisitions, remains. Our efficient organisation, the strong cash flow and the strong financial position provide a good foundation for acquisitions. During the fourth quarter we made a minor strategic acquisition and continue to analyse several opportunities, both in locally regulated markets and in markets that will be regulated. By further increasing the geographical distribution, we can reduce the impact of temporary downturns in individual markets.
The geographical and product distribution provide stability and also gives us the opportunity to be sustainable in our long-term efforts to run a profitable business with growth and good margins. Betsson is continuously investing in the development of the product offering and it is gratifying to get an acknowledgment that we do the right things. We saw an increase in active customers during the fourth quarter by 3 percent compared to the fourth quarter of last year 9 percent compared to the third quarter. Our in-house developed sportsbook with constantly improved performance delivers good customer experiences, sales growth and good profitability. The high performance also makes it an attractive third-party product. We have previously stated that our ambition is to offer the sportsbook to external customers and we have concluded the first deal with a third party at the beginning of the current year. We are now looking forward to the European Football Championship in June.”
ABOUT BETSSON:
Betsson AB (publ) is a holding company that invests in and manages fast-growing companies within online gaming. The company is one of the largest in online gaming in Europe and has the ambition to outgrow the market, organically and through acquisitions. This should be done in a profitable and sustainable manner, primarily in locally regulated markets. Betsson AB is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm Large Cap (BETS).
Betsson’s operational subsidiaries’ vision is to deliver the best customer experience in the industry. They offer casino, sportsbook and other games via gaming licences in twelve countries in Europe and Central Asia. The business model is to offer gaming under multiple brands, including Betsson, Betsafe, NordicBet and Casinoeuro. The brands are operated on a proprietary platform, which is the core of the offer and the customer experience.
Being a responsible operator in relation to customers, suppliers, authorities, investors and other stakeholders is a cornerstone of the Betsson’s business. Betsson is a member of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), ESSA (Sports Betting Integrity) and G4 (The Global Gambling Guidance Group).
Learn more about the Group on www.betssonab.com
CreedRoomz
CreedRoomz launches Maradona Run live game show with licensed rights
The new football-themed title keeps CreedRoomz’ existing mechanics and adds a Maradona-branded visual overhaul and 10,000x max payout claim.
CreedRoomz has launched a new live game show, “Maradona Run,” which the supplier says is backed by official rights and is now available to partner operators on the CreedRoomz Live Casino platform.
The company positions the release around the upcoming World Cup games, with a football-themed reskin of its existing interactive game show concept. CreedRoomz said the game’s “logic and core mechanics remain exactly the same,” while the visual identity has been rebuilt around a 3D animated caricature of Diego Maradona in a number 10 jersey.
Maradona Run combines a lottery-style ball draw, where players can manage up to eight interactive cards, with an “endless runner” bonus round. In the bonus sequence, the Maradona character runs through an obstacle course collecting glowing soccer balls that the supplier says translate into gameplay advantages including multipliers, speed boosts and prize doublers. CreedRoomz stated the game has a maximum payout potential of up to 10,000x the bet.
“Securing the official rights for Maradona Run allows us to hand our partners a massive competitive advantage just in time for the World Cup games,” said Armen Mnatsakanyan, Head of Sales Department at CreedRoomz. “By merging the legendary global appeal of Maradona with our high-retention endless-runner mechanic, we have created a premium crossover product that effortlessly converts football fans into loyal live casino players. The proven logic and math models are exactly what operators trust, but the brand power and vibrant new look make this a must-have commercial powerhouse.”
The title features a live presenter alongside the animated character and includes three bonus ticket tiers—Sprint, Trailblaze, and Marathon—intended to provide multiple bonus-entry paths per round, according to the supplier.
The post CreedRoomz launches Maradona Run live game show with licensed rights appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Armen Mnatsakanyan Head of Sales Department at CreedRoomz
“Maradona Run” Launched by CreedRoomz as New Live Game Show with Official Rights
Leading live casino provider CreedRoomz has officially announced the launch of its highly anticipated new live game show, “Maradona Run,” backed by official rights.
Built to capture the celebratory spirit of the upcoming World Cup games, this groundbreaking release introduces an authorized, football-themed transformation of the company’s signature interactive game show concept. By securing the official rights to feature one of the greatest legends in football history, CreedRoomz is inviting global operators and players to engage with an entirely premium, legally authorized gaming experience.
While the game’s flawless logic and core mechanics remain exactly the same, the visual identity has been completely overhauled to welcome the World Cup games. The character has been transformed into a vibrant, 3D animated caricature of the legendary Maradona, proudly wearing his iconic number 10 jersey.
Maradona Run seamlessly bridges a fast-paced lottery ball draw with a cinematic, arcade-style endless runner bonus round. During the main game, players manage up to eight interactive cards as football-styled lottery numbers bounce in a high-tech studio chamber. When the bonus round triggers, players leave the studio behind and hit a digital, festive boulevard alongside Maradona himself.
Instead of traditional coins, the animated legend sprints down the obstacle-filled street course collecting glowing soccer balls. These collectibles correspond to crucial gameplay advantages, including total payout multipliers, energy speed-boosts, and prize doublers, culminating in a massive maximum payout potential of up to 10,000x the bet.
“Securing the official rights for Maradona Run allows us to hand our partners a massive competitive advantage just in time for the World Cup games,” said Armen Mnatsakanyan, Head of Sales Department at CreedRoomz. “By merging the legendary global appeal of Maradona with our high-retention endless-runner mechanic, we have created a premium crossover product that effortlessly converts football fans into loyal live casino players. The proven logic and math models are exactly what operators trust, but the brand power and vibrant new look make this a must-have commercial powerhouse.”
The live game show features a highly interactive setup where a live presenter stands side-by-side with the animated Maradona caricature, engaging with players in real-time. With three distinct bonus ticket tiers Sprint, Trailblaze, and Marathon players have multiple pathways to chase massive wins on every single round.
Maradona Run Live is now available to all partner operators integrating the CreedRoomz Live Casino platform.
The post “Maradona Run” Launched by CreedRoomz as New Live Game Show with Official Rights appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Affinity
SCCG Management Partners with Affinity Group and Gaming Gateway to Expand Global Gaming Licensing and Corporate Structuring Services
SCCG Management has entered into a strategic partnership with Affinity Group, the Isle of Man-based corporate service provider and regulatory consultancy firm, to bring multi-jurisdictional gaming licensing, compliance, and corporate structuring capabilities to gaming operators, technology providers, and investors worldwide. The partnership positions SCCG as Affinity’s market representation channel into the broader gaming and sports entertainment sectors, while Affinity’s corporate services, regulatory expertise, compliance support, and multi-jurisdictional licensing through Gaming Gateway give SCCG clients a direct path to licensing in some of the world’s most respected gaming jurisdictions.
What Affinity Group Does
Founded in 2004 on the Isle of Man, Affinity Group is an independently owned corporate services company that specializes in helping regulated businesses establish, structure, and maintain operations across multiple jurisdictions. The company has built a particular depth of expertise in eGaming, where it has been assisting operators with licensing and corporate structuring since 2013.
Affinity operates through several specialized brands, with Affinity Nav serving as its regulatory consultancy arm focused on eGaming and fintech. Affinity Nav provides end-to-end support for both startups and established operators, from initial consultancy and strategic planning, to regulatory liaison, regulatory framework expertise, and ongoing compliance management after go-live.
Beyond licensing, Affinity provides a comprehensive suite of corporate services that gaming companies need when entering new markets: company incorporation and administration, provision of directorship and company secretary services, registered office facilities, bank account opening assistance, escrow services, VAT registration and returns, and liaison with lawyers, payment solution providers, hosting providers, and software suppliers. This breadth means a gaming operator or technology supplier can work with a single partner to handle the corporate and regulatory infrastructure required to operate in a new jurisdiction.
Gaming Gateway: Taking Global Licensing Further
In 2025, Affinity launched Gaming Gateway, its Florida-based brand dedicated to taking Affinity’s proven licensing track record, with a 100% license application success rate, truly global. Building on the deep jurisdictional expertise Affinity has established, particularly across the Isle of Man and Malta, Gaming Gateway extends that capability across a wider range of international markets, assisting clients in obtaining both inward and outward-facing licenses the world over.
Whether an operator is seeking to enter a new regulated market or a jurisdiction requires outward-facing regulatory approvals, Gaming Gateway delivers the same bespoke, end-to-end service that has defined Affinity’s 100% license application success rate, now at a truly global scale. The SCCG partnership directly extends Gaming Gateway’s reach into the operator and supplier relationships SCCG has built across more than three decades in the industry.
Why This Matters for the Gaming Industry
The global gambling industry is expanding rapidly into new regulated markets, and with that expansion comes an increasing demand for licensing, compliance, and corporate structuring expertise that most operators and technology suppliers do not have in-house.
Securing an eGaming license is not simply a regulatory filing. It requires a deep understanding of the specific jurisdiction’s regulatory framework, corporate governance requirements, beneficial ownership disclosure rules, anti-money laundering obligations, player protection standards, and ongoing reporting commitments. Each jurisdiction has its own application process, timeline, and operational expectations.
Affinity operates in several of the most sought-after gaming jurisdictions. The Isle of Man, regulated by the Gambling Supervision Commission, is widely regarded as a gold-standard tier-one jurisdiction with particular strengths in operator flexibility and access to global markets. Malta, governed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), provides the EU regulatory gateway that many online operators require.
For gaming companies evaluating market entry, the ability to work with a single corporate services partner across multiple jurisdictions reduces complexity, speeds up application timelines, and ensures consistent governance standards. Affinity’s established relationships with regulators in each jurisdiction, built over more than two decades of operations, provide clients with a level of access and institutional knowledge that accelerates the licensing process.
What SCCG Brings to the Partnership
SCCG Management will represent Affinity Group across the gambling and sports entertainment ecosystem, connecting Affinity’s licensing and compliance capabilities to the operator, platform, and technology relationships SCCG has built over more than 33 years in the industry.
The engagement covers SCCG’s standard advisory structure: qualified introductions to gaming companies evaluating new market entry, international expansion support, commercial partnership development, and strategic advisory. Affinity will also benefit from SCCG’s content and marketing infrastructure, including newsletter distribution to approximately 34,000 gaming industry professionals, thought leadership placement, event visibility, and amplification through SCCG’s digital channels.
Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management, will serve as a brand ambassador for Affinity, representing the company’s capabilities in meetings, at industry events, and across SCCG’s network of operator and investor relationships.
Target Verticals
The partnership will focus on connecting Affinity to several categories of gaming and entertainment businesses: online gaming operators and sportsbooks seeking multi-jurisdictional licensing strategies, gaming technology suppliers and platform providers needing licensing in operator markets, startup and early-stage gaming companies requiring corporate structuring and initial license applications, established operators expanding into new regulated markets, gaming-adjacent fintech and cryptocurrency companies navigating regulated frameworks, and investors and holding companies evaluating jurisdictional structures for gaming assets.
The post SCCG Management Partners with Affinity Group and Gaming Gateway to Expand Global Gaming Licensing and Corporate Structuring Services appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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