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
Games Global
Games Global and Stormcraft Studios extend the supernatural franchise with Immortal Romance: Sarah’s Secret Power Combo
, Power Combo, and Wild Desire Purchase Feature unite in an exciting slot experience.: Sarah’s Secret Power Combo, the newest installment in the enduring Immortal Romance franchise., launched in 2011, has maintained a consistent presence in regulated markets, celebrated for its gothic style and story-driven gameplay structure. Immortal Romance: Sarah’s Secret Power Combo enhances that groundwork, progressing Sarah’s narrative while offering a contemporary, feature-rich slot. Bonus. The Cash and Jackpot symbols secure their positions as the feature starts with three re-spins, resetting with every new symbol that appears, and filling all spots grants the Mega Jackpot., revealing as many as 31 potential feature combinations. These combinations create different structures and payout dynamics, guaranteeing that no two bonuses unfold alike. Bonus with several modifiers already in effect, while the Twin Flames modifier may grant a double Link&Win Bonus, with each round operating separately. Buy Feature makes a comeback as an optional enhancement. With a bet of 100x, the feature provides a solitary spin across 1,024 winning possibilities, during which as many as five reels can become fully Wild, presenting increased win potential of up to 10,000x.Immortal Romance: Sarah’s Secret Power Combo is a visually striking slot designed for operators seeking established IP, with the release further showcasing Games Global’s commitment to curating diverse, high-performing franchises for its partners.
Terence Igesund, Executive Producer at Stormcraft Studios, said: “Immortal Romance: Sarah’s Secret Power Combo was created to move the Immortal Romance universe forward while staying true to what players love most about it. We focused on giving Sarah her defining moment, a personalised chapter so to speak. One that feels powerful and elevated, supported by gameplay that’s bold but cohesive. It’s a confident evolution of the brand and a clear signal of where the series is headed next.”
The post Games Global and Stormcraft Studios extend the supernatural franchise with Immortal Romance: Sarah’s Secret Power Combo appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Latest News
X Games and Stake Announce Groundbreaking Global Partnership to Revolutionize Action Sports Betting
X Games, the undisputed cultural home of action sports, today announced a global partnership naming Stake as the exclusive online casino and sports betting partner of the X Games League (XGL). This historic collaboration marks a significant evolution for X Games as it prepares to launch the X Games League, integrating elite competition with next-generation fan engagement and sports wagering.
As the X Games continues to push the boundaries of progression, this partnership leverages Stake’s position as the world’s leading online casino and sports betting platform to reach a digitally native, global audience. Building on the foundation laid by official data provider Alt Sports Data, fans will now have unprecedented access to live odds and betting integrations on Stake and across the X Games ecosystem.
Key Partnership Highlights:
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Official Status: Stake becomes the Exclusive Online Casino & Sports Betting Partner for the X Games League (XGL).
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Integrated Betting Experience: Real-time odds provided by Alt Sports Data will be featured during broadcasts, offering fans a seamless way to engage with the competition.
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Athlete Collaboration: A new Athlete Ambassador Fund will support top-tier X Games athletes in creating exclusive, co-branded content for the global community.
X Games livestreamed only on KICK
All four global XGL events each year, including the upcoming Winter Games in Aspen, will be live streamed on KICK, the exclusive home of livestreaming. This coverage also includes both the Summer and Winter XGL Drafts, giving fans access to every key moment throughout the season.
Executive Perspectives:
“Partnering with Stake is a monumental step in building the next generation of X Games. We are officially open for gaming and betting, providing our fans with the adrenaline-fueled engagement they crave. This isn’t just a sponsorship; it’s a strategic alignment that strengthens our business as we scale the X Games League globally. With the data expertise of Alt Sports Data and the reach of Stake, we are ready to redefine the fan experience starting right here in Aspen,” said Cherie Cohen, Chief Revenue Officer at X Games
“We’re excited to partner with X Games to explore new ways fans can engage with extreme sports. Our shared focus on innovation and entertainment makes this a natural collaboration. By bringing Stake’s advanced gaming technology to the X Games’ global audience, we’re creating experiences that reflect the intensity and energy that define elite extreme sports competition,” says Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at Stake.
Looking Ahead
The partnership officially kicks off at X Games Aspen (January 23-25, 2026), followed by the Summer XGL Draft in March. As the X Games League continues its global expansion, Stake and Kick.com will remain at the forefront of the broadcast and digital experience.
The post X Games and Stake Announce Groundbreaking Global Partnership to Revolutionize Action Sports Betting appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
PokerStars has announced the full schedule for PokerStars Open Philadelphia, with an eight-day long live poker festival taking place at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, headlined by a $500,000 guaranteed Main Event running March 16 – 23, 2026.
Players will be able to qualify online via PokerStars, from just $10 starting January 20, with satellites offering pathways into the $1,100 Main Event and other headline tournaments. Online satellites are available to eligible players in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, and Ontario.
Following the huge success of last year’s event, which more than doubled its guarantee, PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026 will feature seven trophy events, exclusive merchandise giveaways, and appearances from PokerStars ambassadors Joe Stapleton, Arlie Shaban and Jen Shahade.
The 2025 Main Event attracted 1,154 entries, generating a massive $1,107,840 prize pool, firmly establishing Philadelphia as a must-stop destination on the PokerStars Open calendar.
The headline $1,100 buy-in Main Event will feature four starting flights, giving players multiple opportunities to build a stack and compete for a share of one of the largest prize pools in the region this spring.
“PokerStars Open Philadelphia has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting live stops on our North American calendar,” said RJ Peterson, Senior Director of Marketing, PokerStars. “After seeing the Main Event more than double its guarantee last year, we’re proud to return to Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia with bigger momentum and multiple ways for players to qualify and compete. Philly has proven it’s a fantastic poker city, and we’re excited to bring the Open back in March.”
POKERSTARS OPEN PHILADELPHIA – KEY EVENTS
- $1,100 Main Event – March 18 – 22 – $500,000 guarantee (four starting flights)
- Women’s Event – March 20 – $10,000 guarantee
- PokerStars Cup – March 22 – $40,000 guarantee
- Seven trophy events in total across the full schedule
In addition to the core festival, PokerStars and Live! Poker sister brands in Philadelphia and Maryland are teaming up to deliver a special edition satellite event on Monday, March 23rd at Live! Philadelphia, sending players to the Live! Poker Classic Main Event in Maryland (March 26-30). PokerStars is adding twenty seats to the $220 buy-in satellite tournament, valued at $22,000, creating a tremendous opportunity for players to qualify for the $1,100 Live! Poker Classic Main Event in Maryland from Philadelphia while strengthening the growing partnership between PokerStars and Live! Poker brands.
Anne Tran, Director of Poker Operations at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, said “Live! Casino and Hotel is excited to reconnect with PokerStars and create unforgettable memories with our players as this unique tournament returns to the vibrant atmosphere of the Live! Poker Room,” said Anne Tran, Director of Poker Operations at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. “The cards are ready, the tables are set, and the excitement is palpable. Welcome back to where the real magic happens!”
With major guarantees, a proven track record of smashing expectations, and a packed schedule both on and off the felt, PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026 promises to be one of the standout live poker events of the spring.
The post ALL THE ACTION, ALL THE DATES, POKERSTARS OPEN PHILADELPHIA SCHEDULE RELEASED appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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