Industry News
NetEnt: Year-end report 2019 and quarterly report October – December 2019
Quote from Therese Hillman, Group CEO
“Since December, we have seen all-time highs in the number of players for our Live Casino, which supports our belief in growing revenues from this segment. Since the acquisition, Red Tiger has exceeded our expectations and now forms a vital part of our ongoing improvement efforts within the NetEnt Group. We see good conditions for NetEnt to deliver growth in 2020, supported by our combined game portfolio and Live Casino.”
Fourth quarter 2019
- Revenues for the fourth quarter amounted to 512 (465) SEKm
- EBITDA of 261 (204) SEKm, corresponding to a margin of 51.0 (43.9)%
- EBIT of 161 (146) SEKm, corresponding to a margin of 31.4 (31.4)%
- Earnings after tax of 113 (137) SEKm. Earnings per share of SEK 0.47 (0.57) before and after dilution
- Red Tiger contributed 96 SEKm to revenues and 70 SEKm to EBITDA
Full year 2019
- Revenues for the full year amounted to 1,793 (1,782) SEKm
- EBITDA of 855 (816) SEKm, corresponding to a margin of 47.7 (45.8)%
- EBIT of 529 (601) SEKm, a margin of 29.5 (33.7)%
- Earnings after tax of 429 (577) SEKm. Earnings per share of SEK 1.79 (2.40) before and after dilution
- The results include SEK 59 million of acquisition-related transaction costs and amortization, and SEK 29 million of acquisition-related financing costs
- Red Tiger was consolidated in September and contributed 126 SEKm to revenues and 93 SEKm to EBITDA
- Proposed ordinary cash return to shareholders of SEK 1.00 (2.25) per share
Important events in the fourth quarter
- NetEnt released 13 (6) slot games, of which Ozzy Osbourne was the most successful
- Red Tiger released 9 (6) slot games, of which Dynamite Riches was the most successful
- The platform service NetEnt Connect was introduced in December, with Red Tiger as first supplier
- Within Live Casino, a new Auto-Roulette studio was launched
Growth through acquisition
Revenues for the last quarter of the year increased by 10.0 percent to the highest level ever, SEK 512 million (465 SEKm), of which SEK 96 million came from Red Tiger, which was acquired in September. Pro forma(1) in euro terms, our total revenues including Red Tiger decreased by 4.8 percent compared to the corresponding period of 2018. Growth was held back by continued weakness in mainly Sweden and Norway, while our revenues in the US continued to grow significantly. During the period January 1 to February 10, 2020, total gamewin proforma(1) in euro terms for the NetEnt Group including Red Tiger increased by 4.9 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.
Operating income and cash flow in the fourth quarter
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to SEK 261 (204) million in the quarter, of which SEK 70 million was contributed by Red Tiger. The EBITDA margin was 51.0 (43.9) percent. Red Tiger was acquired with the objective to create shareholder value through increased growth and profitability for the new group. The transaction was enabled by NetEnt’s strong balance sheet, which went from a net cash to net debt position, and our long-term goal is to deliver enhanced shareholder returns with a balanced capital structure. Hence, the proposed cash return to shareholders for 2019 is SEK 1.00 (2.25) per share, which supports the company’s cash flow generation and allows for debt to be reduced. This payout level is in line with the company’s dividend policy.
High level of activity and deeper integration with Red Tiger
We released more games than ever in the fourth quarter – 13 (6) from NetEnt and 9 (6) from Red Tiger – and continued to sign deals with and launch customers at a high pace. In addition, the quarter was marked by deepening integration with Red Tiger to realize both revenue- and cost synergies. Red Tiger adds complementary competence to the NetEnt group and we are running a number of common projects at full speed to deliver a significantly enhanced customer offering and player experience. Our first combined game with jackpot mechanics, Piggy Riches, was released in January and has so far been the best release ever for Red Tiger. During 2020, we will be releasing several new jointly developed games. In December, we launched our content aggregation service, NetEnt Connect, with Red Tiger as the first supplier. In 2019, we reduced the number of employees at NetEnt (excluding Red Tiger) while at the same time we stepped up our game production and efforts to develop our Live Casino offering. We continue to focus on cost control and efficiency throughout the NetEnt Group and the integration of Red Tiger forms a vital part of this process.
All-time high in player numbers for Live Casino
We continue according to plan to improve our product and organization within Live Casino, and in December we launched a new Auto-Roulette studio. Feedback on the product enhancements made during 2019 has generally been positive and since December, we have seen all-time highs in player numbers for our Live Casino. We are now expanding the studio in Malta and will soon be offering physical tables to our customers for the first time, as an alternative to our tables with blue screen technology, which should contribute to increased revenues from Live Casino in 2020.
Future outlook
We recently unveiled a number of product news at the ICE exhibition in London, such as a new jackpot concept called Starburst Power Pots, as well as branded games in collaboration with Gordon Ramsay, Street Fighter and Fashion TV – again showing our commitment to creating a world-class player experience.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to our employees, customers and shareholders for their support during 2019. Backed by our ongoing focus on efficiency and the acquisition of Red Tiger, we are entering the new year in a stronger position. Our global distribution and two strong brands give us the right basis to increase our market shares in online casino. We see good conditions for NetEnt to deliver growth in 2020, supported by our combined game portfolio and Live Casino.
(1) Comparable figures from the previous year include Red Tiger.
About NetEnt:
NetEnt AB (publ) is a global gaming company, providing premium gaming solutions to the world’s most successful online casino operators. In addition to the company’s NetEnt brand, our portfolio also includes Red Tiger Gaming. Since our start in 1996, we have been a true pioneer in driving the market with innovative games powered by a cutting-edge platform. NetEnt is committed to creating the future of gaming, is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (NET–B) and employs around 1 100 people in Malta, Stockholm, Sofia, Kiev, Krakow, Gothenburg, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, London and New Jersey. For more information, please visit www.netent.com.
NuxGame, the experienced betting and casino software provider, has been recognised at this year’s EGR B2B Awards, receiving a nomination for its Aggregation Platform.
The EGR B2B Awards is one of the most esteemed events in the industry and this shortlisting solidifies NuxGame’s status as a leading casino software supplier and a one-stop shop for casino operators.
Winners are to be selected by a panel of industry experts ahead of the ceremony at The Roundhouse in London on 13th June.
NuxGame’s aggregation platform boasts over 13,600 slots titles from 135 leading providers, which has recently been bolstered thanks to partnerships with the likes of 3 Oaks Gaming, Vivo Gaming and Hacksaw Gaming.
The nomination follows a strong year for the provider, which has made strides in player retention and acquisition tools for its aggregation platform customers with features such as free spins, network tournaments, live streamer promotions and custom thumbnails.
This latest development for NuxGame serves as a testament to its philosophy of staying ahead of the tech curve and harnessing the latest technologies to provide a bespoke and customer-centric service.
Denis Kosinsky, Chief Operating Officer at NuxGame, said: “The EGR B2B Awards is one of the most important dates in the iGaming calendar, so we are honoured that our leading casino aggregation platform has been shortlisted.
“It’s fantastic to be recognised in these prestigious awards, as we are dedicated to delivering the most innovative casino game aggregation platform for our customers.”
The post NuxGame’s Aggregation Platform shortlisted in EGR B2B Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Betsson AB has published its interim report for the first quarter of 2024.
Highlights
- Group revenue was EUR 248.2 (221.9) million, an increase of 12%. Organic increase of 25%.
- Casino revenue increased by 19%. Sportsbook revenue decreased by 3% and the sportsbook margin was 6.6% (8.0%).
- EBITDA was EUR 71.6 (54.3) million, an increase of 32%. The EBITDA margin was 28.8% (24.5%).
- Operating income (EBIT) was EUR 57.9 (43.0) million, an increase of 35%. The EBIT margin was 23.3% (19.4%).
- Net income was EUR 42.8 (36.6) million, corresponding to EUR 0.30 (0.28) per share.
- Operating cash flow was EUR 50.0 (48.8) million.
- Net debt was EUR -68.1 (-104.5) million.
- Active customers increased by 15% to 1,281,267 (1,115,641).
CEO’s Comments
“Positive start to the year for Betsson – continued high customer activity and the highest ever operating income”
For Betsson, the first quarter of 2024 was characterised by a continued positive development with high customer activity, good growth and strengthened profitability, as well as new growth-oriented initiatives. Revenue was up 12 percent year over year, and operating income (EBIT) increased as much as 35 percent to a new record level, while the operating margin strengthened to 23.3 (19.4) percent.
After the new president in Argentina took office, a devaluation of the Argentine peso of more than 50 percent was carried out in December, which had a negative effect on reported revenue for the Group in the first quarter. Organically, revenue increased by 25 percent compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
The high customer activity drove strong growth in gaming turnover for both casino and sports betting, with year-over-year increases of 14 and 25 percent, respectively. Casino revenue increased by 19 percent year over year. The sportsbook margin amounted to 6.6 (8.0) percent, which was lower than the average margin for the past two years and meant that the high activity and increased turnover in sports betting was not fully reflected in revenue for the quarter. The lower sportsbook margin particularly impacted revenue in Latin America.
Betsson’s ambition is to generate stable earnings growth in the long run. The strategy to achieve this is based on geographic diversification and growth investments within existing markets, new markets, B2B and M&A. Within existing markets, it can be mentioned that the Betsson brand was introduced on the Italian market in March, at the same time as a collaboration was started with the former superstar of Italian football, Francesco Totti. Italy remains an important market with great potential for Betsson. In addition, Betsson went live in Cordoba, Argentina during the quarter, which means that the Group now offers games under local gaming licenses in three Argentine provinces. In new markets, a new online casino offering was launched in Belgium through the acquired company betFIRST, based on the category A+ license. The license enables a complete online casino offering including slots, table games and live casino. B2B continues to be an important strategic area where previous years’ investments continue to bear fruit and continued to perform strongly during the quarter. In terms of M&A, a gaming operator licensed in the Netherlands that offers casino games via the websites www.goldruncasino.nl and www.goldruncasino.com, and a game studio that develops casino games, were acquired in February. The transaction is subject to an approval from the Dutch gambling authority before the integration work can begin.
Sustainability is an important part of Betsson’s strategy and for the second year in a row Betsson sponsored the Consumer Protection Zone at the ICE gaming fair in London. This part of the fair aims to increase knowledge about responsible gambling and all proceeds from this part go to organisations that work with responsible gambling.
After the positive start to the year, we now look forward to following the final rounds of the European football leagues and cups, before it is time for the best national football teams to measure their strengths in the UEFA Euro 2024 and Copa America in June and July. There is football fever out there and within the entire organisation a number of activities are already underway to ensure that Betsson will be able to deliver a powerful player offering for new and existing customers during these major championships. See you this summer!
The post Betsson Publishes its First Quarter 2024 Interim Report appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
This month The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (Navajo Gaming) honored 186 of its total 1200 team members for reaching significant employment milestones including 15, 10, and 5 years of service for the enterprise. The event at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort in Flagstaff, Ariz. showcased the impact and journey of each hard-working team member, with a special highlight for 29 employees who have served for 15 years.
Less than 10 years after Navajo Gaming was created by the Navajo Nation and charged with the mission of creating jobs, increasing revenues, and stimulating incremental economic development within the Navajo Nation, the gaming enterprise created over 7425 direct, indirect and induced jobs with an overall economic output of over a billion dollars.
“Navajo Gaming employs 1200 people, 85 percent of whom are Navajo citizens. The award-winning AAA’s coveted Four Diamond Twin Arrows Casino Resort shares Navajo Culture through architectural nuances and local artists. Each of the property dining eateries feature ‘Navajo Beef,’ and traditional cuisine of the Navajo people, and our invitation to stay, play and relax at one of our four properties or Travel Center is an open welcome to the Navajo Nation’s beautiful scenic transformation,” Matthew Shunkamolah, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Navajo Gaming, said.
Team members recognized for 15 years of services have worked their way up to a wide variety of position within the enterprise from General Manager and Executive Director of Slots, to Director of Security, Food and Beverage Supervisor and Executive Director of Government Affairs.
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