Canada
Golden Entertainment Presents 2020 First Quarter Results
– Q1 Results Negatively Impacted by Mandated Closure of All Operations in March
– Cash Outlays Significantly Reduced to Preserve Liquidity
– Revolver Fully Drawn in March to Create Over $300 million Cash Position
– Montana Distributed Gaming Operations Reopened May 4th Statewide
Golden Entertainment, Inc. reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020. Blake Sartini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Entertainment, commented, “The COVID-19 pandemic forced the mandated closure of all our operations beginning in mid-March, and continues to have an unprecedented impact on our business and the gaming and entertainment industry in general. This is reflected in our first quarter financial results, notwithstanding our significant year-over-year growth through February prior to the suspension of our operations. Since the closures, we have focused on supporting our team members, staying connected to our customers, and working to establish appropriate sanitation protocols to offer a safe environment when we are allowed to reopen.
“In order to preserve the Company’s liquidity and position ourselves to withstand the ongoing interruption to our operations, we reduced our cash operating expenses, deferred all capital expenditures and drew down our $200 million availability under our revolving credit facility. The actions that we have taken since the closure of our operations have positioned Golden Entertainment to withstand the current disruption in our business for the foreseeable future.
“Over the last several years we have executed on a strategic plan to put the Company on a path for long-term growth. This plan included capital investment to renovate and reposition The STRAT, accretive acquisitions that have grown our market share in Laughlin, pursuing new distributed gaming markets, and the introduction of our True Rewards one-card loyalty program. Our current cash position, capital structure with no near-term debt maturities, and diverse operations of wholly-owned casinos and distributed gaming operations across multiple jurisdictions will position Golden Entertainment favorably to achieve long-term success as we are allowed to reopen our properties.
“Finally, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to those whose health or livelihood has been directly affected by COVID-19, as well as acknowledge our great appreciation for all the healthcare providers, first responders and other essential workers whose efforts are keeping our communities safe and healthy.”
Consolidated Results
The Company reported 2020 first quarter revenues of $207.2 million compared to $239.9 million in the first quarter of 2019. Net loss for the first quarter of 2020 was $32.6 million, or a loss of $1.17 per share, compared to a net loss of $8.0 million, or $0.29 per share, in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted EBITDA was $30.3 million for the first quarter of 2020 compared to $48.4 million for the first quarter of 2019.
Casinos
Casino revenues were $128.0 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to $151.4 million in the first quarter of 2019. Casino Adjusted EBITDA was $31.8 million compared to $46.6 million in the first quarter of 2019.
Distributed Gaming
Distributed Gaming revenues for the first quarter of 2020 were $79.0 million compared to $88.4 million in the first quarter of 2019. Distributed Gaming Adjusted EBITDA was $7.1 million compared to $13.5 million in the first quarter of 2019.
Balance Sheet Highlights
As of March 31, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $302 million, including $200 million drawn from the Company’s revolving credit facility on March 16, 2020. Total debt on March 31 was $1.36 billion including the revolver draw.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2020 totaled $18.5 million, including payments of approximately $12 million related to renovations at The STRAT that were completed in December 2019. The total cost of renovations for The STRAT since June 2018 totals approximately $101 million.
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Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app
Bally’s Interactive Launches the New Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino App in Ontario
Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.
The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.
BCLC
Be #GiftSmart: Scratch the Idea of Gifting Scratch & Win Tickets to Kids
BCLC reminds adults to gift responsibly this holiday season
With the holiday season in full swing, BCLC is reminding British Columbians to gift responsibly and scratch lottery products from their shopping lists for kids.
“Scratch & Win tickets can make great stocking stuffers for the adults in your life, but they’re not for kids,” said Ryan McCarthy, BCLC’s Director of Player Health. “The research shows that children who have early encounters with gambling are four times more likely to develop riskier gambling behaviour as they grow up. While people are out shopping for those last-minute gifts, BCLC wants adults to be aware of the potential risks associated with gifting lottery products to children and to consider safer alternatives.”
While Scratch & Win tickets are among the most common ways kids can be introduced to gambling, children are increasingly exposed to various online forms, such as gambling streams.
“With the convergence of gaming and gambling, youth are becoming more exposed to gambling content in online spaces like streaming sites, where creators are able to live-stream their own gambling, usually while playing online slots and instant games,” said Dr. Luke Clark, Director for Gambling Research at UBC. “Our research at the UBC Centre for Gambling shows that a higher frequency of watching online gambling streams is associated with a more positive attitude towards gambling and a high intention to gamble in the future.”
In B.C., it is illegal to sell lottery products to anyone under the age of 19 and BCLC encourages adults to have conversations with the kids in their lives about the risks associated with gambling.
“Open and honest conversations are crucial when it comes to navigating childhood exposure to gambling,” said McCarthy, who shared the following tips to adults:
- Monitor for gambling-related lifestyle changes. For example, developing a positive attitude towards gambling or a preoccupation with video games or streaming sites.
- Be a positive role model. Exhibit safer gambling behaviour and talk about the risks.
- Limit exposure. Monitor kids’ online activities and discourage engagement with gambling content. Explain how gambling is based on chance.
AGCO
Jackpot Digital Receives Approval from AGCO as a Registered Gaming Supplier
Jackpot Digital Inc., a leading provider of innovative dealerless electronic poker gaming solutions, has announced that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has approved the Company to be licensed as a registered Gaming Related-Supplier (the “Supplier License”) under the Gaming Control Act in the Province of Ontario.
This significant achievement allows Jackpot Digital to enter one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing regulated gaming markets in North America. The Supplier License authorizes Jackpot Digital to supply its electronic table games to Ontario’s gaming venues, including casinos and other regulated gaming facilities.
Jackpot Digital’s flagship product, the Jackpot Blitz electronic table game system, offers a modern, dealerless, player-friendly solution that integrates traditional multiplayer poker games with cutting-edge digital technology. The Supplier License will enable the Company to offer its innovative gaming solutions to operators throughout Ontario, driving new revenue opportunities and enhancing player experiences.
“Receiving AGCO’s approval is a major milestone. This approval provides us with the opportunity to offer our top-tier electronic gaming systems to operators throughout all of Ontario, positioning us for further growth in one of the world’s most robust gaming markets. We are excited to bring our innovative products to Ontario’s gaming community and continue our commitment to providing exciting, technology-driven entertainment experiences,” said Jake Kalpakian, CEO of Jackpot Digital.
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