Latest News
LeanConvert signs partnership with Betsson Group

Leading website optimisation service to assist with the future of digital and mobile gaming entertainment specialist
LeanConvert, the world’s fastest growing customer experience, analytics and engineering company has signed a partnership agreement with Betsson Group, which sees the tier one operator take a substantive step towards investing in their business sustainability for the future.
Famed for helping the world’s biggest brands drive website optimisation and achieve impressive ROI increases with a proficiency in the gaming and gambling sector, LeanConvert will be utilising their creative approach to multivariate testing to reshape Betsson’s conversion rate optimisation services, along with reviewing the igaming operator’s overall strategic approach.
LeanConvert’s unique application of Lean Methodology allows their clients to do more with fewer resources, an objective which has proven invaluable to many during the current Covid-19 situation as companies adapt to and continue along their digital transformation pathways.
The London based website and business optimisation company is completely platform agnostic, meaning they have comprehensive expertise with all available software vendors on the market. This allows for a fully conceptualised build and the use of bespoke solutions which best fit a company’s requirements.
Operating 20+ brands across 16 jurisdictions demonstrates Betsson Group’s importance within the industry. This new association has the specific aim of cementing that stake for the innovative operator and streamlining their global operations to increase capacity in a viable manner.
Tim Axon, Managing Director of LeanConvert, said: “Betsson Group really has stood out as a company that prioritises digital innovation. We’re excited to work with a team that’s constantly looking to better understand their players and thus create more meaningful and engaging experiences for them.
“Now is a crucial time for taking things a step further than ‘digital transformation’. We’re going to ramp up Betsson’s testing velocity and scale in order to build one of the most advanced personalisation setups and strategies in the gaming sector.”
“When it comes to the new compliance regulations, you can optimise for player safety and conversion at the same time. It’s not necessarily an inverse relationship. It’s an opportunity to strengthen your personalisation and segmentation strategy.”
“Investing in personalisation is a safe bet for ROI, if you’re investing properly. We’re looking forward to strengthening Betsson’s approach to experimentation and being a catalyst for exponential growth.”
Ciara Nic Liam, Commercial Director, Gaming Betsson Group, said: “2020 has been relatively challenging for most businesses, and the issues brought about by the global pandemic and reacting to them has driven a phenomenal amount of innovative thinking throughout the group and the industry as a whole.
“Partnering with LeanConvert to investigate and better our strategic processes and offering, as well as our overall customer experience through their unique technologies and expertise will not only strengthen our market position, but ultimately make Betsson even more robust for the future.”
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2025 First Quarter Results
Churchill Downs Incorporated Reports 2025 First Quarter Results

Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) (the “Company”, “CDI”, “we”) today reported business results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.
Company Highlights
- First quarter 2025 financial results, as compared to the prior year quarter:
- Record net revenue of $642.6 million, up $51.7 million or 9%
- Net income attributable to CDI of $76.7 million, down $3.7 million or 5%
- Record Adjusted EBITDA of $245.1 million, up $2.6 million or 1%
- We opened Owensboro Racing and Gaming in Western Kentucky in February 2025, with 600 historical racing machines, a retail sportsbook, simulcast wagering, and food and beverage offerings.
- We announced two new projects at Churchill Downs Racetrack that will enhance the 152nd Kentucky Derby experience for our guests in the Finish Line Suites and The Mansion. We also announced that we are pausing The Skye, Conservatory, and Infield General Admission capital projects due to the current economic environment.
- In February 2025, we closed the seventh amendment of the Credit Agreement, which reduced the interest rate for Term Loan B-1 and eliminated the 0.10% credit spread adjustment.
- In March 2025, the Board of Directors approved a new $500 million share repurchase program.
- We ended the first quarter of 2025 with net bank leverage of 4.0x and returned $119.5 million of capital to our shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
- We repurchased $89.4 million of shares in the first quarter of 2025.
- On January 3, 2025, we paid a $0.409 per share dividend to shareholders of record as of December 6, 2024, which represents the fourteenth consecutive year of an increased dividend per share.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS |
First Quarter | |||||||
(in millions, except per share data) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
Net revenue | $ | 642.6 | $ | 590.9 | |||
Net income attributable to CDI | $ | 76.7 | $ | 80.4 | |||
Diluted EPS attributable to CDI | $ | 1.02 | $ | 1.08 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA(a) | $ | 245.1 | $ | 242.5 | |||
(a) This is a non-GAAP measure. See explanation of non-GAAP measures below. |
SEGMENT RESULTS |
The summaries below present revenue from external customers and intercompany revenue from each of our reportable segments. All comparisons are against the applicable prior year period unless otherwise noted.
Live and Historical Racing
First Quarter | |||||||
(in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 276.4 | $ | 248.9 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | 102.0 | 100.8 | |||||
First Quarter 2025
First quarter 2025 revenue increased $27.5 million due to an $18.2 million increase at our Virginia HRM venues, an $8.9 million increase from our Kentucky HRM venues, and a $0.4 million increase from our other Live and Historical Racing properties. The Virginia HRM increase of $18.2 million was primarily due to the November 2024 opening of The Rose Gaming Resort in Northern Virginia, partially offset by a decrease from our other Virginia HRM venues primarily due to lower unrated play from consumer softness and competition, the impact of weather, and one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year. The Kentucky HRM increase of $8.9 million was primarily due to the February 2025 opening of Owensboro Racing and Gaming in Western Kentucky and growth from our Northern and Southwestern Kentucky properties, partially offset by a decrease at our Louisville properties due to the impact of weather and one less day in the quarter due to 2024 leap year.
First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA increased $1.2 million due to a $3.1 million increase at our Kentucky HRM venues, partially offset by a $1.9 million decrease primarily from our Virginia HRM venues. Our Kentucky HRM venues increase was primarily due to the February 2025 opening of Owensboro Racing and Gaming in Western Kentucky and growth at our Northern and Southwestern Kentucky properties, partially offset by a decrease from our Louisville properties due to the impact of weather and one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year. Our Virginia HRM venues decreased $2.0 million primarily due to lower unrated play from consumer softness and competition, the impact of weather, increased handle tax and racing-related expenses, and one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year, partially offset by the November 2024 opening of The Rose Gaming Resort.
Wagering Services and Solutions
First Quarter | |||||||
(in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 115.8 | $ | 114.1 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | 41.3 | 39.6 | |||||
First Quarter 2025
First quarter 2025 revenue increased $1.7 million due to a $3.1 million increase from Exacta due to incremental HRMs in Virginia and New Hampshire and a $0.8 million increase in TwinSpires Horse Racing. These increases were partially offset by a $2.2 million decrease from our sports betting business.
First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA increased $1.7 million due to a $3.8 million increase from Exacta due to a $2.7 million increase primarily from incremental HRMs in Virginia and New Hampshire and a $1.1 million decrease from lower compensation expense. These increases were partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease from our sports betting business and a $1.0 million decrease from TwinSpires Horse Racing due to increased legal expenses.
Gaming
First Quarter | |||||||
(in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 267.2 | $ | 243.2 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | 123.5 | 122.8 | |||||
First Quarter 2025
First quarter 2025 revenue increased $24.0 million due to a $31.6 million increase from the April 2024 opening of the Terre Haute Casino Resort, partially offset by a $7.6 million decrease primarily due to regional gaming softness, increased competition, one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year, and the impact of weather at certain properties.
First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA increased $0.7 million due to an $11.5 million increase attributable to the opening of the Terre Haute Casino Resort in April 2024, partially offset by a $6.6 million decrease from our wholly owned gaming properties and a $4.2 million decrease from our equity investments primarily due to regional gaming softness, increased competition, higher labor and benefit expense, one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year, and the impact of weather at certain properties.
All Other
First Quarter | |||||||
(in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 2.0 | $ | — | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | (21.7 | ) | (20.7 | ) | |||
First Quarter 2025
First quarter 2025 revenue increased $2.0 million increased due to intercompany revenue related to the captive insurance company that was established in April 2024. All captive revenue is eliminated in consolidation.
First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA decreased $1.0 million driven primarily by increased corporate compensation-related expenses and other corporate administrative expenses as a result of enterprise growth.
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT |
Share Repurchase Program
On March 12, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a common stock repurchase program of up to $500 million (“2025 Stock Repurchase Program”). The 2025 Stock Repurchase Program includes and is not in addition to the $125.6 million remaining under the prior 2021 Stock Repurchase Program authorization.
The Company repurchased 798,250 shares of its common stock at a total cost of $89.4 million in the first quarter of 2025. We had approximately $434.6 million of repurchase authority remaining under the 2025 Stock Repurchase Program as of March 31, 2025.
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CDI |
First Quarter 2025 Results
The Company’s first quarter 2025 net income attributable to CDI was $76.7 million compared to $80.4 million in the prior year quarter.
The following factors impacted the comparability of the Company’s first quarter 2025 net income to the prior year quarter:
- a $6.7 million after-tax decrease in other recoveries, net primarily driven by insurance claim proceeds recorded in the prior year quarter.
This was partially offset by:
- a $5.6 million after-tax decrease in transaction, pre-opening, and other expenses.
Excluding the items above, first quarter 2025 adjusted net income attributable to CDI decreased $4.8 million primarily due to the following:
- a $3.0 million after-tax decrease in equity income from our unconsolidated affiliates;
- a $2.0 million after-tax increase in interest expense associated with lower capitalization of interest related to capital projects in the current year, partially offset by lower interest rates; and
- a $0.5 million after-tax decrease due a portion of United Tote’s income being recognized as noncontrolling interest.
This was partially offset by:
- a $0.7 million after-tax increase primarily driven by the results of our operations.
Conference Call
A conference call regarding this news release is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 9 a.m. ET. Investors and other interested parties may listen to the teleconference by accessing the online, real-time webcast and broadcast of the call at http://ir.churchilldownsincorporated.com/events.cfm, or by registering in advance via teleconference here. Once registration is completed, participants will be provided with a dial-in number containing a personalized conference code to access the call. All participants are encouraged to dial-in 15 minutes prior to the start time. An online replay will be available by noon ET on Thursday, April 24, 2025. A copy of the Company’s news release announcing quarterly results and relevant financial and statistical information about the period will be accessible at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.
Use of Non-GAAP Measures
In addition to the results provided in accordance with GAAP, the Company also uses non-GAAP measures, including adjusted net income, adjusted diluted EPS, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), and Adjusted EBITDA.
The Company uses non-GAAP measures as a key performance measure of the results of operations for purposes of evaluating performance internally. These measures facilitate comparison of operating performance between periods and help investors to better understand the operating results of the Company by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of the Company’s core business or operating results. The Company believes the use of these measures enables management and investors to evaluate and compare, from period to period, the Company’s operating performance in a meaningful and consistent manner. The non-GAAP measures are a supplemental measure of our performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or diluted EPS (as determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our operating results.
We use Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate segment performance, develop strategy, and allocate resources. We utilize the Adjusted EBITDA metric to provide a more accurate measure of our core operating results and enable management and investors to evaluate and compare from period to period our operating performance in a meaningful and consistent manner. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to operating income as an indicator of performance, as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity, or as an alternative to any other measure provided in accordance with GAAP. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may be different from the calculation used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited.
Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS exclude discontinued operations net income or loss; net income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest; transaction expense, which includes acquisition and disposition related charges, as well as legal, accounting, and other deal-related expense; pre-opening expense; and certain other gains, charges, recoveries, and expenses.
Adjusted EBITDA includes our portion of EBITDA from our equity investments and the portion of EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interest.
Adjusted EBITDA excludes, as applicable in each period:
- Transaction expense, net which includes:
- Acquisition, disposition, and property sale related charges;
- Other transaction expense, including legal, accounting, and other deal-related expense;
- Stock-based compensation expense;
- Rivers Des Plaines’ impact on our investments in unconsolidated affiliates from legal reserves and transaction costs;
- Asset impairments;
- Gain on property sales;
- Legal reserves;
- Pre-opening expense; and
- Other charges, recoveries, and expenses.
For segment reporting, Adjusted EBITDA includes intercompany revenue and expense totals that are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. See the Reconciliation of Comprehensive Income to Adjusted EBITDA included herewith for additional information.
The post Churchill Downs Incorporated Reports 2025 First Quarter Results appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Conferences
R. Franco Digital is getting ready to shine at GAT Expo Cartagena 2025 with its most comprehensive offering of land-based and digital gaming

Franco Digital has confirmed its participation in GAT Expo Cartagena 2025, one of the most iconic gaming industry events in Latin America, which will take place from April 28 to 30 in the walled city.
The Spanish company will bring to the trade show its latest lineup of products for the retail, platform, and online gaming segments, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, technology, and the development of the industry in the region.
The event, renowned for bringing together the industry’s key players, will feature an outstanding agenda including international-level conferences, product exhibitions, and much more. Attendees will take part in panels and roundtable discussions focused on regulations, market trends, and innovation.
In this context, R. Franco will showcase its solid portfolio of land-based products, highlighting successful titles such as Rocket Link, Ice & Fire, and Boom Balink, along with its On Mix solution designed for route operations. Additionally, the digital division will present its advanced online gaming platform, and a portfolio of titles created to maximize both player experience and operator profitability.
Javier Sacristán, director of R. Franco International, said: “GAT Expo is a must-attend event for us. Colombia is a key and constantly evolving market. That’s why we are fully committed to delivering solutions that meet the needs of both operators and their customers, combining innovation, design, and profitability.
“Our presence at this trade show reflects the Group’s commitment to Latin America. We are presenting a comprehensive offering that meets the new demands of the market—from next-generation land-based games to a powerful digital proposition that reinforces our position as a global provider.”
GAT Expo Cartagena represents a valuable opportunity to continue building alliances with new strategic partners in the region and to strengthen existing business relationships, all within a setting that blends a high level of professionalism with the cultural, culinary, and natural charm of Cartagena de Indias.
With this comprehensive presence, R. Franco and R. Franco Digital reaffirm their commitment to the Latin American market and to a gaming industry that is safe, sustainable, and innovative.
The post R. Franco Digital is getting ready to shine at GAT Expo Cartagena 2025 with its most comprehensive offering of land-based and digital gaming appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Appodeal Publishing
Appodeal’s 2025 Mobile Casual Benchmarks report shows hybrid casual games significantly outperforming hypercasual when it comes to ad-based monetization

Appodeal Publishing, part of Appodeal Ad Mediation Solution for Mobile Apps and Games that helps developers and studios launch and scale their games, today released its latest report, which takes a deep dive into the casual mobile games category, sharing a wealth of data on the best and worst performing casual game genres and subgenres. The report found that, while the best-performing hypercasual games are still delivering the biggest number of installs, the amount of advertising revenue per user they are generating is much lower than games using a hybrid casual approach, where games offer players a deeper level of engagement whilst still being designed to be easy to pick up and play.
The ‘Mobile Casual Benchmarks Report 2025’ is based on data from billions of installs of more than 10,000 mobile casual games by US users between June 2024 and January 2025. The data is drawn specifically from installs of Android apps.
With the vast majority of free-to-play mobile games using in-game advertising as a key revenue generator, ensuring a game generates enough engagement and longevity for ads to be displayed to the player is key. While hypercasual games remain a popular choice, Appodeal’s data shows a strong case for developers and publishers to be exploring hybrid casual game design over pure hypercasual, with deeper engagement mechanics – such as progression systems, collection elements, and light RPG or simulation features – allowing for a mix of ad monetization and in-app purchases (IAP).
Some of the key takeaways from the report include:
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Hypercasual games have a low ARPU of $0.86 on average, compared to Party and Match genre games, which generate the highest ad revenue, with an ARPU of $4.90 and $2.99, respectively. These two genres are the most lucrative when it comes to ad-supported monetization models.
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When it comes to monetization, the best-performing subgenre is Merge 3, with an ad ARPU of $14.83 This is considerably ahead of the next best-performing subgenre, Luck Battle games (games which use a random battle element to drive engagement), which have an ARPU of $12.23. Running and slicing themed games had the lowest ad ARPU amongst the subgenres looked at, at $2.34 and $2.19.
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Puzzle and Match Games rely heavily on ads, with the highest number of interstitials (72.5 and 36.5 per user), rewarded video (23.4 and 39.1 per user), and banner ads (241.5 and 114.3 per user). Finding the balance between ad frequency and user experience is critical; otherwise, retention will be affected.
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Rewarded Video works well in Merge and Idle games, with Merge 3 games serving an average of 101.5 videos per user, and Idle 73.2. This shows that the gameplay and meta mechanics of these titles naturally encourage users to watch ads for added in-game benefits.
“We know that the popularity of hypercasual games has passed its peak, and the data in our Mobile Casual Benchmarks report shows a continuing shift from hypercasual to hybrid casual games,” said Tanya Moroz, General Manager at Appodeal. “Despite hypercasual games still leading in terms of downloads, they suffer from low ad ARPU and poor retention. Hybrid casual games, by contrast, combine mass-market appeal with deeper engagement mechanics, significantly improving retention and monetization. We expect to see more developers and publishers shifting their strategy towards these kinds of games, which offer a richer gameplay experience coupled with better revenue potential.”
With genre-level and subgenre-level breakdowns across critical KPIs like retention, session time, ARPU, and ad formats, the report is aimed at mobile game developers, studios and publishers working in the casual to mid-core space, especially those currently developing hypercasual or ad-driven titles, and who want to make more informed genre choices and design decisions.
The post Appodeal’s 2025 Mobile Casual Benchmarks report shows hybrid casual games significantly outperforming hypercasual when it comes to ad-based monetization appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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