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LeoVegas AB Q4: Year-end report 2020

Published

5 years ago

February 11, 2021

George Miller

Reading Time: 4 minutes

“Yet another record year for LeoVegas with a strong close” – Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO

fourth quarter 2020: 1 october–31 december

Revenue increased by 13% to EUR 98.4 m (87.1). Organic growth in local currencies was 14%.
Adjusted EBITDA was EUR 11.5 m (9.2), corresponding to an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11.7% (10.6%). Reported EBITDA includes EUR -3.5 m (5.3) in items affecting comparability.
The number of depositing customers was 461,983 (372,032), an increase of 24%.
Adjusted earnings per share were EUR 0.08 (0.06).

Events during the quarter

LeoVegas was the first company in the gaming industry to offer payments via Open Banking.
During the quarter the Group’s unique and record-large jackpot was launched under the name LeoJackPot.
LeoVegas secured long-term and diversified financing through a combination of a bank credit facility (RCF of EUR 40 m) and a bond issue of SEK 500 m under a total framework of SEK 800 m.
During the quarter, LeoVegas repurchased its own shares for approximately EUR 5 million.
Ahead of the forthcoming regulation in Germany, a number of changes were implemented. This led to lower revenue during the quarter, with the greatest effect during the month of December.
LeoVegas has changed its interpretation of the calculation of gaming taxes in Denmark for earlier periods. This resulted in a self-correction, and a one-off cost of EUR 3.5 m has been charged against EBITDA.
Decision has been taken to migrate the Royal Panda brand to the Group’s proprietary technical platform.

Events after the end of the quarter

Preliminary revenue in January amounted to EUR 32.5 m (29.9), representing growth of 9%.
The Board of Directors proposes a raised dividend totalling SEK 1.60 per share (1.40), an increase of 14%, to be paid out on four occasions during the year.

COMMENT FROM GUSTAF HAGMAN – GROUP CEO

STRONG CLOSE TO 2020
LeoVegas concluded the record year 2020 with its strongest fourth quarter ever. And we did this despite frequent changes to the gaming requirements in our markets in addition to finding ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic. I am proud of our ability to quickly adapt to changed conditions through a high capacity for innovation at the same time as we are building an increasingly solid and diversified business. It is a demonstration of strength that LeoVegas delivered adjusted EBITDA growth of 25% for the full year while the operating cash flow increased almost 90 %. This was achieved despite maintaining a high investment pace with launches of new brands, new markets and product improvements.

During the fourth quarter we increased our revenue organically by 14%. Growth was mainly driven by a continued rise in depositing customers, which grew 24% to a new record level. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 25% during the quarter to EUR 11.5 m. Reported EBITDA was charged with a one-off provision of EUR 3.5 m related to a changed interpretation of the calculation of gaming taxes in Denmark for earlier periods.

MarkETS
With the exceptions of Sweden and the UK, our core markets showed high double-digit growth during the quarter. Above all I want to highlight Italy, which has now become one of our five biggest markets. During the quarter we launched the Pink Casino brand in Canada. The launch is part of our multibrand strategy, where we are utilising existing resources and our technical platform to expand through scale.

In the German market, LeoVegas has implemented a number of changes ahead of the forthcoming licence system in July 2021. As expected, this affected revenue during the period. Operators in the market are acting differently with respect to the new restrictions, and at present necessary clarity is lacking in the ongoing transitional period, which unfortunately has led to a skewed competitive situation until the licence system has been fully implemented.

TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTS
During the quarter we carried out and launched several major projects and innovations. In particular I want to highlight our new exclusive jackpot – LeoJackpot – where our customers can win over SEK 50 m directly from their smartphones. We were also first in the industry to offer payments via Open Banking. This will benefit LeoVegas and our customers in many ways, including through more secure and faster payments and lower transaction costs.

During the quarter we began the migration of Royal Panda to our joint technical platform. As a result, in 2021 all brands will be operated on the same platform. The migration will lead to cost synergies such as lower platform and product costs and a more efficient organisation. The decision has also resulted in impairment of intangible assets attributable to Royal Panda’s platform, which was charged against EBIT in the amount of EUR 1.9 m.

FINANCING AND INVESTMENTS
At the end of the year we secured the Group’s long-term financing needs through the combination of a renewed bank credit facility of EUR 40 m and a newly issued corporate bond of SEK 500 m.

Stable financing combined with a strong balance sheet gives us a solid base for continued expansion, both through organic initiatives and potential acquisitions. During the fourth quarter we carried out share repurchases for approximately EUR 5 m. In addition, the Board of Directors proposes an increase in the dividend to SEK 1.60 per share.

COMMENTS ON FOURTH QUARTER
Revenue for the month of January amounted to EUR 32.5 m (29.9), corresponding to annual growth of 9%. In January revenue was fully impacted by the changes carried out in Germany ahead of the forthcoming regulation.

On the tailwinds of a strong 2020 we are now looking forward to a year with many exciting growth initiatives and an even stronger customer offering.

América Latina

Las diferencias locales de Argentina representan tanto un desafío como una oportunidad para el sector del iGaming

Published

3 hours ago

June 16, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

las-diferencias-locales-de-argentina-representan-tanto-un-desafio-como-una-oportunidad-para-el-sector-del-igaming

El crecimiento del iGaming en Argentina ha posicionado al país como uno de los mercados más dinámicos de América Latina. Sin embargo, detrás de esta expansión existe un desafío que está cobrando cada vez más relevancia para los operadores: adaptarse a un mercado donde cada provincia presenta diferentes requisitos regulatorios, condiciones operativas y dinámicas comerciales.

A diferencia de muchos otros mercados de la región, Argentina no opera bajo un único marco regulatorio. Cada jurisdicción establece sus propios requisitos, procesos de licenciamiento y condiciones de operación, lo que obliga a los operadores a adaptarse constantemente a diferentes realidades dentro de un mismo país.

Para OKTO PAYMENTS, proveedor de infraestructura de pagos y servicios financieros para industrias digitales complejas y reguladas, estas particularidades locales representan tanto un desafío como una oportunidad. A medida que el mercado evoluciona, los operadores deben encontrar formas de escalar de manera eficiente manteniendo la consistencia en entornos operativos cada vez más diversos.

“Durante años, el crecimiento fue el principal objetivo de la industria. Hoy, el desafío radica en cómo escalar eficientemente en un mercado donde cada jurisdicción puede presentar distintos requisitos, expectativas y dinámicas operativas”, señaló André Boesing, gerente general para South LatAm de OKTO PAYMENTS.

A medida que el mercado continúa madurando en las distintas provincias, los operadores enfrentan crecientes exigencias en materia de transparencia, trazabilidad y control operativo. La capacidad de adaptarse a requisitos regulatorios y operativos diversos se está convirtiendo en un factor cada vez más importante para lograr un crecimiento sostenible.

Como resultado, la capacidad de coordinar múltiples proveedores, métodos de pago y procesos operativos se ha vuelto cada vez más estratégica para los operadores que buscan ampliar su presencia en todo el país manteniendo una experiencia de usuario consistente.

“Los usuarios esperan una experiencia simple y fluida independientemente del lugar donde jueguen. Pero detrás de esa experiencia existe una creciente complejidad operativa que los operadores deben gestionar eficientemente a medida que se expanden a diferentes jurisdicciones”, agregó Boesing.

A medida que los operadores amplían sus operaciones en múltiples jurisdicciones, gestionar distintos proveedores de pago, métodos de pago y requisitos operativos se vuelve cada vez más complejo. Capacidades como la orquestación de depósitos y retiros, la gestión de tesorería y liquidez, y los procesos de liquidación eficientes están emergiendo como habilitadores críticos para este crecimiento. Al permitir que los operadores centralicen múltiples conexiones de pago a través de una única capa de infraestructura, mejoren la visibilidad de la liquidez y optimicen los procesos de liquidación, estas capacidades ayudan a reducir la complejidad, fortalecer el control operativo y respaldar una experiencia de usuario fluida en diferentes mercados.

“En muchos casos, la infraestructura pasa desapercibida hasta que algo sale mal. Sin embargo, en mercados altamente fragmentados como Argentina, la capacidad de gestionar múltiples proveedores, mantener la consistencia operativa y adaptarse rápidamente a los requisitos locales puede convertirse en una ventaja competitiva en sí misma. En OKTO PAYMENTS llamamos a esto ‘jugar de una manera diferente’: competir no solo a través de productos y servicios, sino también mediante la resiliencia operativa y la capacidad de adaptación”, explicó Boesing.

Para OKTO PAYMENTS, la evolución del mercado argentino demuestra que el éxito a largo plazo dependerá no solo de atraer usuarios, sino también de la capacidad de operar eficientemente en entornos cada vez más complejos.

“Los operadores mejor posicionados para alcanzar el éxito a largo plazo serán aquellos capaces de combinar crecimiento, control operativo y adaptabilidad. La infraestructura financiera ya no es simplemente una capa de soporte tecnológico; se está convirtiendo en una ventaja estratégica en mercados cada vez más sofisticados”, concluyó Boesing.

OKTO PAYMENTS trabaja con operadores que navegan el escenario multijurisdiccional de Argentina para simplificar las operaciones de pago mediante una única capa de orquestación para depósitos y retiros instantáneos, gestión de tesorería y liquidez.

The post Las diferencias locales de Argentina representan tanto un desafío como una oportunidad para el sector del iGaming appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel

Inspired rolls out Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel and Cops ‘n’ Robbers Smash ‘N’ Grab

Published

4 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

inspired-rolls-out-bigger-piggy-bank-super-wheel-and-cops-‘n’-robbers-smash-‘n’-grab

Two new online slot titles go live across the UK and Malta iGaming markets, including a Player Link community mechanic.

Inspired Entertainment, Inc. has launched two new online slot titles—Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel and Cops ‘n’ Robbers Smash ‘N’ Grab—now available across the UK and Malta iGaming markets.

The company said Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel combines its Bigger Piggy Bank series with Player Link and a “Super Wheel” community feature. The title includes cash collection mechanics, a Free Spins Bonus and shared wheel prizes.

Cops ‘n’ Robbers Smash ‘N’ Grab brings back the Cops ‘n’ Robbers franchise with a 243-ways setup and multiple bonus mechanics. Inspired said the game includes Free Spins, Wheel Bonuses and random reel modifiers, plus optional features including Fortune Bet, Bonus Buy, Fortune Spins and Gamble, and a choice of volatility profiles.

Claire Osborne, Managing Director of Interactive at Inspired Entertainment, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to evolve proven mechanics and themes that resonate most with players, and these two releases do exactly that. Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel offers a fresh social-style dynamic through Player Link, creating anticipation that builds beyond the individual player experience, while Cops ‘n’ Robbers Smash ‘N’ Grab brings one of our most recognisable game franchises back with more action, features and entertainment. Together, this duo offers operators two distinctive titles that combine proven gameplay with strong engagement potential and broad market appeal. Whether it’s smashing Piggy Banks or cracking safes, these games are built to keep players coming back for more.”

The post Inspired rolls out Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel and Cops ‘n’ Robbers Smash ‘N’ Grab appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

eSports

Sportradar flags AI, payments and integrity as World Cup 2026 pressure points in LatAm

Published

4 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

sportradar-flags-ai,-payments-and-integrity-as-world-cup-2026-pressure-points-in-latam

Sportradar is positioning the 2026 World Cup (June 11 to July 19, 2026), hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as a major acquisition moment for Latin American sportsbooks—while warning that the expanded tournament format will raise operational and risk demands. In a “World Cup Report 2026,” the company highlights a 48-team field, 104 matches and a “favorable time zone” for Latin American audiences as factors likely to drive spikes in deposits and in-play betting activity.

The report cites the tournament organizer’s projection of approximately 6 billion engagements across traditional TV, streaming, digital platforms, and public screenings, with streaming and mobile consumption expected to represent over 30% of total audience. Sportradar also points to broader consumer intent data it references: around 60% of consumers plan to bet online or via mobile apps during the tournament, including nearly 19% who plan to bet for the first time.

Operationally, Sportradar argues the expanded match schedule increases exposure: “More matches mean more in-play betting windows, greater liability exposure, and higher volatility.” It also frames payments and product depth as differentiators, citing Brazil’s PIX instant payment system as an example of local rails shaping user expectations and internal efficiency, and pointing to growth in Parlays and Bet Builders among its operator partners.

On market context, the report highlights Brazil entering “its first full event cycle under a licensing framework,” stating the regulated market generated R$37 billion (approximately US$ 7.3 billion) in gross gaming revenue in 2025. It adds that Brazil is projected to account for approximately 10% of global betting handle during the tournament.

Sportradar’s recommended strategy centers on three pillars—enhanced betting experience, deeper fan engagement, and “an ecosystem of uncompromising integrity”—with artificial intelligence positioned as the cross-cutting enabler. The company says its Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS AI) analyzes “over 30 billion odds movements” annually from more than 600 operators, and claims modern manipulation trends are concentrated in live betting, stating approximately 89% of cases target in-play markets. It also says that in 2025, “AI drove a 56% increase in detections.”

The post Sportradar flags AI, payments and integrity as World Cup 2026 pressure points in LatAm appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.