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Aspire Global Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2020 Results

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RECORD HIGH REVENUES AND EBITDA IN Q4 AND FULL YEAR 2020

FOURTH QUARTER

  • Revenues increased by 37.6% to €44.4 million (32.2).
  • EBITDA increased by 89.9% to €8.3 million (4.4).
  • The EBITDA margin increased to 18.6% (13.5%).
  • EBIT increased by 100.4% to €6.3 million (3.1).
  • Earnings after tax increased to €4.2 million (-11.6).
  • Earnings per share, basic and diluted, amounted to €0.07 (-0.26).
  • First time depositors (FTDs) increased by 0.3% to 105.9 thousand (105.6).

FULL YEAR

  • Revenues increased by 23.2% to €161.9 million (131.4).
  • EBITDA increased by 24.8% to €27.1 million (21.7).
  • The EBITDA margin increased to 16.7% (16.5%).
  • EBIT increased by 17.3% to €20.8 million (17.7).
  • Earnings after tax increased to €15.0 million (1.9).
  • Earnings per share, basic and diluted, amounted to €0.28 (0.01).
  • First time depositors (FTDs) increased by 16.9% to 519.9 thousand (444.5).

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE QUARTER AND AFTER THE END OF THE QUARTER

  • Revenues increased 37.6% from Q4 2019 driven by strong development in the B2B segment and acquisition of leading sportsbook provider BtoBet in September 2020.
  • Organic growth of 30.8% from Q4 2019.
  • B2B revenues grew 44.7% from Q4 2019 with an organic growth of 35.1%.
  • Record high revenues and EBITDA in Q4 and full year 2020 driven by organic growth and acquisitions.
  • In January total trading volumes increased to approximately €15.0 million, which is about 34% higher than the average monthly trading volume in Q1 2020.
  • New markets entered – Spain, Russia and West Virginia.
  • Pariplay’s games launched by Rush Street Interactive (RSI) in New Jersey.
  • Partnerships in Latin America with William Hill and Betfair.
  • Pay N Play solution launched and live with five operators.
  • Repayment of bond due in April 2021 is secured. As a consequence of the repayment, the Board proposes to the AGM that no dividend is paid out for the financial year 2020. The Board is committed to the long-term dividend policy to distribute dividends annually in an amount of at least 50% of the Company’s net profits after taxes and expects to be able to propose a dividend for the financial year 2021.
KEY FIGURES
€ million, unless other stated FOURTH QUARTER FULL YEAR
2020 2019 2020 2019
Revenues 44.4 32.2 161.9 131.4
EBITDA 8.3 4.4 27.1 21.7
EBITDA margin, % 18.6 13.5 16.7 16.5
EBIT 6.3 3.1 20.8 17.7
EBIT margin, % 14.2 9.8 12.9 13.5
EPS, basic and diluted, € 0.07 -0.26 0.28 0.01
Operating cash flow 11.5 -11.5 27.7 2.5
Company hold, % 46.6 49.6 48.1 52.0
FTDs, thousand 105.9 105.6 519.9 444.5

 

CEO COMMENTS

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“OUR POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER GROWTH IS HUGE”

We have succeeded in establishing Aspire Global as a powerhouse for iGaming operators and see great opportunities for continued profitable growth. Our recent wins with tier 1 operators, our broad geographic footprint in four continents and outstanding offering provide us with a solid base for further expansion. In 2021, our top priorities are to roll out our sports offering in Europe, Africa and Latin America, and to certify the sports platform for future US deals.  This will enable us to continue to grow our customer base with tier 1 operators and to build a strong market presence in the US.

Revenues were record high in the fourth quarter and increased by 37.6% to €44.4 million from Q4 2019 with good growth across all segments. The organic growth in the quarter amounted to 30.8% from Q4 2019. It’s promising to see the strong development for our games and sports offerings. Our subsidiaries for games and sports – Pariplay and BtoBet – both reported all time high revenues in the quarter. The B2C segment also reported a strong quarter with record high revenues, up 29.0% from Q4 2019.

IMPROVED PROFITABILITY
Profitability continued to improve steadily which demonstrates our ability to grow in locally regulated markets while maintaining good margins. EBITDA increased by 89.9% to €8.3 million from Q4 2019 and the EBITDA margin raised from 13.5% to 18.6%. This is a solid performance taking into account that the revenue share from taxed and locally regulated markets increased from 66% in Q4 2019 to 70% in Q4 2020.

BIG POTENTIAL IN SPORTS
The acquisition of the leading B2B sportsbook provider BtoBet in September has already turned out to be a strategic strength to us. Prior to the acquisition sports represented a minor part of Aspire Global’s revenues. With our new proprietary sportsbook we see fantastic growth opportunities in European markets such as Germany and the UK along with the US and Latin America. We have license application processes going on and we aim to introduce our proprietary sports offering in time for the European Championship in key markets.

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During the quarter BtoBet has shown great success in signing tier 1 operators such as Betfair in Colombia and William Hill, also in Colombia. These partnerships in Latin America significantly strengthen our position in this big continent.

BREAKTHROUGHS IN THE US
The US market represents another important growth potential for Aspire Global. Pariplay – our leading game studio and games aggregator – recently announced its partnership for games with Rush Street Interactive (RSI), a market leader in online casino and sports betting in the US. RSI has already launched a selection of Pariplay’s high-quality online casino games in New Jersey which is a breakthrough for us into the regulated US market. In January, Pariplay received an interim iGaming supplier license for West Virginia, which marks another significant progress in the US.

We have high expectations for the US market and are building an organisation in the US to support Aspire Global’s expansion in this big market. As a first step, we are recruiting a managing director and a sales director for Aspire US. Aspire Global has also filed applications in Pennsylvania and Michigan with the objective to file in all accessible states. It’s an important advantage when we now address US operators that our complete iGaming offering includes the new sports platform.

ENTERING NEW MARKETS
In the quarter, Pariplay also made significant progress in Europe by entering new regulated markets. I’m happy to see Pariplay’s new partnership with 888casino in Portugal and Spain and how Pariplay further cemented its leading position in Switzerland by a deal with the market leader Swiss Casinos.

LEADING TECHNOLOGY
The Aspire Global technology has been developed throughout the years and we have gained deep knowledge of the complexities in the iGaming industry. We are not only technology experts; we are mastering the whole iGaming value chain. At Aspire Global, we combine broad industry experience with leading technology and knowledge in marketing as well as gaming behaviour and player protection.

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In the quarter we launched our first Pay N Play operators in Finland which became an immediate success. We are already live with five operators and with the Pay N Play solution they now provide quicker registration, login and instant deposits and withdrawals.

We have also introduced Aspire Engage, the most advanced CRM tool in the market. In addition, our organisation has secured the needed adjustments in Germany, following the new regulations.

TIER 1 OPERATOR WINS
When summarizing the quarter, I would like to single out the tier 1 global operator wins as the most significant from a growth perspective. These deals prove that Aspire Global’s offering is competitive and best-in-class. I’m convinced that the significant partnerships with Rush Street Interactive (RSI), Betfair, William Hill and 888casino among all will open up for new opportunities on many other playing fields.

I’m also happy to see the energy and focus in the management team. In the quarter we have strengthened the team with top talents from the iGaming industry, namely Antoine Bonello from William Hill as COO and Paul Myatt as Chief Business Development Officer. Paul joined us from QuickSpin and has previous experience from among all NetEnt. Aspire Global’s previous COO Dima Reiderman has been appointed COO at BtoBet.

OUTLOOK
Over the past twelve months we have created a new Aspire Global and established the company as a powerhouse for iGaming operators. I dare to be bold and say that Aspire Global has unique assets that give the company a strong position with huge growth potential.

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Prior to the acquisitions of BtoBet and Pariplay, Aspire Global was a European focused company with revenues mainly from casino. Today Aspire Global is present in four continents and we provide a complete, leading iGaming offering with proprietary games and games aggregation along with a sportsbook, gaming platform and managed services. This is key to our partners when they develop their expansion plans and provides us with competitive advantages.

The year 2021 has started in a good way and in January total trading volumes increased to approximately €15.0 million, which is about 34% higher than the average monthly trading volume in Q1 2020.

Finally, I would like to thank all my co-workers for the energy, passion and professionalism you have demonstrated during the challenging year with the pandemic. I look forward to continuing our inspiring work in realizing our vision to become the world’s leading iGaming supplier.

Tsachi Maimon
CEO

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Conferences

Win Systems will showcase its latest innovations at G2E Las Vegas 2025

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Win Systems will once again be present at Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Las Vegas 2025, one of the most important events in the industry worldwide. The expo will take place from October 7 to 9 at The Venetian Expo and Win Systems will welcome all its clients at booth #2050.

During the event, the company will showcase multiple innovations across its different business lines, specially developed and adapted to the needs of each market. Within the Systems division, Win Systems will present innovations designed for both casinos and the route market, as well as an important new development in its Electronic Payment Solutions Business Unit.

In addition, the company will unveil new models of roulette, slots, and games that promise to impress operators and players alike, consolidating its position as a leader in innovation and entertainment experiences.

“G2E Las Vegas is the ideal stage to showcase our latest innovations and the result of months of work and development. This year we arrive with proposals designed to meet the challenges and opportunities of each market, always maintaining our mission to continue driving the future of Gaming,” said Eric Benchimol, CEO of Win Systems.

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Win Systems invites all industry professionals to visit its booth to experience its latest launches firsthand and see how its comprehensive solutions continue to set trends in the sector.

For more information about Win Systems and its cutting-edge gaming solutions, visit winsysgroup.com

 

The post Win Systems will showcase its latest innovations at G2E Las Vegas 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Amanda Slonzon VP of Compliance and Regulatory Strategy at RubyPlay

RubyPlay’s US Playbook – Turning compliance into a growth engine

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After securing entry into its second US state, and with a third firmly in sight, RubyPlay is sharpening its compliance strategy to balance speed with precision. Amanda Slonzon, VP of Compliance and Regulatory Strategy, explains how the company’s US Playbook is helping to turn regulation into a growth engine, from leveraging New Jersey as a benchmark, to preparing for Pennsylvania’s unique challenges, and building trust-based relationships with regulators and partners across the industry.

When people think about compliance in the US iGaming industry, they often imagine it as the handbrake that slows expansion and stifles innovation. For me, it is the opposite as compliance sits in the driver’s seat. It is not simply a support function but a product in itself that enables us to grow faster, enter new markets with confidence and strengthen our relationships across the industry.

The US online casino market is both highly promising and highly fragmented. Only seven states currently regulate iGaming and each has its own framework. Navigating this landscape requires a deep understanding of both the common threads between states and the subtle differences that can make or break a market entry.

This is why we have developed a US Playbook at RubyPlay, which is a detailed, in-house framework for understanding and applying state-by-state requirements in a way that is tailored to our products and infrastructure. With it, our compliance and regulatory specialists break down each regulation, interpret it in the context of our business, and share that knowledge across the company.

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Market comparisons

New Jersey will always be the starting point for most operators and suppliers entering the US. It was the pioneer of state-level regulation and, in many ways, still sets the standard for others to follow. Meeting New Jersey’s requirements ensures a company is well-prepared for other states, many of which recognise its certifications. Delaware, for example, places direct reliance on New Jersey approvals, a pragmatic approach that can streamline entry for those already licensed in the Garden state. But even with these efficiencies, each state demands its own level of preparation and adaptation.

Regulators in the US take compliance very seriously and ensure that every technical aspect of a business meets their requirements. Unlike some EU markets, where providers may not need a B2B license, every US state requires B2B licensing through a thorough, state-specific process. While major shifts are rare, when they occur they can significantly impact the industry. Right now, sweepstakes is the most talked-about development, and with New Jersey’s Governor having recently signed the ban into law, we are seeing a wave of prohibition that will have a major impact across the industry. Our role is to remain attentive, follow changes daily, and ensure we stay as compliant as we intend to be.

Every state also has its own technical standards, licensing requirements, tax structures, and approaches to product approval. For example, Pennsylvania applies the highest tax rate on operators in the country yet remains one of the most attractive among operators. It also has a deeply ingrained gaming culture and a large, active player base. Entering a state like Pennsylvania, which is a key target for RubyPlay in 2026, is not just about passing compliance checks but more about understanding the regulator’s expectations, the market’s economic realities and the cultural context of its players.

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Fostering close relationships

One of the most important aspects of operating in the US is the strength of relationships with key stakeholders across the entire ecosystem. I have always believed that a strong relationship with the regulator is just as critical as meeting their requirements on paper. We work to ensure that regulators see us as partners who bring solutions, not problems. We communicate openly and demonstrate that we take their rules as seriously as they do. The same process applies to how we work alongside our industry partners. From platform providers or operator customer, we approach every partnership as a collaborative effort to succeed together.

Culture plays a vital role in how we approach regulation. Compliance is considered a technical discipline, but ultimately it is powered by people who care about getting processes and frameworks robust. I am proud to lead a team that is collaborative and solution-oriented. One of my proudest moments recently came during a recruitment process where I was speaking with a candidate for a role within our compliance team. She told me she had been following RubyPlay closely and was so impressed by our company culture, the pride we take in our work and the way we treat our people, that she was willing to relocate to another country just to join the team. It is a real story that speaks to the environment we have built.

Regulation in the US is not going to advance overnight. The state-by-state approach will remain and evolve, and new product categories will emerge that challenge existing frameworks. My perspective is that the companies who thrive will be the ones who embrace this complexity, invest in understanding it deeply, and treat compliance as a strategic asset rather than an operational hurdle.

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The US Playbook we have developed is our way of making that happen. It is an ever-evolving strategy that keeps us compliant, competitive and ready for whatever comes next.

The post RubyPlay’s US Playbook – Turning compliance into a growth engine appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Compliance Updates

SOFTSWISS Releases Gambling Regulation Directory for iGaming Operators

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SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider with over 15 years of iGaming expertise, introduces its Gambling Regulation Directory, a new website section designed to help operators navigate the complex landscape of gambling laws worldwide.

The Gambling Regulation Directory provides a structured overview of the legal status of gambling across multiple countries, both land-based and online. With an interactive regulation table and map (coming soon), operators will gain a clear picture of where gambling is permitted, restricted, or prohibited, and evaluate the opportunities, risks, and compliance requirements for entering or expanding into specific markets.

The country profiles also highlight which activities are allowed or prohibited, outline available information on taxation, fees, and licensing terms, and outline key licence details such as duration and permitted activities. In addition, each profile indicates whether SOFTSWISS products are certified or aligned with local regulations, showing operators where SOFTSWISS solutions are ready for use, and underlining our experience and readiness to support them in these markets.

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Practical Value for Industry Stakeholders

  • Strategic Planning: A trusted reference point for evaluating opportunities and supporting informed decision-making.
  • Efficiency: Centralised, up-to-date regulatory information saves time on research.
  • Expert Oversight: SOFTSWISS specialists monitor developments to ensure the Directory reflects the latest licensing and legislative changes.

“At SOFTSWISS, we provide a trusted foundation for launching and growing iGaming brands. With the introduction of the Gambling Regulation Directory, we stay true to our goal of offering advanced solutions and empowering operators with the knowledge and insights they need to grow responsibly and sustainably in highly regulated markets. Building on this commitment, our certified software meets the requirements of multiple national regulators, enabling operators to confidently enter new markets with full compliance,” added Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS.

The iGaming Regulation Directory is an evolving resource. Not all country profiles are available yet, but the SOFTSWISS team is committed to updating the Directory regularly with new jurisdictions and the latest regulatory changes.

At SBC Lisbon 2025, Stand B160, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the new Gambling Regulation Directory and exchange views on industry trends with the SOFTSWISS Team.

 

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.

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