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Kambi Group plc Q1 Report 2021

Published

5 years ago

April 28, 2021

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Financial summary

Revenue amounted to €43.2 (Q1 2020: 27.9) million for the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 55%

Operating profit (EBIT) for the first quarter of 2021 was €18.7 (6.8) million, an increase of 173%, at a margin of 43.2% (24.5%)

Profit after tax amounted to €15.1 (4.8) million for the first quarter of 2021

Earnings per share for the first quarter of 2021 were €0.487 (0.156)

Cash flow from operating and investing activities (excluding working capital movements) amounted to €16.5 (4.1) million for the first quarter of 2021

Key highlights

Operator turnover index exceeded 1,000 mark for first time, equating to a x10 growth since Kambi’s first quarter post-listing in 2014

Strong revenue growth of 55% year-on-year at an operator trading margin of 8.5%

Continued US expansion with launches across a number of jurisdictions including Michigan, Illinois, Virginia and Arkansas – the latter became the 14th state in which Kambi provides regulated sports betting

Strengthened global network through new partnerships with Racing & Wagering Western Australia and Casino Magic, extended partnership with Napoleon Sports & Casino

“I’m pleased to report the exceptional performance we produced during the latter part of last year has continued into 2021, with significant growth across a range of KPIs including operator turnover, revenue and operating margin. We also continued our impressive commercial momentum with new partner signings and extensions in key target markets. The operator turnover index surpassed 1,000 for the first time after a record quarter which saw operator turnover more than double year-on-year, with the caveat of the final fortnight of Q1 2020 impacted by COVID-19. This strong performance was driven by a busy sporting calendar, including the end of the NFL season and the March Madness college basketball tournament, and more than compensated for the planned migration of a large proportion of 888’s business off the Kambi sportsbook in January.

Revenue growth was also exceptionally strong at 55%, with operator trading margin of 8.5% for the quarter. The business was once again able to demonstrate its scalability with an operating margin of 43%, which was particularly pleasing to see in a quarter played out in an environment more reflective of the pre-pandemic landscape, as we transition back to something more akin to normality.

From a commercial perspective, and as detailed in our previous report, we signed new partnerships with Racing & Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) and Casino Magic. Within weeks of signing with Casino Magic, our sportsbook was live in Neuquén, Argentina, strengthening our position in the promising South American market, while we continue to work with RWWA on the transition of its existing business to Kambi from its current provider. In addition to signing two new partners, it was great to strengthen our partnership with Napoleon Sports & Casino, and we look forward to building further on this long-term relationship in the years to come.

As ever, the quarter saw Kambi continue to support the expansion of partners across the globe, averaging a partner launch every week throughout the reporting period. In addition to the launch of Casino Magic, we supported US-facing partners in states including Michigan, Virginia, Illinois and Arkansas, with the latter becoming the 14th state in which Kambi is live and generating revenue. Although I’ve said it before, it’s worth repeating our market-leading excellence and reliability in the areas of integrations and launches, often working closely with regulators to ensure our partners are first or among the first to go live.

Regulation in the US continues to move at pace, with progress seen in a variety of states in recent weeks and months, perhaps most notably in New York, where the state has committed to adding online sports betting to its existing retail market. As the first company to process a regulated sports bet in New York, we’re of course monitoring the developing situation there closely and look forward to the publication of further details concerning the licensing framework in due course.

In the meantime, our teams are busy preparing for what will be a special summer of sports, with major events such as the delayed Euro 2020, Copa America and Olympic Games, as well as the return of annual summer tournaments including Wimbledon and The Open. In addition, this year should see a full MLB season played out, with a high volume of games to be played throughout the summer months. As always, our partners will have a first class offering across all sports and competitions, and as sports fans we have a lot to look forward to.”

eSports

Esports Foundation names Faker Game Ambassador for EWC and ENC through 2028

Published

10 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

esports-foundation-names-faker-game-ambassador-for-ewc-and-enc-through-2028

Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen in the Esports Foundation’s Ambassador Program.

The Esports Foundation (EF) has appointed Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok as a Game Ambassador for the Esports World Cup (EWC) and Esports Nations Cup (ENC) through 2028, the organization said on July 15, 2026 in a statement issued from Riyadh and Paris.

EF said Faker joins Cristiano Ronaldo, listed as the Foundation’s Global Ambassador, and Magnus Carlsen as part of the Esports Foundation Ambassador Program. The Foundation said Faker will represent “the perspective of esports players” across its international events, athlete initiatives, media engagements and leadership forums.

“You can’t talk about esports without mentioning Faker. He is the defining athlete of competitive gaming: a champion whose excellence, discipline and longevity have inspired an entire generation,” said Ralf Reichert, Chief Executive Officer of the Esports Foundation. “As our Game Ambassador, Faker represents something fundamental to the Ambassador Program: esports creates its own global sporting icons. Across EWC, ENC and NGSC, he will help ensure that the players who built this sport have a voice in shaping where it goes next.”

Faker said: “Competition has shaped my life, and I am proud to join the Esports Foundation as Game Ambassador. I want to continue competing for the biggest titles with T1 while representing the players and fans who have helped esports grow worldwide. Through the Esports World Cup, Esports Nations Cup and the Foundation’s wider platforms, I hope to inspire the next generation to pursue excellence, remain resilient and believe in how far competitive gaming can take them. There is still much more to achieve.”

EF highlighted Faker’s competitive record, describing him as a six-time League of Legends World Champion, EWC 2024 winner, two-time MSI champion and ten-time domestic champion with T1. The Foundation also said Faker became the first esports athlete to receive the Blue Dragon Medal in 2026, describing it as the Republic of Korea’s highest sporting honor awarded by President Lee Jae-myung.

The post Esports Foundation names Faker Game Ambassador for EWC and ENC through 2028 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Brand Partnerships

Midnite signs as Middlesbrough FC principal partner for 2026/27 season

Published

17 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

midnite-signs-as-middlesbrough-fc-principal-partner-for-2026/27-season

Midnite has agreed a partnership with Middlesbrough FC that will see the UK bookmaker become the club’s principal partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 campaign, which Middlesbrough describes as its landmark 150th season.

The companies announced the deal alongside a fan activation at Riverside Stadium on Thursday, July 9, branded “This Season’s On Us”. The initiative offered supporters prizes including 2026/27 season tickets, 2026/27 shirts, match tickets, or a £25 club shop voucher, with fans required to answer Middlesbrough trivia and complete a football challenge.

Middlesbrough former players Craig Hignett and David Wheater attended the event, and, according to the company, took bonus attempts on behalf of participants who missed out.

Andrew Mook, Midnite’s Head of Brand Marketing, said:

“Middlesbrough have a storied history and we’re delighted to announce this partnership during such a monumental year with the club celebrating their 150th anniversary.

“It was great to see so many Middlesbrough fans at the “This Season’s On Us” activation, we hope they enjoyed taking part and meeting club legends, with David Wheater hitting top bins on several occasions and allowing fans to win big with season tickets.

“We can’t wait to get to Riverside Stadium in August to kick-off a new season and we’re excited to say that we have plenty of new and captivating campaigns planned.”

Lee Fryett, Middlesbrough FC Chief Commercial Officer, added:

“We’re delighted to welcome Midnite as our new Principal Partner.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with Midnite to develop engaging campaigns, content and unique experiences that bring our fans even closer to the club.

“We’re confident this partnership will provide real value for our supporters while supporting our ambitions both on and off the pitch.”

The post Midnite signs as Middlesbrough FC principal partner for 2026/27 season appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AGCO

ThrillTech secures AGCO supplier licence for Ontario launch

Published

17 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

thrilltech-secures-agco-supplier-licence-for-ontario-launch

ThrillTech has been awarded a Gaming-Related Supplier licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), clearing the company to launch in Ontario’s regulated market.

The licence allows ThrillTech to deploy its opt-in side bet jackpots technology with regulated online casino, sports betting and lottery operators across the province.

Benjamin Bradtke, Co-Founder of ThrillTech, said: “Securing our AGCO licence is a major step in our mission to transform how jackpots are delivered at scale across regulated markets. This latest certification is testament to our robust technology and trusted compliance frameworks, allowing us to continue our global growth trajectory. We are thrilled to bring our proven, compliant jackpot technology to Ontario, empowering locally licensed operators to uplift revenue without cannibalising existing spend.”

The company said its “ThrillPots” mechanics sit as an independent, player-funded side bet and do not alter the underlying game’s return-to-player mathematics.

ThrillTech said the Ontario approval enables its existing multinational partners that also operate in the province to launch its side bet jackpots locally, while it also holds talks with potential new operator partners. The company lists its regulated footprint as including the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Romania, Malta, Gibraltar, Brazil and Peru.

The post ThrillTech secures AGCO supplier licence for Ontario launch appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.