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LeoVegas AB Q2: Quarterly report 1 April – 30 June 2021

Published

4 years ago

August 12, 2021

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“All-time-high in Sweden and a strong start for Expekt” – Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO

SECOND QUARTER 2021: 1 APRIL – 30 JUNE

Revenue decreased by 13% to EUR 96.8 m (110.7).
Excluding Germany, growth was positive 3%.
Adjusted EBITDA was EUR 10.6 m (23.0), corresponding to a margin of 10.9% (20.8%). Reported EBITDA was EUR 9.8 m (23.0).
The number of depositing customers was 460,697 (434,453), an increase of 6%.
Adjusted earnings per share were EUR 0.06 (0.19).

EVENTS DURING THE QUARTER

The acquisition of Expekt was completed and integrated on 19 May 2021. The start has been a success, and Expekt’s revenue and market share have nearly doubled in Sweden since the acquisition was carried out.
LeoVegas’ forthcoming expansion to the USA, starting in the state of New Jersey, is on track.
LeoVegas carried out share repurchases for EUR 4.9 m and paid out of the first out of four quarterly dividends to the Parent Company’s shareholders. The second quarterly dividend payment was made after the end of the period.
LeoVegas’ framework and routines for ensuring responsible gaming have been assessed by the independent agency eCOGRA. The external assessment shows that LeoVegas is in conformity with all relevant recommendations and requirements for responsible gaming published by the European commission.

EVENTS AFTER THE END OF THE QUARTER

Preliminary revenue in July amounted to EUR 32.8 m (30.7), corresponding to growth of 7%. Excluding Germany, revenue grew 23%.

COMMENT FROM GUSTAF HAGMAN – GROUP CEO

SECOND QUARTER
Most of our markets have continued to develop well, with high, double-digit growth in key markets like Italy and Spain. The development in Sweden is encouraging, with record-high revenue during the quarter. We are also growing rapidly in North America, which now accounts for 10% of consolidated revenue. However, re-regulation in Germany continued to negatively impact figures during the period. Excluding Germany, Group revenue increased by 3% to a new record level despite tough comparison figures from the start of the pandemic during the second quarter of 2020 and greater competition from other entertainment activities as societies are now opening up again. We expect to see positive growth for the Group on a yearly basis during the third quarter.

Our operating profit decreased compared with the same period a year ago, while we achieved stable earnings compared with the preceding quarter. This is despite a high level of investments and a number of important, strategic ventures, including our forthcoming launch in the USA, a stronger focus on sports with the acquisition of Expekt, and our new game studio. Marketing costs in relation to revenue were higher than the historic average, coupled among other things to the relaunch of Expekt and investments in a number of key markets in which we see high customer growth. Investments in marketing during the quarter weighed down earnings short-term but are driving value long-term and will also enable us to accelerate out of the revenue drop in Germany. As revenues increase, the share of marketing investment will decrease. At the same time, we have maintained good cost control, and our operating expenses have more or less been unchanged over the last three-year period.

THE NEW EXPEKT
In mid-May we consolidated the acquisition of Expekt, and shortly thereafter “the New Expekt” was launched with a large and attention-grabbing marketing campaign ahead of the Euro 2020 football championship. It was a successful start, and in a short time we nearly doubled Expekt’s revenue and market share in Sweden since completion of the acquisition.

GERMANY
The situation in Germany coupled to re-regulation, with strict product limitations, an extremely high gaming tax and a skewed competitive situation, is having a negative effect on the Group. Revenue in Germany decreased by 81% compared with a year ago and accounted for only 4% of Group revenue during the quarter. We believe it will take time to create a balanced and fair market climate and have therefore chosen to shift our investments to other, more profitable markets. Over the long term we still believe that Germany, with Europe’s largest population, offers great opportunities for the Group.

NORTH AMERICA
Our forthcoming expansion to the USA, starting with the state of New Jersey, is on track. We are currently working on adapting and certifying our technical platform, and during the autumn we will also begin establishing a local organisation. We expect to accept our first American customers during the first half of 2022.

The Canadian province of Ontario, which is home to roughly 40% of Canada’s population, is conducting preparations to introduce a local licence system for online gaming. LeoVegas has built up a strong brand along with a large and loyal customer base in Ontario and the rest of Canada, among other things with help from former hockey legend Mats Sundin. According to our assessment LeoVegas is one of the larger and most well-known casino actors in the Canadian market.

During the second quarter, North America accounted for 10% of the Group’s total revenue and grew 33%. In pace with our continued expansion in Canada and forthcoming launch in the USA, revenue from North America will increase. This is in line with the Group’s strategy to diversify our revenues.

COMMENTS ON THE THIRD QUARTER
Revenue for the month of July amounted to EUR 32.8 m (30.7), corresponding to positive growth of 7%. Adjusted for Germany, the Group’s growth in July was 23%.

Belatra Games

From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

Wladimir P.

from-‘mummyverse’-to-crash-games:-belatra-reviews-a-landmark-2025

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: Belatra has been a steady hand in the slots world for a long time, but 2025 marked a distinct shift in strategy. By entering the Crash vertical with Goose Boom Bang and winning big at SiGMA Africa, the studio is clearly pivoting to capture the high-growth, high-frequency players in emerging markets. They are no longer just a “classic slots” developer; they are diversifying the portfolio to ensure relevance in regions like LatAm and Africa.

The Full Story

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has issued a strategic review of its 2025 operations, celebrating a 12-month period defined by entry into new game verticals, significant franchise expansion, and high-profile industry recognition.

The year was characterized by a dual strategy: deepening engagement in established markets while aggressively expanding its content portfolio to suit local preferences in emerging territories.

Portfolio Evolution: Crash and Battles 2025 saw Belatra move beyond its traditional slot roots. The company made its debut in the high-demand Crash game vertical with the launch of Goose Boom Bang, a title designed to tap into the fast-paced gameplay preference of younger demographics.

Additionally, the studio introduced a fresh game concept with the launch of Battles, a new format unveiled for the first time in 2025, with further development planned for 2026.

The ‘Mummyverse’ Expands For fans of classic slots, the highlight of the year was the aggressive expansion of the Mummyverse. Belatra nearly doubled the size of this franchise over the year, making it the most extensive game universe in their entire catalog.

The developer also focused on B2B localization, releasing a number of exclusive bespoke games created specifically for selected operator partners to meet specific local market tastes.

Awards and Recognition The company’s strategic shifts were validated by industry accolades. Belatra secured over 30 nominations throughout the year, with standout wins including:

Best Slot Provider (awarded by BitStarz).
Most Played Game of 2025 for Make It Gold at the SiGMA Africa Awards.
Player’s Pick Award.

Management Commentary Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, commented on the studio’s momentum:

“This year has truly defined who we are as a studio – ambitious, creative and focused on building long-term partnerships. We’ve expanded our universes, launched new ones and entered exciting new markets that will all help us carry this momentum into the New Year.”

The post From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

BMM Testlabs

‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

Wladimir P.

‘chaos-and-soul’:-ebaka-games-plots-global-expansion-after-viral-launch

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: The “Instant Game” vertical (Crash, Plinko, Mines) is becoming crowded, but Ebaka Games is cutting through the noise with a distinct brand personality. By securing BMM Testlabs certification so quickly after launch, they are signaling to Tier 1 operators that despite their “chaotic” marketing vibe, the math underneath is solid and compliant. The backing of industry veteran Dmitry Belianin also adds immediate commercial credibility to the startup.

The Full Story

Ebaka Games, the fledgling studio that promises to bring “chaos and soul” to the iGaming sector, has outlined an aggressive growth strategy for 2026 following a landmark launch period in late 2025.

The studio, which officially debuted in November, reports that its initial rollout reached more than five million people worldwide. The launch saw its portfolio go live with the operator Menace, serving as the initial testbed for its mechanics and “Ebaka modes.”

The Product: Instant Games with Personality Ebaka is bypassing traditional slots to focus on the high-growth vertical of fast-paced, instant-win games. Their initial lineup includes:

Plinko
Mines
Tower
Limbo
Crash

Differentiation is achieved through unique mascots and signature gameplay tweaks designed to offer high win potential and distinct visual identities, moving away from the generic interfaces often found in this genre.

Regulatory Milestone Crucially for its 2026 roadmap, Ebaka Games has confirmed it has secured certification from BMM Testlabs. This accreditation validates the fairness and integrity of its RNG (Random Number Generator) and game engines, removing a major barrier to entry for regulated markets. With this certification in hand, the studio plans to launch with a number of “major brands” in the coming year.

Management Commentary Vitalii Zalievskyi, CEO of Ebaka Games, commented on the studio’s unorthodox approach:

“It’s only been a few weeks since we first introduced Ebaka Games to the world. The feedback has been breathtaking, and it vindicates the decision for us to take a different path to the rest of the industry. You don’t need huge marketing budgets to grab people’s attention if you are building something truly innovative.”

Industry Backing The studio describes itself as being “created by players for players” but boasts significant industry firepower in its corner. The team includes Dmitry Belianin, a well-known figure in the sector who is the co-founder of Blask and Menace, as well as Managing Partner at Already Media.

The post ‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

ARC

Racing Meets Nightlife: SBK Backs ARC’s New ‘Friday Night Live’ Series

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

Wladimir P.

racing-meets-nightlife:-sbk-backs-arc’s-new-‘friday-night-live’-series

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: British racing has a well-documented demographic problem; its core audience is aging. “Friday Night Live” is a direct attempt to fix this by blending high-stakes racing with the “experience economy” (DJs, nightlife vibes) that appeals to Gen Z and Millennials. Bringing SBK on board—a mobile-first, app-only sportsbook—is a perfect demographic fit, while the Racing Post adds the necessary credibility to ensure the actual racing product remains the focus.

The Full Story

Arena Racing Company (ARC) has unveiled the strategic commercial lineup for its upcoming Friday Night Live series, confirming SBK as the Exclusive Betting Partner and The Racing Post as the Official Media Partner.

Set to launch in January 2026, Friday Night Live is a new initiative created in collaboration with youth-focused events company INVADES. The series is designed to overhaul the traditional race day experience, featuring fast-paced fixtures under floodlights, DJ sets, and significant entertainment elements sandwiched between races.

The Commercial Deal

SBK: As the exclusive betting partner, the Smarkets-owned sportsbook will take naming rights and on-course branding for all 35 races. Crucially, these races will be broadcast live on mainstream television via ITV Racing as well as Sky Sports Research.
The Racing Post: As the Official Media Partner, the publication will provide content, coverage, and promotion across its digital platforms, aiming to bridge the gap between established racing purists and the new audience ARC hopes to attract.

A High-Stakes Experiment The series is not just a marketing exercise; it carries serious sporting weight. Each of the five scheduled nights will feature over £200,000 in prize money. The fixtures will rotate across three of ARC’s all-weather tracks: Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Southwell.

Management Commentary David Leyden Dunbar, Group Director of Commercial Strategy at ARC, was clear about the target audience:

“We have been very clear that one of the aims of Friday Night Live is to engage the next generation of racing fans… Both [partners] have shown real enthusiasm to work with us… as well as using the platform that these fixtures will offer them to also engage with more established racing and sports fans.”

Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, added:

“Friday Night Live [is] a fresh and engaging concept that brings a new energy to British racing. SBK has always been built around sport… our focus is on enhancing the live race day experience in a fun, social and responsible way.”

The 2026 Schedule The series kicks off immediately in the new year: