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Aspire Global: Interim Report Fourth Quarter 2021
Record High Revenues of €213 Million in 2021
FOURTH QUARTER*
· Revenues increased by 14.7% to €50.9 million (44.4).
· Revenues Pro-Forma basis increased by 24.0% to €42.6 million (34.4).
· EBITDA decreased by 9.1 % to €7.5 million (8.3).
· EBITDA Pro-Forma basis increased by 24.0% to €7.7 million (6.2).
· The EBITDA margin amounted to 14.8% (18.6%).
· EBITDA margin Pro-Forma basis amounted to 18.1% (18.1%)
· EBIT decreased by 18.7% to €5.1 million (6.3).
· EBIT Pro-Forma basis increased by 25.1% to €5.3 million (4.3).
· Earnings after tax (before €59.7 million net capital gain on B2C divestment) increased by 38.9% to €4.2 million (3.1).
· Earnings per share amounted to €0.09 (0.07) and €1.37 incl. capital gain from divestment of the B2C segment.
FULL YEAR*
· Revenues increased by 31.8% to €213.3 million (161.9).
· Revenues Pro-Forma basis increased by 31.9% to €166.5 million (126.2).
· EBITDA increased by 29.2% to €35.0 million (27.1).
· EBITDA Pro-Forma basis increased by 45.2% to €30.4 million (20.9).
· The EBITDA margin amounted to 16.4% (16.7%).
· EBITDA margin Pro-Forma basis amounted to 18.2% (16.6%)
· EBIT increased by 26.2% to €26.3 million (20.8).
· EBIT Pro-Forma basis increased by 47.7% to €21.6 million (14.7).
· Earnings after tax (before €59.7 million net capital gain on B2C divestment) increased 72.0% to €22.6 million (13.1).
· Earnings per share increased 64.3% to €0.49 (0.28) and €1.77 incl. capital gain from divestment of B2C segment.
*B2C as continued operations and based on net royalties in December 2021. Pro-Forma basis of B2C based on net royalties for the presented period and a specification is found on page 8 in the report.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE QUARTER
· Aspire Global divested its B2C segment effective on 1 December, 2021.
· Further expansion in the US by Pariplay’s deal with BetMGM, the leading US online casino operator.
· Strengthened position in Latin America through BtoBet’s deal with FanDuel, part of Flutter Entertainment, to provide its PAM for Daily Fantasy Sports in Brazil. Pariplay signed deal to supply its proprietary games to Holland Casino in the Netherlands. BtoBet signed deal with BestBet24 to provide its sports platform in Poland.
· Agreement to acquire 25% of bingo supplier END 2 END with option to acquire all shares.
· The Board of Directors proposes that no dividend is paid for the financial year 2021.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AFTER THE END OF THE QUARTER
· On 17 January 2022, a public tender offer was made by NeoGames to the shareholders of Aspire Global to tender all their shares in the Company to NeoGames for a consideration consisting of a combination of cash and newly issued shares in NeoGames in the form of Swedish depository receipts. The shares in NeoGames are admitted to trading in the US on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, Global Market tier. Aspire Global’s main shareholders, who in aggregate own shares corresponding to 66.96% of all shares and votes in Aspire Global, have entered into irrevocable undertakings that enable the other shareholders in Aspire Global to tender their shares to NeoGames and receive 100% cash consideration corresponding to SEK 111.00 per share tendered in Aspire Global representing a premium of 41.40% compared to the closing price 17 January 2022 of SEK 78.50 for Aspire Global’s share. The Bid Committee of Aspire Global unanimously recommends the shareholders of Aspire Global to accept the full cash consideration alternative of SEK 111.00 per Aspire Global share.
CEO COMMENTS
“WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED ON OUR GROWTH STRATEGY AND EXCEEDED OUR FINANCIAL TARGETS”
Aspire Global has made an amazing journey in recent years with substantial organic growth supplemented by value creating acquisitions. NeoGames’ bid of SEK 111 per share means that our share has increased by 270% since the introduction on Nasdaq First North Growth Market in July 2017. The offer by NeoGames, a technology-driven provider of end-to-end iLottery solutions, is a natural step for Aspire Global and a strategic fit.
Aspire Global’s entire operations will form a new iGaming division within NeoGames. The objective of the combination is to generate significant long-term value for both sets of shareholders, by creating synergies and capitalizing on the key strengths of our two companies and positioning them both for expansion in new and existing markets.
We believe that the irrevocable commitment by a significant portion of our shareholders to elect to receive the entirety of the equity component of the deal, subject to proration, suggests strong conviction in the future of the two companies. Not only is this a strategic fit, it is also a strong cultural fit, as significant parts of both management teams worked together extensively during NeoGames’ inception.
RECORD HIGH B2B PERFORMANCE
By the divestment of our B2C segment 1 December 2021, we made additional significant strategic move to become a clearly focused B2B company. By this streamlining of the business, we not only become stronger but also more profitable. During the year, excluding the B2C segment, revenues increased by 31.5% to €158.3 million and EBITDA increased by 45.2% to €30.4 million in 2021 with an EBITDA margin of 19.2%. B2B organic revenue growth in 2021 amounted to 26.6%. These are record high numbers that we are proud of and they reflect the professionalism, drive and commitment of the Aspire Global team. It is also with satisfaction that I can note that we have well exceeded our financial targets for 2021.
We had a strong development during all quarters in 2021 and revenues, excluding B2C, increased 24.4% in Q4. The numbers in Q4 2021 were impacted negatively by new regulations in certain European countries as well as unusually favourable player results in Sports during October, while the inclusion of the divested B2C brands on a “net royalties” basis in December 2021 had a positive impact.
GERMAN AND DUTCH PLATFORM DEALS
We have recently made significant progress in the execution of our growth strategy by adding new tier 1-operators to our customer base and entering new regulated markets. Our turnkey platform deals with ITPS for Germany and BoyleSports for the Netherlands clearly shows the recognition we have in supplying our platform in regulated markets to tier 1-operators. Both Germany and the Netherlands are expected to become very big iGaming markets with a large growth potential.
At the end of 2021, we completed the migration of all major partner brands to BtoBet’s proprietary sportsbook platform and we could phase out our previous third-party supplier. The rapid execution of the migration is an important proof of Aspire Global’s strong technological, managerial and operational skills.
PARIPLAY – KEY PROGRESS IN NORTH AMERICA
Pariplay, the leading content and aggregator provider, shows over and over again its strengths by delivering successfully on its growth strategy. By striking important deals in North America, we are on our way to establish ourselves as a key iGaming supplier in this fast-growing market. Pariplay is now certified in Michigan, New Jersey and West Virginia and has signed deals for all three states with leading US operator Golden Nugget Online Gaming and the top-three US online casino operator BetMGM. Through the collaboration with NeoPollard Interactive, Pariplay will enter the Canadian market after signing a deal to offer its content on Play Alberta, the province’s only regulated online gambling site.
In Q4 2021, Pariplay extended its successful partnership with Rush Street Interactive (RSI) and launched its proprietary games with RSI in Colombia. Pariplay also signed a deal to supply its proprietary games to Holland Casino, the biggest Dutch operator.
BTOBET STRIKES FURTHER DEAL WITH FLUTTER
BtoBet, our proprietary sportsbook, has recently been awarded certification in Denmark and the Netherlands. After having received Dutch certification for not only the sportsbook and games but also the platform, we will now provide our complete offering in the Netherlands. In Denmark, we add sports to our present casino offering.
In Q4 2021, BtoBet entered Poland by a deal with Warsaw-based BestBet24. BtoBet will provide BestBet24 its sportsbook platform for both retail and online channels. BtoBet has also extended its collaboration with Flutter Entertainment by providing FanDuel its cutting-edge PAM platform as the operator enters the Brazilian market with its Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) offering.
ENHANCING OFFERING WITH BINGO
In December 2021, we took an important step in our strategy to control the entire B2B value chain by acquiring a minority share of the bingo supplier END 2 END with an option to acquire all the shares. END 2 END and its certified bingo product provides us with access to a real omni channel technology and a proprietary offering in one of the biggest verticals in the iGaming industry. Bingo is especially important in regulated markets where operators request the opportunity to offer more than one vertical. We are very satisfied with END 2 END’s performance and the opportunities we have identified so far.
THE AMAZING ASPIRE GLOBAL TEAM
During 2021, we increased investments in the further development of our team’s skills by introducing an advanced leadership program. It will be exciting to follow the development of our leaders and how the program can contribute to even higher motivation and creativity.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone on the Aspire Global team for their fantastic efforts in 2021. It is also good that we will keep the relationship with our great Karamba team, who constituted the B2C segment, as they continue as one of our major partners.
OUTLOOK
Aspire Global is today a focused B2B company with a leading offering in the iGaming industry. We have over the past years made significant progress in building a strong position and adding tier 1-operators to our partner base, not at least after the value creating acquisitions of BtoBet and Pariplay. We are now looking forward to the next step in our journey and I am very excited by the opportunities the combination of Aspire Global and NeoGames offers.
Tsachi Maimon, CEO
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Baltics
HIPTHER Joins Forces with Ace Alliance as Strategic Media Partner – Kicking Off with Ace Alliance Riga 2025
HIPTHER proudly announces its Strategic Media Partnership with Ace Alliance, the dynamic iGaming media hub under the Revpanda Group. This new collaboration begins with the highly anticipated Ace Alliance Riga 2025, taking place on August 14–15 in the heart of the Baltics.
Ace Alliance has quickly emerged as a force in the iGaming community, connecting professionals through curated events and immersive experiences. HIPTHER, the parent brand behind several of Europe’s most respected media outlets and boutique conferences in Gaming and Technology, is excited to support and amplify Ace Alliance’s vision through its online media outlets.
Supporting Real Connections at Ace Alliance Riga 2025
Ace Alliance Riga 2025 is designed for real conversations, real experiences, and real growth. With over 500 iGaming professionals expected, this two-day summer getaway in Riga offers a refreshing approach to networking – blending business and leisure for lasting impact.
From a private Daugava River cruise and executive business brunch to guided cultural walks and legendary parties, VIP ticket holders are treated to high-value interactions in an unforgettable setting. Keynotes from respected industry voices like Alexandre Tomic will further fuel strategic thinking and innovation.
HIPTHER will actively support the visibility and promotion of Ace Alliance’s events – beginning with this Riga edition – across its expansive global media network. In return, Ace Alliance becomes an official Media Partner for HIPTHER’s lineup of exciting conferences.
Zoltán Tűndik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER, stated about the partnership: “At HIPTHER, we thrive on identifying and supporting meaningful movements in the industry, and Ace Alliance is exactly that. Their community-first approach, creative event format, and focus on authentic connections make them a standout new player in the media and events space. We’re thrilled to support their growth and extend the experience to our audiences across Europe and beyond.”
Get Ready for a Summer to Remember
With limited VIP passes still available and sponsorship spots quickly filling up, now is the time to secure your place. Stay tuned to HIPTHER’s channels for upcoming announcements, featured stories, and an exclusive discount code for our audience.
Join the experience at Ace Alliance Riga 2025:
👉 https://acealliance.com/events/riga-2025/
Let the networking begin!
The post HIPTHER Joins Forces with Ace Alliance as Strategic Media Partner – Kicking Off with Ace Alliance Riga 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Immense Group, the iGaming company behind the fast-growing Mr Vegas brand, is proud to announce that Mr Vegas has been named the Principal Front-of-Shirt Sponsor of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club for the 2025/26 season.
This marks Mr Vegas’s first-ever front-of-shirt football sponsorship in the UK, representing a major milestone for the brand and further cementing Immense Group’s growing footprint in the market. After a successful season as Sheffield Wednesday’s back-of-shirt sponsor in 2024/25, Mr Vegas now takes centre stage in a new agreement that reflects a deepened partnership with one of England’s most iconic football clubs.
Marco Trucco, Chief Marketing Officer at Immense Group, commented: “Last season, Mr Vegas had the players’ backs. This year, we’re proud to be front and centre on Sheffield Wednesday’s shirts. We’re deepening our partnership with the club at a time when Mr Vegas is becoming the online casino of choice for many customers.
We particularly applaud Sheffield Wednesday for partnering with a fully licensed and responsible operator. It’s a decision that reflects the club’s values and ensures fans engage with a trusted, secure platform.
We’re excited to bring ‘that Vegas feeling’ to Hillsborough once again, with thrilling promotions and exclusive experiences planned throughout the season.”
With fan-focused activations at its core, the Mr Vegas x Sheffield Wednesday partnership has already delivered memorable moments – from season ticket raffles and VIP matchday experiences to unique campaigns like the head coach’s darts faceoff with world champion Michael Smith. The new season promises even more engagement, with responsible entertainment and brand trust as key priorities.
MrVegas.com is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission under Account Number 39380. The partnership between Mr Vegas and Sheffield Wednesday will continue to operate in full alignment with the Gambling Commission’s codes of practice.
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Betclic, France’s leading online sports betting operator, announces its partnership with the Arkema Première Ligue (APL), the highest level of women’s football in France. Already a partner of the French Women’s National Teams, Betclic confirms its commitment to becoming a strong ally of women’s football.
A league on the rise
For several seasons, the Arkema Première Ligue has been experiencing exceptional momentum. A significant milestone was reached in 2024 with the creation of the Ligue Féminine du Football Professionnel (LFFP), marked by a record 220 players under contract, a highly competitive league, and record attendance and viewership figures. The FFF, which aims to reach 500,000 licensed female players by 2028, has launched an extensive feminization plan, enabling an entire ecosystem to rapidly structure itself, and one Betclic is pleased to be associated with.
A new dimension in the Betclic App
Since its opening to betting in May 2024, the Arkema Première Ligue has risen to first place among national women’s competitions on the Betclic app. Open matches, unpredictable scenarios: women’s football is an exciting new playground for bettors, with live betting accounting for the majority of wagers placed. With around fifty odds available per match, enhanced gaming offers, and numerous activations around championship fixtures, the Arkema Première Ligue will benefit from strong exposure in Betclic’s communications, particularly through the App which is used by more than 3 million players each month.
A commitment supporting the diversity of French football
Women’s football is not just a performance field, it’s also a lever for transformation. By supporting the Arkema Première Ligue, Betclic aims to encourage equal opportunities, access to sport for all, and
defend a more inclusive vision of sport. “The APL is a reference championship, where clubs that matter in major competitions compete. We want to be where sport is advancing, where audiences are evolving, where passions are growing. Women’s football ticks all the boxes, and we are proud to contribute to its development alongside Jean-Michel Aulas (President of the LFFP) and Philippe Diallo (President of the FFF),” says Nicolas Béraud, CEO of Betclic.
Jean-Michel Aulas, President of the LFFP: “All indicators are green for the Arkema Première Ligue, which has experienced considerable growth this season. After Arkema’s renewal of its naming partnership, it’s now Betclic’s turn to commit to our championship. The arrival of top-tier economic partners demonstrates the enthusiasm generated by French women’s football and validates the FFF’s commitment to it. Our ambition is to make the Arkema Première Ligue one of the best championships in the world. Support from companies like Betclic helps us greatly in this endeavor.”
Philippe Diallo, President of the FFF: “I am very pleased with Betclic’s commitment to our elite women’s championship. The FFF has high ambitions for the Arkema Première Ligue. Receiving support from a brand as powerful as Betclic is an extremely encouraging sign. This partnership will contribute to the development and recognition of high-level women’s football. The FFF has made feminization an
important axis of its policy. Our partners, like Betclic, fully embrace this. I am delighted by this.”
Betclic and FFHandball: a major alliance to make French Handball shine
Betclic and the French Handball Federation (FFHandball) seal their first partnership running until 2028. An unprecedented alliance to usher handball towards new heights. French handball on top of the world With 9 world crowns and 4 Olympic titles, French handball is the most successful team sport in the world. This enthusiasm for handball is materializing on amateur courts with a record number of licensed players in 2025 (more than 600,000), and behind screens, where the EHF EURO 2024 final was watched by more than 6.5 million viewers.
Betclic bettors increasingly fans of handball
Number one in sports betting in France, Betclic aims to support the world’s best teams and promote French sporting excellence. This partnership will strengthen handball’s visibility among the 3 million monthly players who use the Betclic application, thus offering this sport very strong visibility. Driven by its suspenseful matches and an evolution of betting offers recently validated by the National Gaming Authority, handball is attracting more and more players and now ranks 8th among the most bet-on disciplines on the application, especially thanks to the major events of 2024. While two-thirds of bets are placed on match results, other types of bets are emerging, such as the number of goals scored or the goal difference between teams. And to meet the growing demand from bettors who enjoy live betting, Betclic streams around ten tournaments directly on its application (over 2,000 matches per year), including the Champions League and major handball competitions.
Education and prevention
With the French national teams and French handball training centers, wherever stakeholder responsibility is involved, awareness-raising initiatives that have been carried out for several years will continue in the coming seasons.
Betclic: New headquarters for handball fans
“Handball embodies everything we love about sport: intensity, collective passion and repeated exploits. With this partnership, Betclic will become a major meeting point for handball fans. By supporting the French national teams and partnering with a modern, popular and high-performing federation, we are commited to sustainably supporting the exceptional momentum that has been initiated by Philippe Bana and his team” confirms Nicolas Béraud, CEO of Betclic.
FFHandball: a strategic partnership to propel French handball
“The French Handball Federation is pleased to announce a partnership with Betclic, Official Supporter of our French national teams until 2028. This partnership is built for the long term and addresses shared challenges: supporting the development of handball and strengthening its visibility among an ever-wider audience. The growing enthusiasm for sports betting on handball demonstrates the increasing appeal of our sport. This partnership allows us to accompany this momentum by creating positive synergies to grow our community together and amplify the visibility of French handball” commented Philippe Bana, President of FFHandball.
Betclic and the French Volleyball Federation: The Smash Continues Until 2028!
Betclic, France’s leading sports betting operator, renews its collaboration with the French Volleyball Federation for four new seasons (2025-2028). This renewal marks Betclic’s reinforced commitment to a sport that is growing in popularity.
French volleyball on the rise
Led by its President, Eric Tanguy and his staff, the French Volleyball Federation has achieved great success in recent years, with two Olympic medals (2021 and 2024) and an historic growth in membership (240,000). The national championships (Men’s and Women’s Ligue A) are gaining momentum, with major transfers and record streaming audiences. Driven by charismatic figures like Earvin Ngapeth or Jenia Grebennikov among the men, and Lucille Gicquel or Héléna Cazaute among the women, volleyball is now establishing itself as a popular phenomenon that thrives on international stages.
A winning bet on the Betclic app
Volleyball is also attracting an ever-growing number of Betclic players. It now ranks 6th among the most bet-on disciplines on the app, particularly thanks to the 2024 Olympic Games, where the France- Poland final rose to become the second most bet-on event of the Games (excluding major sports). It is the Top 10 sport that has experienced the best betting momentum over the past two years, and more than 15% of Betclic players now bet on this discipline. With its suspenseful matches and dynamic betting offer (betting possible on each point of the match, such as on the player who will score the next point…), volleyball lends itself easily to live-betting, a growing practice among bettors. This partnership will further strengthen volleyball’s visibility among the 3 million monthly Betclic players, thus granting it very strong exposure, particularly through the in-App streaming of around twenty competitions, from the Polish PlusLiga to Marmara Spike League matches, or the Nations League, where our French national team shines.
Three years to make French volleyball shine
In-app campaigns, contests, editorial content, enhanced visibility around key fixtures… All resources will be activated to support the growth of French volleyball and accompany it on the path to true
European recognition. Nicolas Béraud, founder and CEO of Betclic: “French volleyball is experiencing a silent but spectacular revolution, and we are proud to support this beautiful adventure. By partnering again with FFVolley, Betclic reaffirms its lasting commitment alongside a federation in full momentum, driven by historic results and an ambitious vision for the 2028 Olympics”. Eric Tanguy, President of FFVolley: “The renewal of our partnership confirms the growing collaboration in recent years. Volleyball is advancing not only in sports but also in media presence with the French and global public through Betclic’s involvement and investment. Four rich seasons are ahead, the Federation is proud and delighted to be able to experience this alongside Betclic”.
Betclic and the Ligue Nationale de Rugby extend their partnership for the next two TOP 14 seasons!
Betclic, France’s #1 online sports betting operator, and the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) announce the renewal of their TOP 14 partnership until 2027. Initiated in 2021, this renewed cooperation confirms the shared commitment to elevate French rugby to the highest level.
A partnership with the world’s most competitive championship
For the past four years, Betclic and the LNR have joined forces to promote the TOP 14 to an ever-growing audience. Full stadiums, rising viewership, French clubs leading the way in Europe, star players: rugby has never been more captivating. With 9 different clubs reaching the playoffs over the last 5 seasons, the TOP 14 continues to enchant the public, with 71% of French people describing it as “spectacular”. Intensity, suspense, drama: the championship thrills both fans… and bettors!
Greater visibility for rugby and for Betclic
With over 3 million users on the Betclic application each month, the TOP 14 enjoys exceptional exposure, now firmly established within the platform’s universe. Betclic users can experience everything that makes rugby so special, with the added bonus of winning tickets to the biggest matches, right in the heart of the stadiums. With more than 300 odds available per match, Betclic offers an unrivalled range of betting options, so much that one in every two bettors now bets on rugby, with the TOP 14 as a major driver. Betclic will also continue to enjoy prominent visibility across all official media in TOP 14 stadiums and throughout the finals.
Supporting excellence, shaping the future
International reach, a broader audience and a sense of responsibility: Betclic is committed to helping to achieve the ambitious goals set by the LNR’s new president, Yann Roubert. As official partner to f the French National Rugby Teams until 2028, Betclic is more than just a rugby sponsor: it’s a committed player, with a strong DNA.
“The TOP 14 is one of the most beautiful championships in the world. This partnership is a source of pride for Betclic and an essential lever to satisfy rugby fans, in France and beyond. Renewing our commitment alongside the LNR means reaffirming our position as a major partner of French sport and participating in writing the next chapter in the history of modern rugby” confirms Nicolas Béraud, CEO of Betclic.
“This renewed partnership with Betclic is a mark of trust and a clear signal of the TOP 14’s appeal. We share the same ambition: to help French rugby grow, reach new audiences and keep innovating to make the TOP 14 ever more spectacular and demanding. This extended partnership is a real opportunity for rugby, for its influence and for all those who love the game” says Yann Roubert, President of the Ligue
Nationale de Rugby.
The post Betclic announces four strategic sports partnerships appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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