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Sportradar Reports Strong Growth in Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021

Published

3 years ago

March 30, 2022

Reading Time: 8 minutes

Fourth quarter revenue grew 41% while full year 2021 revenue grew 39%, exceeding Company’s outlook
Annual revenue surpasses €500 million for the first time in Company’s history
Company projects solid annual revenue growth of 18% to 25% in fiscal 2022
Secured multiyear partnerships with NHL, NBA, ITF, ICC, UEFA, Bundesliga

Sportradar Group AG, a leading global technology company enabling next generation engagement in sports, and the number one provider of business-to-business solutions to the global sports betting industry, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021.

Full Year 2021 Highlights and Annual Outlook

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Revenue for the full year of 2021 increased 39% to €561.2 million ($634.2 million)¹ compared with the prior year, driven by strong growth across all business segments. Full year revenue exceeded the top end of the Company’s 2021 annual outlook range of €553 – €555 million.
Adjusted EBITDA² for the full year of 2021 increased 33% to €102.0 million ($115.3 million)¹ compared with the prior year. Full year Adjusted EBITDA exceeded the top end of the Company’s 2021 annual outlook range of €99.5 – €101.5 million.
Adjusted EBITDA² for 2021 excluding Sportradar’s September 2021 Initial Public Offering (IPO) costs was €113.7 million ($128.5 million)¹.
Adjusted EBITDA margin² for 2021 was 18% compared with 19% for 2020. Excluding IPO costs, Adjusted EBITDA margin was 20% for 2021.
Strong Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate² increased to 125% for fiscal 2021 compared with 113% for fiscal 2020 highlighting the continued success of the Company’s cross-sell and upsell strategy across its global customer base.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled €742.8 million as of December 31, 2021. Total liquidity available for use at December 31, 2021, including undrawn credit facilities was €852.8 million.
Sportradar extended multiyear partnerships with the National Hockey League (NHL), National Basketball Association (NBA), International Tennis Federation (ITF) and Bundesliga International, in addition to securing new deals with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). These deals reinforce Sportradar’s leadership as a trusted technology and data partner to the biggest leagues and federations around the world.
The Company provided an annual outlook for full-year 2022 for revenue and Adjusted EBITDA². Revenue is expected to be in the range of €665.0 million to €700.0 million and Adjusted EBITDA² is expected to be in the range of €123.0 million to €133.0 million. Please see the “Annual Financial Outlook” section of this press release for further details.

Fourth Quarter 2021 Highlights

Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased 41% to €152.4 million ($172.2 million)¹ compared with the fourth quarter of 2020, driven by robust growth across all business segments.
Continued strong performance in the U.S. market with U.S. revenue increasing by 92% to €23.2 million ($26.2 million)¹ compared with the fourth quarter of 2020.
Adjusted EBITDA² in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased 14.0% to €21.4 million ($24.2 million)¹ compared with the fourth quarter of 2020.
Adjusted EBITDA margin² was 14% in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with 17% over the prior year primarily as a result of increased investment in content and technology, higher costs related to being a public company, as well as higher M&A costs.
Adjusted Free Cash Flow² in the fourth quarter of 2021 decreased to (€22.5) million which resulted in a cash flow conversion² of (105.1%) primarily as a result of additional interest from the Company’s senior secured term loan facility originating in November 2020, timing of sports data licensing payments to leagues, IPO related payments as well as higher costs associated with being a public company.

________________________
¹ _{For the convenience of the reader, we have translated Euros amounts in the tables below at the noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on December 30, 2021, which was €1.00 to $1.13.}
² _{Non-IFRS financial measure; see “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Operating Metrics” and accompanying tables for further explanations and reconciliations of non-IFRS measures to IFRS measures.}

Key Financial Measures

In millions, in Euros €	Q4	Q4	Change	FY	FY	Change
	2021	2020 %		2021	2020 %

Revenue	152.4	108.0	41%	561.2	404.9	39%

Adjusted EBITDA²	21.4	18.8	14%	102.0	76.9	33%

Adjusted EBITDA margin²	14.0%	17.4%	–	18.2%	19.0%	–

Adjusted Free Cash Flow²	(22.5)	7.1	–	14.5	53.5	(73%)

Cash Flow Conversion²	(105.1%)	37.5%	–	14.3%	69.6%	–

Carsten Koerl, Chief Executive Officer of Sportradar said: “I am very pleased with our strong results, which illustrate how well we are delivering on our operational and growth plans. Importantly, we have good momentum going into our next fiscal year. We are continuing to invest in content, technology and people that will allow us to deliver profitable growth in line with our goals.

Koerl continued, “We are particularly pleased about more than doubling our year-over-year revenues in the United States, which continues its explosive sports betting growth story. Sportradar has been a leader in this market since 2014, and we’re now seeing the results of our early investment. We continue to see the enormous opportunity as sports betting becomes an increasingly integral part of the media entertainment fabric in the U.S.

Segment Information

RoW Betting

Segment revenue in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 30% to €82.2 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2020. This growth was driven primarily by uptake in our higher value-add offerings including Managed Betting Services (MBS) and Live Odds Services, which increased by 74% and 26% respectively. MBS experienced record turnover³ and Live Odds grew as a result of higher volume of sports coverage.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA² in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 58% to €45.7 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2020. Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin² improved to 56% from 46% compared with the fourth quarter of 2020 driven by growth in higher margin products.
Full year 2021 revenue grew 32% to €309.4 million compared with the prior year of 2020. Full year Adjusted EBITDA² increased 49% to €177.0 million. Full year 2021 Adjusted EBITDA margin² improved to 57% from 51% in the prior year.

¹ _{For the convenience of the reader, we have translated Euros amounts in the tables below at the noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on December 30, 2021, which was €1.00 to $1.13.}
² _{Non-IFRS financial measure; see “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Operating Metrics” and accompanying tables for further explanations and reconciliations of non-IFRS measures to IFRS measures.}
³ _{Turnover is the total amount of stakes placed and accepted in betting.}

RoW Audiovisual (AV)

Segment revenue increased in the fourth quarter of 2021 by 52% to €35.6 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2020. This growth was primarily a result of increased volume of streaming services across all major sports.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA² in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 77% to €9.9 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2020. Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin² improved to 28% from 24% compared with the fourth quarter of 2020.
Full year 2021 revenue grew 32% to €140.2 million compared with the prior year of 2020. Full year Adjusted EBITDA² increased 47% to €39.2 million. Full year 2021 Adjusted EBITDA margin² improved to 28% from 25% in the prior year.

United States

Segment revenue in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 92% to €23.2 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2020. This growth was driven by our increased sales of U.S. Betting services as the underlying market and turnover³ grew. We also experienced strong adoption of our ad:s product, growth in U.S. Media and a positive impact from the acquisition of Synergy Sports.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA² in the fourth quarter of 2021 decreased to (€7.6) million compared with the fourth quarter of 2020 primarily due to increased investment in the Company’s league and team solutions focused business. Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin² decreased to (33%) from 11% compared with the fourth quarter of 2020 reflecting the aforementioned increased investment.
Full year 2021 revenue grew 108% to €71.7 million compared with the prior year of 2020. Full year Adjusted EBITDA² decreased 38% to (€22.6) million. Full year 2021 Adjusted EBITDA margin² improved to (32%) from (48%) in the prior year.

Costs and Expenses

Personnel expenses in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by €12.7 million to €47.0 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2020 primarily resulting from additional hires in the Company’s product and technology organizations (2,959 FTE in the fourth quarter of 2021 vs 2,366 FTE in the fourth quarter of 2020).
Other Operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by €13.3 million to €27.2 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2020 mainly driven by higher travel and entertainment and marketing costs as pandemic restrictions eased, higher M&A costs as well as increased costs to implement a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Total Sport rights costs in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by €8.8 million to €38.5 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2020, primarily resulting from a normalized schedule in sports such as NBA, NHL and MLB, as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions eased.

² _{Non-IFRS financial measure; see “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Operating Metrics” and accompanying tables for further explanations and reconciliations of non-IFRS measures to IFRS measures.}
³ _{Turnover is the total amount of stakes placed and accepted in betting.}

Fourth Quarter Business Highlights

Sportradar and the NBA announced an expansive multiyear partnership agreement that will see the NBA, Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and NBA G League use Sportradar’s global and wide-ranging capabilities to grow U.S. operations, increase their international footprint and drive fan engagement. This new partnership begins with the 2023-24 NBA season and provides the NBA with an equity stake in Sportradar.
The Company extended its long-term partnership with Bundesliga International, a subsidiary of DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga, featuring a suite of AI-driven fan engagement tools which enable Genrmany’s top football league to better engage fans.
Sportradar also extended its partnership with Kambi, a leading global sports betting supplier. The deal reestablishes Sportradar as Kambi’s exclusive supplier of NBA, NHL, MLB, and college sports data in the US market.
Sportradar announced a new multi-year partnership with PointsBet, a premier global online gambling operator, that establishes Sportradar as PointsBet’s US supplier of choice for MLB, NBA, NHL, college football, and college basketball data.
Sportradar announced a partnership with UEFA’s as their exclusive authorized collector and distributor of data for betting purposes, as well as extending its role as UEFA’s official integrity partner. The Company secured this landmark agreement following UEFA’s first competitive tender process for its data distribution rights for betting purposes.
The Company strengthened its existing partnership with ITF with a three-year extension to serve as the ITF’s official data partner.
Sportradar was selected by the ICC making Sportradar its Official Data Distribution and Official Betting Live Streaming Partner. The partnership will create more opportunities for the ICC to engage with its fan base through Sportradar’s network of 1,000 media and sports-betting clients across 80 countries.
The Company underlined its commitment to protecting the integrity of sport with the launch of Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS) free of charge. Sportradar Integrity services has utilized UFDS, to detect suspicious activity in 12 sports across more than 70 countries. Sportradar will begin delivering its UFDS bet monitoring service free of charge, to sports federations, sports leagues, and state authorities around the world, in its continued commitment to protecting the integrity of global sport and making the system accessible to all.
Sportradar announced significant high-profile hires to further strengthen its US team, including Andrew Bimson as North American Chief Operating Officer, Jim Brown as Head of Integrity Services & Harm Prevention and Rima Hyder as Head of Investor Relations.

Annual Financial Outlook

Sportradar is providing its outlook for fiscal 2022.

Revenue is expected to be in the range of €665.0 million to €700.0 million ($752.0 million to $791.0 million)¹, representing growth of 18% to 25% over fiscal 2021.
Adjusted EBITDA² is expected to be in the range of €123.0 million to €133.0 million ($139.0 million to $150.0 million) ¹, representing growth of 21% to 30% over fiscal 2021.
Adjusted EBITDA margin² is expected to be in the range of 18.5% to 19.0%, an improvement over the prior year.

Emerging Poker Styles

Exploring Every Poker Variation: A Complete Guide to the Game’s Endless Possibilities

Published

3 hours ago

January 22, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

exploring-every-poker-variation:-a-complete-guide-to-the-game’s-endless-possibilities

Poker, a game often hailed as a test of skill and strategy, is available today in new formats and variants. Although the essence of the game remains intact, the dynamics shift frequently because of these innovations.

New versions mean unique gameplay, challenges, and strategies. Many players quickly adapted to the latest poker games, but some felt overwhelmed with new rules and styles.

If you’re a poker fan, stay tuned. Here, you’ll learn about all available poker game variations and emerging trends to become the master of this classic card game.

Classic Poker Variations That Stood the Test of Time

Nothing can beat the charm of classic poker games. You’ll easily find these game variations on every online and offline casino table.

Texas Hold’em

This most popular poker game is the crown of classic card games. Whether playing at a live VIP table or in tournaments, Texas Hold’em is available in both formats. With its emphasis on strategy, dodging bluffs, and analyzing opponents, this high-intensity card game keeps the players hooked throughout the gameplay. Players must make two private cards and five community cards to build the best hand.

Omaha

A closer relative to Texas Hold’em, this game requires using two hole cards and three community cards to form a hand. It’s a more challenging and rewarding version for pro poker players.

Seven-Card Stud

This was the go-to poker game before Texas Hold’em took center stage. During seven-card stud gameplay, players receive face-up and face-down cards. This game requires sharp memory and observation skills to show the A-game. Its methodical pace appeals to players who value skill over chance.

Five-Card Draw

Many beginners start their poker gaming journey by playing a five-card draw game. This version is like a training session where players aim to improve their hands by exchanging cards. Though simple, it still requires strategic decision-making. The game is also a top choice in casual gatherings.

Emerging Poker Styles Gaining Popularity

Poker has a deep history of offering varied styles to impress beginners and seasoned players. Check out three innovative poker styles that gained popularity by providing fresh challenges to skilled players.

Short Deck Hold’em:

This variation uses a smaller deck, removing cards ranked 2 to 5. As a result, players encounter more high-ranking hands. This format leads to unpredictable and action-packed gaming sessions.

Pineapple Poker:

Players start with three-hole cards in this quirky twist but must discard one after the flop. This added layer of strategy makes it both fun and engaging.

Open-Face ChinesePoker:

Unlike a traditional poker game, this one focuses on arranging the cards in three hands: two of five cards and one of three cards. Hand rankings and bonuses for specific combinations are used to score.

Regional Poker Variations and Their Unique Rules

Poker’s global reach also led to fascinating regional adaptations.

In Asia, Pai Gow Poker merges aspects of Chinese dominoes with the traditional poker game. Players vie against the dealer to create the most advantageous high and low hands. However, a widely embraced Asian variant is Badugi. Badugi requires players to assemble the lowest possible hand using cards from different suits.

Although both games stem from a shared heritage, they provide unique experiences that resonate with broader audiences. This diversity in gameplay addresses the differing preferences among poker lovers.

Next, European adaptations also bring their flair to the table. Irish Poker combines aspects of Texas Hold’em and Omaha. This regional version offers players four-hole cards but requires them to discard two after the flop. Meanwhile, European Stud Poker replaces blinds with antes, emphasizing skill over luck.

Hands-down, these variations highlight poker’s versatility and the game’s adaptability to various gaming cultures.

Understanding the Appeal of Poker Tournaments

The variety of formats in poker tournaments is an appealing aspect of the card game. From casual games to marathon-style multi-table tournaments, there is something for every player’s skill level and schedule.

Online platforms gave more open access to participate in these challenging tourneys and win big. Pro poker players from anywhere across the globe can join these exclusive events without ever raising their heads from a couch. Moreover, tournaments like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) offer a chance to go head-on with more talented players globally.

Quick Tips to Master the Popular Poker Variations

While the rules of poker may vary, the principles of success remain the same. To win, start by focusing on one variation and mastering its nuances. For example, understanding pot odds and positional advantages in Texas Hold ’em can significantly improve your game.

Another crucial aspect is bankroll management. Ensure you set a gambling limit and stick to it if you’re on a losing streak. Additionally, look for valuable insights and strategies on online forums.

FAQs

What is the easiest poker game for beginners?

Texas Hold’em is an ideal poker game for newcomers due to its simple gameplay.

Are poker tournaments only for professionals?

Not at all. Many tournaments cater to amateurs, with lower buy-ins and more casual settings.

How do you choose the right poker variation to play?

Before playing the game, consider your skill level and risk tolerance. Further, consider whether you like more strategic gameplay or fast-paced action.

Are regional poker variations harder to learn?

Not always. Once you understand basic poker principles, learning regional variations is relatively easy.

Wrapping It Up

Poker’s diversity is what makes the game so enduring worldwide. New formats and distinct gameplay can significantly improve the experience.

Whether you’re a professional player or even if you wish to enjoy the game casually, there’s a version to suit anyone’s gaming style. With a thorough understanding of the game’s rules and practice, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the game at its peak while beating the opponent more often.

The post Exploring Every Poker Variation: A Complete Guide to the Game’s Endless Possibilities appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

BMM Testlabs

BMM Testlabs Earns Accreditation in Maranhão, Brazil To Test Fixed Odds Betting Systems and Lottery Platforms

Published

7 hours ago

January 22, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

bmm-testlabs-earns-accreditation-in-maranhao,-brazil-to-test-fixed-odds-betting-systems-and-lottery-platforms

BMM Testlabs, the world’s original gaming test lab renowned for exceptional product compliance and testing services, today announced its official accreditation to test systems and games for the Brazilian state of Maranhão.

This new accreditation allows BMM Testlabs to test fixed-odds betting systems and lottery platforms for the Maranhão market. The Company is now authorized in every Brazilian jurisdiction that has regulated at state-level online fixed-odds betting.

The Maranhão accreditation, issued by Maranhão Parcerias SA (MAPA/LOTEMA), authorizes BMM Testlabs to work with lottery operators in the state to ensure compliance and quality standards for the gaming and lottery industry through end-to-end product compliance testing for Maranhão’s standards.

Additionally, Brazil’s Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas has federally authorized BMM Testlabs to test betting systems, live gaming studios, and online games used by fixed-odds betting operators.

BMM Testlabs’ Marzia Turrini, President of iGaming & Cybersecurity, said, “We are excited and deeply honored that the State of Maranhão’s official lottery has entrusted BMM Testlabs with the responsibility of testing products for their new online fixed odds betting program, knowing that we’ll do so with the highest levels of impartiality, technical expertise, transparency, efficiency, and, most of all, integrity.”

With the Maranhão accreditation, BMM Testlabs solidifies its position as the leading independent test lab in Brazil. BMM Testlabs is accredited in all jurisdictions that have authorized fixed-odds betting for online gaming and sports betting.

BMM Testlabs brings 44 years of global leadership in product compliance across regulated markets and is trusted by games, systems, and lottery manufacturers, suppliers, developers, and regulators worldwide.

In addition to product compliance testing, BMM Testlabs provides end-to-end cybersecurity protection solutions. Through its sister company, RG24seven Virtual Training, BMM also offers compliance-grade virtual training on responsible gaming, anti-money laundering, and other important topics – presented by industry experts and available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

The post BMM Testlabs Earns Accreditation in Maranhão, Brazil To Test Fixed Odds Betting Systems and Lottery Platforms appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

eSports

Shaping the Future of Esports: ICE Esports Arena provides essential insights

Published

9 hours ago

January 22, 2025

George Miller

shaping-the-future-of-esports:-ice-esports-arena-provides-essential-insights

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The ICE Esports Arena at ICE Barcelona 2025 plays a key role in educating people about esports and how to access, integrate and regulate this growing vertical, says Clarion Gaming’s leader in Emerging Technology and Esports.

“Part of the role of the Esports Arena and The Esports and Games Conference is explaining exactly what esports is,” said Will Harding. “There is still work to be done in helping regulators to better understand esports. That’s why showcasing esports here at ICE is so important – we’re empowering people who are at the forefront of shaping regulatory policy.”

The ICE Esports Arena continues to grow year-on-year, with four world-ranked professional Counter-Strike 2 teams competing live at ICE 2025 for a US$25,000 prize pool. This year’s winners were 500 (Bulgaria: World ranking: 47).

“In terms of attendees, we have a whole spectrum of people here, from those that are still shocked that computer games have anything to do with sports betting to those that have built incredible businesses around esports,” Harding continued.

“There are also a number of visitors who realise that esports is significant for their business in terms of revenue but don’t necessarily know how to access this vertical, and we’re here to guide them toward unlocking its full potential.

“But the one thing which is absolutely certain is that esports betting is here to stay and it’s going to continue to grow”

He also praised headline partners, esports betting experts Oddin.gg, for their contribution in helping explain why esports is such a commercially important vertical for operators.

“Oddin.gg has been an excellent partner in realising the Esports Arena. Holding a professional esports tournament is a big endeavour. As our headline sponsor, Oddin.gg has played a key role in showcasing how the data and the odds work. They have helped complete the education journey,” he affirmed.

Commenting on ICE’s move to Barcelona, Harding highlighted that both the city and the show’s new venue Fira Barcelona Gran Via have extensive experience with esports, providing a perfect location for the ICE Esports Arena’s continuing expansion.

“It’s very established here. You can walk around Barcelona and see large-scale internet cafes catering for esports fans,” he added. “This represents an ideal foundation for the continued growth of the Esports Arena and The Esports and Games Conference in the years ahead.”

The post Shaping the Future of Esports: ICE Esports Arena provides essential insights appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.