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Leading Esports Sportsbook and Media Company Rivalry Closes Oversubscribed US$22 Million Subscription Receipt Financing

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Next gen sports betting and media company Rivalry has now raised over US$40 Million in the last twelve months to support its rapid growth

TORONTO, June 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PMML Corp. (the “Company”), the parent company of Rivalry Limited (“Rivalry”), an internationally regulated sports betting and media company, is pleased to announce that, on June 9, 2021, it completed an oversubscribed subscription receipt financing for gross proceeds of approximately US$22 million (the “Offering”). The Offering was co-led by Eight Capital and Cormark Securities Inc., with a syndicate of agents including Canaccord Genuity Corp. and M Partners Inc. Institutional investors from Canada, the United States, the European Union, and Australia participated in the Offering. The Company expects to use the proceeds from the Offering to fund Rivalry’s growth through hiring, country expansion, new product and media expansion.

“At Rivalry we are working to innovate the sports betting category for a new generation of consumers globally,” says Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “Since launch, our strategy has been to lead from the front with esports and gaming media as a brand, and pair that with a market-leading product built top to bottom in-house. Creating a brand that fans love and is organically a part of their respective community is critical, and the product must be innovative and original as well. We have been executing on this vision, delivering double digit month over month growth on average for more than two years, and are eager to begin deploying this new capital against our plans to materially enhance our output across all key pillars of the business.”

As a company founded and based in Canada, Rivalry is closely monitoring and preparing for the potential national legalization of single event sports betting, and obtaining an iGaming license in the province of Ontario. Rivalry is a proud member of the Toronto tech community, having built the foundation of its team with local talent. The Company intends to continue making Toronto home for its innovative product development and is excited by the prospect of offering its products to Canadians for the first time.

“Following significant growth in 2020 and Q1/21, this injection of new funding comes at a critical inflection point in the Company’s history,” continued Steven Salz. “To meet the rapid growth we are seeing within the business we are meaningfully scaling our team while simultaneously expanding into new markets, increasing our original product IP portfolio and materially enhancing the volume and production quality of our media arm. Combined with operational execution across all levels of the business, pending legalization of sports betting at home, and our intention to complete a public listing later this year, we are more excited than ever about what the future holds for Rivalry.”

Within 120 days following the June 9, 2021 closing of the Offering (the “Escrow Release Deadline”), the Company intends to file and obtain a receipt for a final prospectus (the “Qualifying Prospectus”) qualifying the securities issuable upon conversion of the subscription receipts (the “Underlying Shares”) and to obtain the conditional approval to list the Underlying Shares on a recognized public stock exchange (the “Exchange Approval”). The filing of, and receipt for the Qualifying Prospectus and the Exchange Approval must be satisfied prior to the Escrow Release Deadline in order for the net proceeds of the Offering to be released from escrow to the Company.

About PMML Corp. and Rivalry
Rivalry Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of PMML Corp., is a leading sport betting and sports media property offering fully regulated online wagering on esports, traditional sports, and casinos for the next generation of bettors. Rivalry Limited currently holds an Isle of Man license, considered one of the premier online gambling jurisdictions. Based in Toronto, Rivalry operates a global team of nearly 70 staff and growing. Rivalry Limited was granted its Isle of Man license in early 2018, officially launching in August of that year, and the Company is currently in the process of obtaining multiple country licenses in parallel. The Company also has a variety of originally developed products, including Quest, a gamified on-site betting experience, and a growing suite of original casino games called Rushlane that offers both B2C and B2B opportunities.

Company Contact:
Steven Salz, CEO
[email protected]

Media Contact:
BRANDSTYLE COMMUNICATIONS
Kell Cholko / [email protected]
484.797.2014

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking statements”), including but not limited to statements regarding the intended filing and timing of the Qualifying Prospectus and Exchange Approval, and the use of the net proceeds of the Offering if the foregoing are receipted and obtained, respectively, prior to the Escrow Release Deadline. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “project” and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. These statements are only predictions.

Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of the Company at the date the statements are made based on information then available to the Company. Various factors and assumptions are applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve a number of known and unknown, variables, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: the ability for the Company to meet all securities regulatory and other stock exchange listing requirements in order to obtain a final receipt for the Qualifying Prospectus and Exchange Approval within the intended timeframe and prior to the Escrow Release Deadline, regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations; the ability to obtain and maintain required licenses; the e-sports and sports betting industry being a heavily regulated industry; the complex and evolving regulatory environment for the online gaming and online gambling industry; the success of e-sports and other betting products are not guaranteed; changes in public perception of the e-sports and online gambling industry; failure to retain or add customers; the Company having a limited operating history; negative cash flow from operations; operational risks; cybersecurity risks; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; reliance on management; reliance on third parties and third-party networks; exchange rate risks; risks related to cryptocurrency transactions; risk of intellectual property infringement or invalid claims; the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; and general economic, market and business conditions.

No assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

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BetBlocker Launches the Scheduler – Reimagining Blocking Software as a Harm Prevention Tool

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As part of Safer Gambling Week, harm prevention charity BetBlocker today announces the launch of its revolutionary Scheduler tool.

BetBlocker, which provides blocking software to help people manage or restrict their access to online gambling services, is unique in adopting a charitable model for this type of support, and facilitating users accessing protection both free of charge and anonymously.

Traditionally, blocking software has been a crisis management tool, facilitating users restricting their access to gambling services once they’ve already experienced an unsustainable loss.

The Scheduler tool looks to engage users earlier in their journey, before a crisis has occurred, creating the option for players to plan ahead and build a bespoke block to protect them when they need protected.

The new feature supports users to manage their access to gambling is a way that promotes healthier and safer engagement, allowing them to build out a weekly profile, or customise blocks on individual days.

Want to make sure your bills are paid? Block the week after pay day.

Get carried away with In Play betting? Set your block to switch on during match time.

Staying up too late playing on work nights? Set yourself a curfew.

This feature is placed perfectly to support users after GambleAware’s findings last week, that over 5 million people in the UK want to reduce their gambling. BetBlocker’s Scheduling feature is targeted at supporting exactly that need.

BetBlocker’s Founder and Managing Trustee, Duncan Garvie expressed his enthusiasm for the project:

“To date, blocking software has really only looked to offer support after things have gone too far. It’s critical to provide that support for the people who need it, but it would be far better for everyone if we could reach people earlier and prevent the crisis occurring in the first place.

BetBlocker is proud to innovate and be unique amongst blocking softwares in offering harm minimisation functionality alongside our traditional crisis management support.

Our Scheduling tool looks to meet users where they are, redefining blocking software so that it is no longer a binary choice between blocked or not blocked. In taking this step forwards, we’re hoping to engage an entirely new audience, and reach users who are not yet ready to embrace complete abstinence. There is potential to see a huge reduction in gambling harm across society if we can intervene earlier and support people to embrace lower risk behaviours.”

The post BetBlocker Launches the Scheduler – Reimagining Blocking Software as a Harm Prevention Tool appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Impact of an increase in Machine Games Duty (MGD), on the land-based casino sector, investment, and economic growth

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This summer the DCMS brought forward into legislation a much needed modernisation and deregulation package. The reforms comprising more proportionate gaming machine allocations and the ability to offer sports betting promised to support the UK land-based casino sector, enabling (£) tens of millions of investment, and contributing to the Government’s growth agenda.

When introducing the measures in the House of Commons in June, DCMS Minister, Stephanie Peacock MP, set the scene:

“The Government is focussed on economic growth…this package of measures will unlock additional investment up and down the country” and “will put the casino sector back on a stable footing” “We expect a number of venues to be modernised and refreshed…we also
anticipate this capital investment will be spent across the country not just in London…allowing this historic sector to thrive.”

And when introducing the same measures in the Lords, the Gambling Minister, Baroness Twycross said:

“Since being appointed, I have visited casinos and witnessed the contributions that they bring with jobs, tax revenues and support for the night-time economy. The sector generates £866 million in gross gambling yield each year, with up to 50% of this paid in gaming duty.”

The Minister went on to add that the modernisation measures are estimated to increase GGY by £53million to £58million.

The BGC casino group couldn’t agree more with Ministers.

This is why we are deeply concerned that all of this progress could be wiped out, at a stroke, if there is an increase in MGD, from the current rate of 20%, in the forthcoming Budget. An increase in MGD would fundamentally undermine the sustainable footing which the new policy reforms placed the sector firmly upon.

For example, Rank Group plc (Grosvenor Casinos), the UK’s largest licensed operator of casinos, has reported that 12 of its 50 venues were loss-making in the 12 months to June 2025. These casinos have been kept in operation in the expectation that their financial performance will be improved by this summer’s legislative modernisation.

By illustration, an increase in MGD from 20% to 25% would make a third of the Grosvenor casino estate unprofitable. As well as offsetting all of the benefit Grosvenor expected to gain from the land-based policy reforms, it would not be possible to sustain loss making venues, with up to 20 casinos being forced to close. For the remaining casinos, the planned investment case, announced at £60million per annum for the next two years, would become unaffordable.

Investment committed in light of the new policy reforms

With the new policy reforms industry embarked on a programme of substantial capital
investment to upgrade existing casinos and develop new venues. Great news for the sector,
our customers, and the Government’s growth agenda.
The promised stability enabled confidence for operators to make commitments for UK-wide
investments. Operators have collectively announced or confirmed investment of £300
million, including:

  • Rank Group plc investment of £60million per annum for next two years, to capitalise
    on casino reforms
  • Genting Casino £40million new casino at the Trocadero in London’s West End
  • Genting Casino Westcliff £10million refurbishment in Southend-on-Sea
  • Rank’s Grosvenor Victoria Casino £15million refurbishment and expansion in London
  • Bally’s £3.7million, securing 170 jobs, first UK land-based investment in Newcastle
  • Hippodrome £1.5million new Sports Book venue in London’s West End
  • Other multi-million pound redevelopments of casinos in Brighton, Bolton, Coventry,
    Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, and Reading.

An increase in MGD will inevitably lead to a reversal of these steps forward, plus casino closures and job losses. Operators will be forced to cancel investment plans and look to cut jobs as growth plans falter. The investment plans above would not see sufficient returns (and
may even lead to losses) with a direct and material negative impact on company financial performance across the sector. Current investment plans will cease, and future investment won’t happen. Overseas investors will be deterred, seeing the UK market as high risk for investment. And tax yield from the sector would reduce.

At 25% MGD, casino industry analysis shows that up to 40 casinos would close, with the loss of up to 3,500 jobs – equating to a third of the whole industry.

BGC casino group Budget submission

In our Budget submission (full copy attached) we set out for the Treasury the economic contribution of Britain’s land-based casinos and the significant challenges already facing them, which would only be exacerbated by further tax pressures.

More broadly, the sector is still recovering from the damage caused by the lockdown measures of 2020 to 2021. In the year to March 2024 (the most recent period for which data is available), customer spending (gross gaming yield) in Britain’s casinos was 22% lower than in the year to March 2019 – a 43% reduction in real terms.

At the same time, casino operators are experiencing significant cost pressures. The sector employs around 11,000 skilled (and often personally licensed) people and so is particularly sensitive to wage inflation and this year’s rise in employer National Insurance Contributions (which together will impact the sector by between £25m and £30m a year). Additionally, with the Treasury’s convention of duty revalorisation in abeyance since 2022, operators continue to suffer real-terms increases in gaming duties.

In conclusion, I am at pains to stress, that any proposed increase in MGD in the Chancellor’s budget, would lead to the closure of a large number of casinos and the loss of thousands of skilled jobs, as well as risking planned UK-wide investment in the sector.

The post Impact of an increase in Machine Games Duty (MGD), on the land-based casino sector, investment, and economic growth appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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RANGERS FANS BRAVE THE ELEMENTS TO RAISE MONEY FOR HOMELESSNESS IN GLASGOW

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Over 180 Rangers fans came together over the weekend to raise money for Glasgow-based homelessness charities and the Rangers Charity Foundation’s work within the local community.
Participants spent a night pitchside at the iconic Ibrox Stadium embracing the cold winter’s night, getting a small glimpse of what homeless people in the city experience nightly.
Amongst the fans braving the elements, Rangers Academy players Arran Kerr and Greig Thackray also took part in the Sleep Outs. Players from across the First Teams have also shown their support for the cause, displaying the strength of community across all aspects of the club.
First-team goalkeeper Jack Butland said: “The Rangers Big Ibrox Sleep Out is a hugely important event. It raises awareness and vital funds for homelessness in Glasgow. Our front-of-shirt sponsors – 32Red – are big supporters of this initiative. This year they contributed £10 to each and every person who braved the cold November night. All those who took part deserve enormous praise and they should be heartened that their collective efforts are directly helping tackle homelessness in the city. Well done to everyone involved.”
Half of the funds raised from the Sleep Outs will benefit the work of Glasgow City Mission and Simon Community Scotland, with the other half going to support the Rangers Charity Foundation’s work in the community.
32Red, Rangers front-of-shirt sponsor, provided the first £10 of each participant’s total. They also provided a hot breakfast the following morning to all who attended.
Adam Gaskell, Head of UK Brand Marketing, FDJ United said: “We’re proud to be supporting Rangers Charity Foundation and their work in the local community. At 32Red, our sponsorships are built to benefit communities, so we are honoured to be able to help such an important cause with the Big Ibrox Sleep Out once again. We’ve supported this event for many years now and it never ceases to amaze us how much the participants give and their overwhelming generosity. It is a fantastic and important initiative that Rangers fans should be extremely proud of.”
The full total raised from this year’s Sleep Outs will be announced in mid-December.

The post RANGERS FANS BRAVE THE ELEMENTS TO RAISE MONEY FOR HOMELESSNESS IN GLASGOW appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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