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Betsson Publishes Interim Report for Q1 2022
Betsson AB has published its interim report for the first quarter of 2022.
Highlights
- Group revenue was EUR 170.2 (157.4) million, an increase of 8%. Organic increase of 14%.
- Casino revenue decreased by 5%. Sportsbook revenue increased by 45% and the sportsbook margin was 8.3% (7.2%).
- EBITDA was EUR 33.4 (35.8) million, a decrease of 7%. The EBITDA margin was 19.6% (22.7%).
- Operating income (EBIT) was EUR 23.6 (27.3) million, a decrease of 13%. The EBIT margin was 13.9% (17.3%).
- Net income was EUR 20.9 (23.7) million, corresponding to EUR 0.16 (0.17) per share.
- Operating cash flow was EUR 26.9 (32.3) million.
- Active customers increased by 33% to 1,256,449 (948,109).
CEO’s Comments
“Revenue growth driven by continued good momentum in the sportsbook and through geographic diversification”
Some years ago, Betsson conducted an extensive review to capitalise on growth opportunities on the gaming market that would maintain profitability. The review resulted in the following strategic cornerstones: growth in existing markets, growth in new markets, strategic additions and acquisitions and investment in Business to Business, B2B. Thanks to a goal-oriented work from our employees, we have been able to take advantage of the growth opportunities identified, which has resulted in increased revenue and healthy profitability.
Betsson’s revenue increased during the first quarter by 8 percent (14 percent organic) to EUR 170.2 (157.4) million. Once again, new records were set for sportsbook revenue and in several individual markets. It has been said many times before, geographic diversification makes Betsson’s business less sensitive to disruptions in individual markets.
The launch in March of the proprietary sportsbook in the United States was an important milestone in Betsson’s continued global expansion. The US investment is primarily focused on presenting the US adapted sportsbook to other operators within the framework of the B2B offering. More specifically, we are initially using the Business to Consumer (B2C) offering in Colorado as a showcase for the sportsbook. Many months of hard work from the product and technology teams were required to create a competitive sports product for the American market.
Starting this quarter, developments in Latin America will be reported as a separate region in our financial reports. The region is developing very satisfactorily. Market presence has also been strengthened in Latin America through the launch of our offering in both the City and Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. To support the region’s growth, Betsson has built up a regional hub with central functions to serve local markets based on their respective conditions. The assessment is that these markets are still in their early stages in many respects and that growth opportunities for the coming years continue to be positive.
Although Betsson has several highlights to celebrate in the past quarter, the geopolitical developments in the surrounding world are concerning. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to incredible human suffering and created a high level of uncertainty in many countries. Belarus’ active choice to get involved in the conflict on the Russian side led to Betsson’s decision to return the local license and completely shut down the operations that was building up in the country. The conflict has also brought that Betsson-contracted developers in Ukraine could in some cases be evacuated to Malta and Budapest, in other cases to less dangerous areas of Ukraine. Betsson sets the safety and health of its employees at the highest priority and is therefore carrying out ongoing efforts to ensure their security.
During the quarter, further efforts were made to promote responsible gaming. Through increased training efforts and earlier customer interaction et cetera, the trend of the share of red-flagged customers has decreased during the last years.
Looking ahead, we are seeing more undertakings on the horizon. Our ambition is to further strengthen our presence in North America by operating under a new license in the Ontario region in Canada starting this summer. We also aim to launch in Mexico together with our local partner Big Bola Casino in 2022.
Applications to operate in the Netherlands under the new license model were submitted during the quarter in line with the Group’s plan.
All in all, the year has been off to a good start as there are many important activities that we look forward to during the remainder of 2022.
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Eagerly anticipated release now confirmed following a highly successful exclusivity period with Rush Street Interactive
Play’n GO has today announced the official US release of its hit title Colt Lightning Firestorm, following a three-week period of exclusivity with Rush Street Interactive brands BetRivers and SugarHouse.
Colt Lightning Firestorm was released in Europe and other jurisdictions in May 2024, and its release in the US comes with much fanfare following the game’s rave reviews in its short exclusivity period. The game is a sequel to the wildly popular Colt Lightning game which was released early last year, and indications at this stage suggest that this sequel may prove even more successful.
This announcement sees Colt Lightning Firestorm available to players in each state and operator with whom Play’n GO is licensed. Play’n GO first entered the online casino market in the US in 2022, and has reiterated its commitment to becoming active in every regulated market around the world.
Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Play’n GO said: “We’re excited to unveil Colt Lightning Firestorm to the wider online casino gaming community in the US, and have been very pleased to see its strong performance during its exclusivity period with Rush Street Interactive. We had high hopes for the game following the success of its predecessor, and we’re confident that these robust results will continue now that the game is available to an even bigger audience.”
Esports entertainment company BLAST has announced plans to host two popular esports events in Singapore in 2024 and 2025.
BLAST will bring both world-class Counter-Strike and Dota 2 tournaments to the heart of Southeast Asia, marking a major step in Singapore’s emergence as an esports and gaming hub. Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), these high-profile events will bring the world’s best esports teams and players from all across the world to compete in Singapore.
BLAST has teamed up with AEG Presents Asia, one of the world’s largest live entertainment entities to bring these events to Singapore. The partnership forms part of BLAST’s ambition to create the best esports experiences by working closely with premier destinations and the biggest and best live entertainment partners.
More than half of global esports views (57%) are estimated to come from the Asia Pacific region, 47% more than any other region in the world with the global market valued at $1.6 billion.
By bringing the top-tier Counter-Strike and Dota 2 tournaments to Singapore, BLAST aims
to attract global esports talent, foster local growth, and elevate Singapore’s status as a destination for world-class esports entertainment.
James Woollard, Director of Market Development at BLAST, said: “We are incredibly excited to bring two of the biggest esports titles to this vibrant destination. Over the coming 18 months, Singapore will become a major hub for esports in Southeast Asia, and with the support of the Singapore Tourism Board, we look forward to delivering unforgettable experiences for fans while helping to build a thriving esports ecosystem in the region. Bringing the first BLAST arena event to Singapore is an exciting first step in this journey. The World Final will see the world’s best Counter-Strike players and teams fighting for a $1,000,000 total prize pool.”
Ms Ong Ling Lee, Executive Director, Sports and Wellness, Singapore Tourism Board, said, “We are excited to host the BLAST Premier World Final and the BLAST Dota Slam in Singapore. The Counter-Strike event marks the first BLAST-branded event in Southeast Asia and the inaugural Counter-Strike tournament series in the region, solidifying Singapore’s position as a world-class esports destination. We are confident that the international participants and their legions of fans will have a memorable experience in Singapore, immersing themselves in the diverse and dynamic offerings of our city.”
The World Final 2024 will take place from 30th October – 3rd November and will be the first BLAST event to take place in Singapore, followed by the BLAST Dota Slam in 2025. The World Final will be the biggest Counter-Strike event to take place in Singapore, where the world’s best eight Counter-Strike teams will compete for a massive prize pool of $1,000,000 and the chance to claim bragging rights as the best team around.
Qualified World Final teams: NAVI, Team Spirit, Team Vitality, FaZe Clan and G2 Esports.
Fans can sign-up for the pre-sale window by registering with BLAST.tv, where they will also receive updates and information on tickets.
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