Industry News
NetEnt Releases Interim Report for January–March 2020
Casino content developer NetEnt has released its interim report for January–March 2020.
NetEnt reported a 23.9% year-on-year increase in revenue during the first quarter. Revenue for the three months through to 31 March 2020 totalled SEK518.0m, up from SEK418m in the corresponding period last year.
NetEnt slot games were responsible for 90% of all gaming revenue during Q1, compared to 10% from table games. Meanwhile, the UK was its single biggest market, contributing 19% to total revenue, ahead of the Nordic region on 18%.
Comments by Therese Hillman, Group CEO:
“The pandemic outbreak of covid-19 has put the world in an exceptional situation, leaving nobody unaffected. The health and safety of our employees has the highest priority in the NetEnt Group, while we continue to work hard to secure a good development for the Company both in the shorter and longer term. It is difficult to predict the effects of the covid 19-situation on the economy in general and our sector in particular, but we believe that the underlying trend of digitalization in gaming will continue and offer growth opportunities for NetEnt in the future. So far, the financial performance of our business has not been negatively affected by the outbreak of covid-19.
Revenues for the first quarter of the year amounted to SEK 518 (418) million, supported by a strong finish in March and a weaker Swedish krona. On a proforma basis (including Red Tiger in the previous year’s figures), the Group’s total gaming revenues increased by 12 percent in euro compared to the same period in 2019. Most of the growth came from the US and the UK, while developments in Sweden and Norway continued to be negative. Locally regulated markets accounted for 50 percent of Group gaming revenus in the quarter. The largest locally regulated markets for the Group were UK (19 percent of gaming revenues), Italy (8 percent) and USA (7 percent). Sweden accounted for only 6 percent of gaming revenues, which is significantly lower than before the re-regulation of the Swedish market.
To further strengthen competitiveness and increase efficiency, we implemented organizational changes and initiated a full integration with Red Tiger during the quarter. The changes lead to a reduction in the workforce by approximately 120 employees, mainly in Stockholm, and are expected to result in cost savings of SEK 150 million starting in the second half of 2020. This means that we are increasing our estimate of potential synergies from the acquisition to around SEK 250 million annually, including revenue synergies.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to SEK 229 (196) million in the quarter, corresponding to a margin of 44.2 (47.0) procent. Earnings were negatively affected by SEK 26 million of restructuring costs related to the integration with Red Tiger.
Red Tiger keeps performing above our expectations with its award-winning games and the expansion to new markets continues. During the quarter, Red Tiger games were launched with customers on the regulated markets in Italy and Slovakia, and with large operators like Svenska Spel in Sweden and Sky in the UK.
Within Live Casino we continue our efforts to strengthen the product. For instance, we increased the number of tables in our studio on Malta and upgraded the user interface for mobile gaming in the quarter. We have had new record levels in the number of players every month since December and we see increasing interest for the product by operators and players.
A strong product pipeline, new regulated market entries and the Live Casino opportunity for NetEnt – combined with Red Tiger’s expansion – puts us in a good position to continue delivering profitable growth in 2020.”
Industry News
Meridian Donate: Revolutionizing CSR in the Betting and Gaming Industry
- Innovative engagement strategy positions MeridianBet as a leader in CSR within the betting and gaming industry
- Optimized brand loyalty as active customer participation in CSR strengthens connection and loyalty
- Scalable impact, as the model is designed for expansion and could be adapted to new markets, indicating potential for widespread adoption and growth
Transforming Customers into Environmentalists and Humanitarians
MeridianBet’s pioneering initiative, Meridian Donate, is transforming the betting industry by engaging customers directly in corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions. This unique platform allows customers to actively participate in and fund various environmental, societal and humanitarian projects, setting a new standard for customer engagement and community impact.
Key Features of Meridian Donate:
- Direct customer involvement: Customers are not just donors but active participants in CSR decisions
- Diverse programs: Offers choices from global afforestation to local humanitarian efforts
- Partnerships with renowned organizations: Collaborates with entities like the Red Cross and UNICEF
Expanding Impact: A Year-by-Year Growth
The Meridian Donate platform has seen substantial growth in its scope and impact:
- Number of individual campaigns: Grew from 8 in 2021 to 20 in 2023
- National markets Integrated: Expanded from 3 in 2021 to 8 in 2023
- Direct Beneficiaries: Increased from 43 NGOs in 2021 to 159 in 2023
In 2023 alone, the platform’s expansion into eight markets facilitated 20 customer-funded campaigns, directly benefiting 159 NGOs, up from 122 the previous year.
Continued Commitment to Innovation and Community Involvement
Meridian Donate not only showcases MeridianBet’s dedication to CSR but also redefines the role of digital marketing within the industry. By converting sports bettors into active CSR participants, Meridian Donate enhances customer loyalty and brand value, making it a critical element of MeridianBet’s market strategy.
Recent Successes and Future Outlook
In its recent operation, Meridian Donate has launched an ambitious global afforestation initiative, committing to plant 20,000 seedlings across various regions. This project not only underscores our environmental commitment but also enhances our brand’s community presence. Already, several hundred contributions have been recorded in the platform’s first month, indicating robust customer engagement and support.
The post Meridian Donate: Revolutionizing CSR in the Betting and Gaming Industry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
Games Global Announces Launch of IPO
Games Global Limited (“Games Global”), a leading developer, distributor and marketer of innovative online, casino-style gaming (“iGaming”) content and integrated business-to-business solutions to iGaming operators, announced today that it has launched the roadshow for its initial public offering (“IPO”) of 14,500,000 ordinary shares. The offering consists of 6,000,000 ordinary shares offered by Games Global and 8,500,000 ordinary shares to be sold by Games Global’s existing shareholder (the “Selling Shareholder”). Games Global will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the Selling Shareholder. The underwriters will have a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,175,000 ordinary shares from the Selling Shareholder at the IPO price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The IPO price is currently expected to be between $16.00 and $19.00 per share. Games Global has applied to list its ordinary shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GGL”.
J.P. Morgan, Jefferies and Macquarie Capital are acting as joint lead book-running managers for the proposed offering. Barclays and BTIG are acting as book-running managers for the proposed offering.
The proposed offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus relating to the proposed offering, when available, may be obtained from:
- J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, or by email at [email protected] or [email protected];
- Jefferies LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by phone at (877) 821-7388, or by email at [email protected]; or
- Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc., Attention: Equity Syndicate Department, 125 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019, or by email at [email protected]
A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
In any member state of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”) this announcement, and the offering, are only addressed to and directed at persons who are “qualified investors” (“Qualified Investors”) within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus Regulation”). In the United Kingdom, this announcement, and the offering, are only addressed to and directed at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of domestic law in the United Kingdom by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”), (ii) are high net worth entities who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, or (iii) are persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons being referred to as “relevant persons”).
This announcement must not be acted on or relied on (i) in the United Kingdom, by persons who are not relevant persons, and (ii) in any member state of the EEA, by persons who are not Qualified Investors. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to and will only be engaged with (i) in the United Kingdom, relevant persons, and (ii) in any member state of the EEA, Qualified Investors.
The post Games Global Announces Launch of IPO appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
Genome and Chilli Partners join forces to revolutionize iGaming affiliate payouts
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Leading the charge in the convergence of financial technology and iGaming, Genome, a cutting-edge electronic money institution, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with Chilli Partners, a prominent iGaming affiliate program specializing in casino games.
The collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the iGaming industry, bringing together Genome’s expertise in online financial services and Chilli Partners’ prowess in affiliate marketing. The partnership is set to redefine the landscape of affiliate payouts, offering an array of benefits to both affiliates and the iGaming community at large.
“We are excited to embark on this journey with Chilli Partners. By combining our financial expertise with their influential position in the iGaming affiliate space, we aim to set new standards for efficiency and innovation in affiliate payouts,” – noted Genome’s CEO Daumantas Barauskas.
For one, the partnership offers efficient payouts. Affiliates can now enjoy expedited and secure payouts through Genome’s state-of-the-art financial infrastructure, enhancing their overall experience and satisfaction.
It also provides global reach for Chilli Partners, as it can extend its reach to affiliates worldwide with Genome’s international payment capabilities. This allows Chilli Partners to foster a more diverse and expansive network.
The partnership streamlines financial workflows, ensuring seamless transactions and reducing administrative overhead for Chilli Partners, allowing them to focus on delivering top-notch affiliate services.
Genome is all about innovation in payments and online financial services. This approach brings new possibilities for payment options, providing flexibility and convenience for affiliates participating in the Chilli Partners program.
Lastly, the collaboration prioritizes compliance and risk management, assuring affiliates of secure and compliant transactions in accordance with industry regulations.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing the best possible experience for our affiliates. Genome’s advanced financial services will play a crucial role in elevating our affiliate program to new heights”, – added Clayton Zammit Cesare, Head of Affiliates at Chilli Partners.
As the iGaming industry continues to evolve, Genome and Chilli Partners stand united in their dedication to driving positive change, innovation, and reliability. The partnership is poised to create a ripple effect, positively impacting the entire iGaming ecosystem.
About Genome
Genome is a leading EMI that provides innovative financial services, including batch payouts, SWIFT, and SEPA transfers. With a focus on efficiency and compliance, Genome empowers businesses across various industries, including iGaming, to streamline financial operations and enhance user experiences.
For more information, please visit https://genome.eu/
About Chilli Partners
Chilli Partners is a prominent iGaming affiliate program specializing in casino games. With a commitment to excellence, Chilli Partners connects affiliates with top-tier iGaming brands, offering a lucrative partnership that includes competitive commission structures and tailored support.
For more information, please visit https://chillipartners.com/
The post Genome and Chilli Partners join forces to revolutionize iGaming affiliate payouts appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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