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Aspire Global Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2020 Results

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RECORD HIGH REVENUES AND EBITDA IN Q4 AND FULL YEAR 2020

FOURTH QUARTER

  • Revenues increased by 37.6% to €44.4 million (32.2).
  • EBITDA increased by 89.9% to €8.3 million (4.4).
  • The EBITDA margin increased to 18.6% (13.5%).
  • EBIT increased by 100.4% to €6.3 million (3.1).
  • Earnings after tax increased to €4.2 million (-11.6).
  • Earnings per share, basic and diluted, amounted to €0.07 (-0.26).
  • First time depositors (FTDs) increased by 0.3% to 105.9 thousand (105.6).

FULL YEAR

  • Revenues increased by 23.2% to €161.9 million (131.4).
  • EBITDA increased by 24.8% to €27.1 million (21.7).
  • The EBITDA margin increased to 16.7% (16.5%).
  • EBIT increased by 17.3% to €20.8 million (17.7).
  • Earnings after tax increased to €15.0 million (1.9).
  • Earnings per share, basic and diluted, amounted to €0.28 (0.01).
  • First time depositors (FTDs) increased by 16.9% to 519.9 thousand (444.5).

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE QUARTER AND AFTER THE END OF THE QUARTER

  • Revenues increased 37.6% from Q4 2019 driven by strong development in the B2B segment and acquisition of leading sportsbook provider BtoBet in September 2020.
  • Organic growth of 30.8% from Q4 2019.
  • B2B revenues grew 44.7% from Q4 2019 with an organic growth of 35.1%.
  • Record high revenues and EBITDA in Q4 and full year 2020 driven by organic growth and acquisitions.
  • In January total trading volumes increased to approximately €15.0 million, which is about 34% higher than the average monthly trading volume in Q1 2020.
  • New markets entered – Spain, Russia and West Virginia.
  • Pariplay’s games launched by Rush Street Interactive (RSI) in New Jersey.
  • Partnerships in Latin America with William Hill and Betfair.
  • Pay N Play solution launched and live with five operators.
  • Repayment of bond due in April 2021 is secured. As a consequence of the repayment, the Board proposes to the AGM that no dividend is paid out for the financial year 2020. The Board is committed to the long-term dividend policy to distribute dividends annually in an amount of at least 50% of the Company’s net profits after taxes and expects to be able to propose a dividend for the financial year 2021.
KEY FIGURES
€ million, unless other stated FOURTH QUARTER FULL YEAR
2020 2019 2020 2019
Revenues 44.4 32.2 161.9 131.4
EBITDA 8.3 4.4 27.1 21.7
EBITDA margin, % 18.6 13.5 16.7 16.5
EBIT 6.3 3.1 20.8 17.7
EBIT margin, % 14.2 9.8 12.9 13.5
EPS, basic and diluted, € 0.07 -0.26 0.28 0.01
Operating cash flow 11.5 -11.5 27.7 2.5
Company hold, % 46.6 49.6 48.1 52.0
FTDs, thousand 105.9 105.6 519.9 444.5

 

CEO COMMENTS

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“OUR POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER GROWTH IS HUGE”

We have succeeded in establishing Aspire Global as a powerhouse for iGaming operators and see great opportunities for continued profitable growth. Our recent wins with tier 1 operators, our broad geographic footprint in four continents and outstanding offering provide us with a solid base for further expansion. In 2021, our top priorities are to roll out our sports offering in Europe, Africa and Latin America, and to certify the sports platform for future US deals.  This will enable us to continue to grow our customer base with tier 1 operators and to build a strong market presence in the US.

Revenues were record high in the fourth quarter and increased by 37.6% to €44.4 million from Q4 2019 with good growth across all segments. The organic growth in the quarter amounted to 30.8% from Q4 2019. It’s promising to see the strong development for our games and sports offerings. Our subsidiaries for games and sports – Pariplay and BtoBet – both reported all time high revenues in the quarter. The B2C segment also reported a strong quarter with record high revenues, up 29.0% from Q4 2019.

IMPROVED PROFITABILITY
Profitability continued to improve steadily which demonstrates our ability to grow in locally regulated markets while maintaining good margins. EBITDA increased by 89.9% to €8.3 million from Q4 2019 and the EBITDA margin raised from 13.5% to 18.6%. This is a solid performance taking into account that the revenue share from taxed and locally regulated markets increased from 66% in Q4 2019 to 70% in Q4 2020.

BIG POTENTIAL IN SPORTS
The acquisition of the leading B2B sportsbook provider BtoBet in September has already turned out to be a strategic strength to us. Prior to the acquisition sports represented a minor part of Aspire Global’s revenues. With our new proprietary sportsbook we see fantastic growth opportunities in European markets such as Germany and the UK along with the US and Latin America. We have license application processes going on and we aim to introduce our proprietary sports offering in time for the European Championship in key markets.

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During the quarter BtoBet has shown great success in signing tier 1 operators such as Betfair in Colombia and William Hill, also in Colombia. These partnerships in Latin America significantly strengthen our position in this big continent.

BREAKTHROUGHS IN THE US
The US market represents another important growth potential for Aspire Global. Pariplay – our leading game studio and games aggregator – recently announced its partnership for games with Rush Street Interactive (RSI), a market leader in online casino and sports betting in the US. RSI has already launched a selection of Pariplay’s high-quality online casino games in New Jersey which is a breakthrough for us into the regulated US market. In January, Pariplay received an interim iGaming supplier license for West Virginia, which marks another significant progress in the US.

We have high expectations for the US market and are building an organisation in the US to support Aspire Global’s expansion in this big market. As a first step, we are recruiting a managing director and a sales director for Aspire US. Aspire Global has also filed applications in Pennsylvania and Michigan with the objective to file in all accessible states. It’s an important advantage when we now address US operators that our complete iGaming offering includes the new sports platform.

ENTERING NEW MARKETS
In the quarter, Pariplay also made significant progress in Europe by entering new regulated markets. I’m happy to see Pariplay’s new partnership with 888casino in Portugal and Spain and how Pariplay further cemented its leading position in Switzerland by a deal with the market leader Swiss Casinos.

LEADING TECHNOLOGY
The Aspire Global technology has been developed throughout the years and we have gained deep knowledge of the complexities in the iGaming industry. We are not only technology experts; we are mastering the whole iGaming value chain. At Aspire Global, we combine broad industry experience with leading technology and knowledge in marketing as well as gaming behaviour and player protection.

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In the quarter we launched our first Pay N Play operators in Finland which became an immediate success. We are already live with five operators and with the Pay N Play solution they now provide quicker registration, login and instant deposits and withdrawals.

We have also introduced Aspire Engage, the most advanced CRM tool in the market. In addition, our organisation has secured the needed adjustments in Germany, following the new regulations.

TIER 1 OPERATOR WINS
When summarizing the quarter, I would like to single out the tier 1 global operator wins as the most significant from a growth perspective. These deals prove that Aspire Global’s offering is competitive and best-in-class. I’m convinced that the significant partnerships with Rush Street Interactive (RSI), Betfair, William Hill and 888casino among all will open up for new opportunities on many other playing fields.

I’m also happy to see the energy and focus in the management team. In the quarter we have strengthened the team with top talents from the iGaming industry, namely Antoine Bonello from William Hill as COO and Paul Myatt as Chief Business Development Officer. Paul joined us from QuickSpin and has previous experience from among all NetEnt. Aspire Global’s previous COO Dima Reiderman has been appointed COO at BtoBet.

OUTLOOK
Over the past twelve months we have created a new Aspire Global and established the company as a powerhouse for iGaming operators. I dare to be bold and say that Aspire Global has unique assets that give the company a strong position with huge growth potential.

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Prior to the acquisitions of BtoBet and Pariplay, Aspire Global was a European focused company with revenues mainly from casino. Today Aspire Global is present in four continents and we provide a complete, leading iGaming offering with proprietary games and games aggregation along with a sportsbook, gaming platform and managed services. This is key to our partners when they develop their expansion plans and provides us with competitive advantages.

The year 2021 has started in a good way and in January total trading volumes increased to approximately €15.0 million, which is about 34% higher than the average monthly trading volume in Q1 2020.

Finally, I would like to thank all my co-workers for the energy, passion and professionalism you have demonstrated during the challenging year with the pandemic. I look forward to continuing our inspiring work in realizing our vision to become the world’s leading iGaming supplier.

Tsachi Maimon
CEO

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Atlas-IAC’s CEO Maxim Slobodyanyuk Talks Winning Strategies & Vision for Future Growth in the iGaming Sector

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Atlas-IAC, a Next-Generation iGaming platform, has been recognized as the Best Sports Betting Provider Of The Year and Rising Star In Sports Betting Technology  at the Prague Gaming & Tech Awards 2024. The GamingTECH Awards annually  determine industry excellence in Central and Eastern Europe. Maxim Slobodyanyuk, CEO of Atlas-IAC, tells about insights into Atlas-IAC’s innovative solutions that are reshaping the iGaming landscape and the core principles of partnership driving mutual evolution for both Atlas-IAC and its esteemed operators.

 

Congratulations on winning “Best Sports Betting Provider Of The Year” and “Rising Star In Sports Betting Technology” at the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2024! How does Atlas-IAC feel about receiving such prestigious recognition?

We take pride in being acknowledged as the best sports betting provider and the rising star in sports betting technology across Central and Eastern Europe. At the heart of our success lies a team of exceptional visionaries, developers, and business analytics  striving to elevate the industry to new heights of technological innovation and responsible gaming practices.

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I’d like to thank our great partners for choosing Atlas-IAC as their technology provider, and for subscribing to our core business principle — to evolve and grow together. Our win is our partners’ win as well.

To be the best sports betting provider entails a weighty responsibility, one we approach with unwavering dedication. These awards serve as a validation of our unwavering commitment to excellence and as a catalyst for renewed determination to shape the future of sports betting technology. We are grateful for recognition and remain resolutely committed to charting new horizons of success alongside our valued partners.

 

Could you provide insights into the strategies that drove Atlas-IAC’s success in the iGaming industry?

At Atlas-IAC, our success strategy revolves around building strong partnerships and establishing a notable presence in the competitive global entertainment technology market. We prioritize automation, which gives us an edge in emerging markets and allows us to onboard partners quickly and streamline operations.

Continuously improving our platform to offer a seamless Sportsbook API experience is a priority. Our aim is to deliver fast performance, smooth betting experiences, real-time risk management, advanced anti-fraud measures, and scalable solutions for partners worldwide.

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Staying up-to-date, enhancing our product, analyzing market and partner needs, and proactively responding to them are essential. Being the top technological partner is a strategy that consistently works for us.

 

How does Atlas-IAC’s in-house developed Sportsbook differentiate itself from competitors?

Atlas-IAC’s in-house developed Sportsbook sets us apart because we have full control over its features and can make rapid improvements. Features like Personal Odds Boost and Clever Margin allow for customized experiences tailored to our partners’ needs. We focus on personalization, ensuring the product aligns perfectly with each operator’s requirements. With a skilled team dedicated to our partners’ needs, we can promptly address requests and deliver effective solutions.

 

Atlas-IAC offers one of the most automated Sportsbook available in the market. How does automation enhance the experience for both operators and users?

Our fully automated Sportsbook API is efficient and user-friendly, enhancing engagement and retention. It’s equipped to handle high demand periods effectively and offers tools for precise betting management and reliable results. We can swiftly develop and integrate custom modules for partners, giving us a competitive edge. We prioritize meeting partners’ needs while delivering enjoyable experiences for players, fostering mutual benefit for all involved.

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What specific features or tools have been well-received by operators in the iGaming industry?

In the realm of iGaming, Atlas-IAC has garnered recognition for its remarkable adaptability and keen responsiveness to the requirements of our partners. Understanding the distinctive needs of each operator, we have crafted a tailored approach to ensure effective solutions.

One specific example of our successful tools is our Cashback feature, which serves as a versatile tool for promoting sporting events and enhancing player entertainment. This feature offers customizable settings based on specific sports, events, odds criteria, and frequency. With such flexibility, operators can effectively incentivize participation and elevate excitement levels among players.

In essence, the suite of features and tools offered by Atlas-IAC not only addresses the diverse needs of operators but also fuels engagement and growth within the iGaming industry.

 

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What are Atlas-IAC’s goals for continued innovation and growth in the iGaming sector?

Looking ahead, our primary aim is to continually push the boundaries of innovation while delivering outstanding value to our partners. We remain steadfast in our commitment to leading the charge in the iGaming sector, fostering sustainable growth, and championing responsible gaming practices. Our strategy revolves around staying agile, adapting to emerging trends, and catering to the unique needs of operators worldwide.

The evolving sports betting landscape of 2024 underscores the critical importance of adaptability and innovation. Operators must navigate this dynamic environment marked by technological advancements and regulatory shifts, and Atlas-IAC stands ready to assist them in this endeavor.

In terms of market focus, we are meticulously evaluating opportunities in LATAM, Eastern Europe, South-East Asia, and Africa. These regions offer significant growth potential, and our tailored strategy is geared towards effectively meeting the unique demands of these diverse markets.

The post Atlas-IAC’s CEO Maxim Slobodyanyuk Talks Winning Strategies & Vision for Future Growth in the iGaming Sector appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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How to avoid failing at affiliate marketing in 2024?

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The evolving landscape of affiliate marketing within the iGaming ecosystem presents both opportunities and challenges due to regulatory shifts. Adapting to these changes is crucial to navigate the dynamic environment effectively. Slotegrator experts exploring strategies to avoid pitfalls globally and adopting adaptable approaches can optimize affiliate marketing amidst evolving regulations.

The iGaming industry has had to focus on a number of changes in the area of affiliate marketing –  as a result of regulatory and advertising changes.

Beyond that, it’s important to keep in mind another important key initiatives that include key components of a successful affiliate program:

  • The quality of the content the affiliate creates.
  • Regulations the affiliate or affiliate program might be subject to.
  • This is especially important if the affiliate expects a commission for every sign-up. If the affiliate is getting paid for every player they send your way, the players need to stay for a while for it to be worth it.
  • An ongoing analysis of the size and quality of traffic the affiliate is delivering you.

To know more about these points you can read an instruction from the Slotegrator Academy by link.

The changes have not only affected the regulatory environment of the iGaming industry, but also affiliate marketing as a result of the general changes. What is important to look out for?

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Slotegrator shares some regional specifics of affiliate marketing:

  • Asia is a diverse and dynamic region for affiliate marketing in the iGaming industry. Affiliates operating in Asia have to navigate complex regulatory conditions and varying cultural attitudes. Marketing managers have to employ strategies that prioritize mobile channelization, collaboration with opinion leaders, and compliance with local laws — all of which are essential to success.
  • Affiliate marketing in Africa is still in its early stages but is already showing significant potential. With the increasing availability of the internet and the spread of smartphones, the continent is opening up opportunities for affiliates to reach a fast-growing market. However, factors such as regulatory uncertainty, payment processing difficulties, and the cultural diversity of the region need to be taken into account.
  • In Latin America working with local affiliates who have a deep understanding of the regional market helps to better customize marketing campaigns and achieve higher conversion rates. Given the strict regulation of gambling in some Latin American countries, it is important to comply with local laws and advertising restrictions to avoid negative consequences.
  • Affiliate marketing in Europe is a dynamic and competitive landscape where effective strategies and a professional approach can ensure significant business success and growth in the iGaming sector. One of the important parts of affiliate marketing in Europe is the use of a variety of channels to build audiences. It helps to diversify and increase the flow of traffic to the partner’s site, which helps to increase conversion rates. Careful research of each country’s rules and restrictions is needed regarding the advertising and promotion of gambling.

Alyce Fabel from CasinoRIX, Slotegrator’s media partner, summarizes key aspects for affiliate companies to concentrate on.“As each year passes, affiliates must strive to improve and keep pace with the market. Competition is growing, regulations are evolving, and that brings changes to many regions. We can highlight five key points for affiliate companies to focus on:

  • Continuously search for and acquire new traffic channels. It’s crucial not to focus only on one channel; diversification is necessary. This has been particularly evident in the past year, with significant changes and updates in SEO and mobile traffic (iOS/Android applications).
  • Ensure content quality. As AI tools continue to advance, it’s essential not only to learn to apply them in work but also to differentiate content written by humans from AI-generated content (especially crucial for SEO projects).
  • Configure deep analytics. Constantly work on improving traffic quality and understand where to make enhancements. The standards for traffic quality are rising.
  • Provide added value. It’s time to start developing the product aspect as well, thinking not only as an affiliate but also about providing customers with additional value. This will also help in achieving higher-quality marketing.”

Cultivate relationships with partners. Build strong and lasting relationships, stay informed about all industry changes and news, and keep up with technologies and innovations. This is crucial for achieving high results.

And some words about the affiliate marketing trends as a compass to guide development efforts in this area in the right direction. Khoren Ispiryan, sales manager at Slotegrator, and the speaker of the latest Prague Gaming & TECH Summit ‘24, shares some insights:

  • “The best thing is to include real people in the affiliate marketing. To create an environment where bloggers, streamers and influencers will make a bigger impact on the end user behavior.
  • In 2024, gambling companies will continue to partner with influencers and other internet celebrities. These partnerships will be increasingly effective methods of attracting new audiences, promoting products, and increasing brand awareness.
  • Loyalty programs and other ways of enhancing the user experience will also be essential for the promotion of gambling websites.
  • The development of partner relationship management software will be a major priority. It will help improve usability for affiliate partners and enable better communication between companies and affiliates. For instance, Partnergrator from Slotegrator offers a solution for online gambling platform operators who face difficulties in tracking their affiliate program data. This innovative solution provides the ability to manage and analyze affiliate programs in real-time, using analytics to simplify the decision-making process.”

The post How to avoid failing at affiliate marketing in 2024? appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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GiG Media Secures 3rd Place in EGR Power Affiliate Ranking for Consecutive Year

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GiG Media, a subsidiary of Gaming Innovation Group (GiG), today proudly announces it has secured 3rd position in the prestigious EGR Power Affiliate Ranking for the second year running.

This achievement underscores the business’ unwavering dedication to strategic innovation, expanding its market reach and delivering unparalleled value to its partners and shareholders.

GiG Media’s portfolio of high-quality traffic websites, including WSN.com, Time2play.com, Askgamblers.com and Casinotopsonline.com, has been instrumental in driving its success. With operations spanning across Malta, Denmark, Serbia, and Spain, GiG Media continues to set the benchmark for lead generation in online sportsbooks and casinos.

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Commenting on the achievement, Jonas Warrer, CEO of GiG Media, stated:

“We are delighted to receive this acknowledgement yet again in the EGR Power Affiliate Ranking and this is nothing short of a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. This superb accomplishment reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence, internal talent, and continuous growth in the iGaming affiliate landscape. As we continue to grow the business in 2024, we remain steadfast in our commitment to players, partners and the industry alike.”

GiG Media’s portfolio expansion and strategic diversification have been pivotal in propelling its growth trajectory. Its ongoing product development and recent acquisition of Time2Play Media emphasise the company’s proactive approach to seizing emerging opportunities and reinforcing its market leadership position.

The post GiG Media Secures 3rd Place in EGR Power Affiliate Ranking for Consecutive Year appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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