Press Releases
ZEAL presents strong nine-month figures: Double-digit growth in revenue and billings
ZEAL Network SE, the leading German online provider of lottery products, significantly increased its billings and revenue in the first nine months of 2023. In addition, ZEAL acquired more new customers than in the previous year, further strengthening the basis for future revenue growth.
“The strong growth in our billings and revenue proves that we continue to expand our market leadership,” says Sebastian Bielski, CFO of ZEAL. “The publication of the first figures for our online games business also show that ZEAL has made the right decision to enter this new line of business. The initial success in the online games segment also makes us confident that we are on track for further growth with our attractive and growing games offering.”
More sales and billings through marketing investments
Driven in part by a successful third quarter, ZEAL Group’s billings grew by 16 percent to € 633.2 million in the first nine months of 2023 (2022: € 544.4 million). At the same time, revenue also increased by 16 percent to € 86.0 million (2022: € 74.5 million). At 12.5 percent, the company’s gross margin was close to the previous year’s figure (2022: 12.8 percent).
In the first nine months of the year, ZEAL was able to use the attractive jackpot phases in January, March, June and September to acquire new customers and further expand its business volume. The company intensified its marketing activities during high jackpot phases and promoted future sales growth through intensified TV advertising.
Strong EBITDA despite increased new customer acquisition
In the first nine months of 2023, ZEAL acquired 518 thousand new customers (2022: 501 thousand). Due to ongoing media-cost inflation, intensified competition for new customers in online channels, and the company’s strategic decision to invest into brand-building through increased TV advertising, the acquisition costs per registered new customer (cost per lead, CPL) were higher than in the previous year at € 46.81 (2022: € 36.42). Overall, marketing expenses were 27 percent higher than in the previous year at € 30.7 million (2022: € 24.1 million). For this reason, other operating expenses rose to € 48.8 million (2022: € 40.6 million). Even taking into account ZEAL’s increased investment into marketing, EBITDA increased by 5 percent to € 23.2 million (2022: € 22.0 million). EBIT amounted to € 16.7 million (2022: € 15.5 million) while the after-tax result for the period fell to € 10.1 million (2022: € 12.1 million) due to a € 1.1 million decrease in the financial result and a significant increase in tax expenses compared to the previous year.
First figures for Online Games
With the results for the third quarter of 2023, ZEAL is presenting its first business figures for its online games offering launched in June 2023. Since the launch of the offering, ZEAL has started to grow its games portfolio. Revenue in the third quarter of 2023 amounted to € 1.2 million. As the offering was started only recently there are no comparative figures for the previous year.
Forecast confirmed
For the 2023 financial year, ZEAL continues to plan to expand its market leadership as an online provider of lottery products and introduce new products, including additional online games. For the Germany segment, ZEAL anticipates billings from lotteries (excluding games) in the range of € 800 million to € 830 million, assuming an average jackpot development. In addition, ZEAL continues to assume that revenue in the 2023 financial year will be between € 110 million and € 120 million. ZEAL expects EBITDA to be in the range of € 30 million to € 35 million. The company continues to expect to invest significantly more in new customer acquisition compared to the previous year and expects marketing expenses of € 34 million to € 39 million.
partnership
SIS sponsors Confraternity Cup on Caribbean Classic day at Hipódromo Presidente Remón Racecourse
SIS (Sports Information Services), the leading multi-content supplier of 24/7 live betting services, will sponsor the $100,000 Copa Confraternidad del Caribe on the Clásico Internacional del Caribe race day, the annual Caribbean nations thoroughbred championship day, held on December 10th at Hipódromo Presidente Remón in Panama City, Panama.
The Clásico day attracts the leading horses from Panama, Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic competing for more than $800,000 in prize money across six Grade 1 races.
The Grade 1 Copa Confraternidad del Caribe is the second most important race in the Caribbean series, which sees horses aged three and over run on the dirt over 1¼ miles.
The Clásico del Caribe (Caribbean Derby) for 3-year-olds is one of the region’s most revered races, where winning brings national pride and prestige. Panama leads the member nations with 15 winners, while Venezuela and Mexico are tied with 14 each in the 56-year history. Last year’s running held at Hipódromo La Rinconada in Caracas was won by Iniesta, who was an unbeaten colt from Mexico.
The host venue rotates between nations each year with Panama hosting for the first time since 2015. Founded in 1956, Hipódromo Presidente Remón is rich in history and is home to the famous Laffit Pincay Jr. Technical Jockey Training Academy, known as the “cradle of the best jockeys in the world.”
Top jockeys will ride on the card, including Irad Ortiz, Luis Sáez, Ricardo Santana, Paco Lopez, and Javier Castellano. Together, they have accumulated over $100 million in prize money this year. The legendary Laffit Pincay Jr. will be an honorary guest.
All international racing content supplied by SIS is made available as an end-to-end solution, with round-the-clock betting events incorporating live-streamed pictures, data, on-screen graphics with betting triggers, and an extensive range of markets and prices.
SIS delivers more than 35,000 live horse racing events annually, including over 150 race days from Panama and premium races from Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay.
Michele Fischer, Vice President at SIS Content Services, said: “The Clásico del Caribe day is one of the biggest events on the Caribbean calendar, and its return to Panama this year promises to create an electric atmosphere. We are pleased to enhance our commitment to global racing by supporting this multinational race day.”
Carlos Alberto de Oliveira, Jr., COO at Hipódromo Presidente Remón Racecourse, said: “We are pleased to share the excitement of this year’s prestigious Clásico del Caribe in Panama.
“On this occasion, we will be awarding over $1,000,000.00 in prizes across 28 races, including 6 International Grade 1 Classics. Additionally on Saturday, we will be celebrating Mother’s Day Classics and Laffit Pincay Jr., along with the debut of students from our jockey technical academy, known as “the cradle of the best jockeys in the world.”
“It is an honor to have the ongoing support of SIS, our valuable partner, playing a key role in one of the most significant days in the Caribbean racing calendar. We deeply appreciate your support, which not only extends our horse racing to over 50 countries but also opens the door to future expansions.”
Hipther Agency, the One-stop Agency and Event Organizer for multiple cutting-edge industries including Gaming and Technology, launches Monthly Online Magazine “Gaming Pulse” covering Europe and the Americas, and the “European Gaming MidWeek NewsWire” on LinkedIn.
This strategic expansion comes as a natural next step in Hipther’s successful multi-year and multi-faceted media presence in the global Gaming industry.
Gaming Pulse, Hipther’s new Monthly Online Magazine, will be bringing the dynamic rhythm of the industry to your devices curating worldwide news, trends, influential interviews and insights from Hipther’s staple publications for Europe and the Americas, the European Gaming Media and Gaming Americas, respectively. The Gaming Pulse comes in a seamless, sleek and user-friendly flipbook publication featuring premium content for an exciting reading experience that will become your monthly habit!
The European Gaming MidWeek NewsWire is the popular Newsletter of Hipther’s European Gaming Media boasting thousands of loyal subscribers, now making a powerful entrance into LinkedIn’s dynamic landscape. Gaming professionals will be able to explore top gaming news: key interviews, strategic partnerships, and industry updates, all in one LinkedIn Newsletter as part of their everyday social media experience.
Hipther’s curated publications aim to offer focused, quality content as well as timely and credible information to gaming professionals, while maximizing online exposure for the industry. Zoltán Tűndik, Co-founder and Head of Business at Hipther, emphasized the significance of the new additions:
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the digital GamingPulse, a bold step forward from our cherished printed magazine that graced the industry from 2016 to 2018. Embracing digitalization isn’t just a nod to technological advancement; it’s a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that our love for industry doesn’t cost the earth. The digital magazine allows us to deliver the most current insights and updates with the agility and interactivity that our readers deserve. Furthermore, we’re excited to transform our weekly newsletter, taking it from email to LinkedIn. This move isn’t just about changing platforms; it’s about fostering a more engaged and interactive community. By being where our readers are, we aim to create a vibrant space for dialogue, networking, and shared passion for the iGaming industry.”
Hipther Agency has been a trailblazer in connecting companies with their target audience through extensive networking and publishing opportunities worldwide. With a legacy of over 16 years, we remain dedicated to providing unparalleled experiences in gaming and across technology industries.
As Hipther continues to shape the gaming media landscape, this strategic expansion marks another milestone in our commitment to delivering valuable and impactful content. We invite gaming professionals, enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders to join us on this exciting journey with Gaming Pulse and the European Gaming MidWeek NewsWire!
→ Never miss a beat – Subscribe & Stay in tune with the Gaming Pulse
→ Subscribe to the European Gaming MidWeek NewsWire on LinkedIn
HappyHour.io, a leading investor in the iGaming space, is delighted to announce the appointment of Patrick Soric as Investment & Portfolio Partner. With an extensive background in the banking sector, Patrick brings a wealth of experience that will play a pivotal role in steering HappyHour towards expansion goals.
Patrick Soric joins the HappyHour team with a distinguished career in Investment Banking, where he has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape and build strong relationships with leading players in private equity. As Investment & Portfolio Partner, Patrick will leverage his expertise to enhance HappyHour’s investment strategies and contribute to the overall success of the organisation.
“I am thrilled to join the HappyHour family and look forward to collaborating with my talented colleagues,” said Patrick Soric.
Robin Reed, Managing Partner at HappyHour, expressed enthusiasm about Patrick’s addition to the team. “We are delighted to welcome Patrick to the HappyHour team. His extensive experience in investment banking aligns with our vision for the future. Patrick’s expertise and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly enhance our capabilities as we continue to grow and evolve.”
Patrick Soric’s appointment comes at a significant juncture for HappyHour.io, as the firm expands its portfolio in 2024. His expertise and leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the company’s investment and portfolio strategies, driving innovation, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional value to HappyHour’s partners and shareholders.
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