Press Releases
Rivalry Reports Strong Q1 2025 KPI Growth, Validating Strategic Pivot Amid Temporary Margin Variance
Rivalry Corp. (TSXV: RVLY) (OTCQB: RVLCF) (“Rivalry” or the “Company”), the leading sportsbook and iGaming operator for digital-first players, today shared preliminary key performance indicators (“KPIs”) and revenue figures for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (“Q1 2025”), underscoring the success of its strategic transformation and path toward sustainable, profitable growth. All dollar figures are quoted in Canadian dollars.
Q1 2025 marks the first full quarter under Rivalry’s revamped operating model, following significant changes to product offerings, organizational structure, cost management, and user acquisition strategies. Underlying KPIs show improved unit economics, deeper engagement, and structural momentum toward long-term sustainability.
Revenue in the quarter was lower than prior periods – a result of Rivalry’s deliberate shift to a leaner, more efficient model – creating a stronger foundation that the Company is now building on. The shortfall also reflected temporary variance in sportsbook hold, amplified by a strategic focus on high-value and VIP players. The Company believes that these segments drive significantly greater long-term value but can introduce short-term volatility as they scale.
“Our Q1 KPIs are delivering tangible results that validate our strategic shift,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “The structural changes we implemented over the past six months – from streamlining operations and refocusing the product, to modernizing our platform and concentrating on high-value players – are now clearly reflected in our KPIs. We’re operating more efficiently than ever, generating significantly more revenue per user, and moving closer to achieving sustainable profitability.”
Q1 2025 Highlights1:
- Operational Efficiency Up 400%: In Q1 2025, Rivalry generated over 400% more net revenue per user per dollar of operating expense as compared to its average before the strategic overhaul. This marks a significant leap in cost efficiency and operating leverage, validating the impact of recent changes.
- Shift to High-Value Players Driving 175% Increase in Player Monthly Deposits: Total deposits rose 36% month over month in February 2025 and another 12% in March 2025, despite a smaller active user base than past peaks. In Q1 2025, average monthly deposits per player were just over 175% higher than the periods prior to Rivalry’s October 2024 strategic overhaul – a clear result of the Company’s focus on acquiring and retaining high-value players, while improving unit economics and lowering variable costs.
- 115% Increase in Monthly Deposit Frequency: In Q1 2025, average monthly deposit frequency per player increased by 115% compared to the average prior to Rivalry’s October 2024 rebuild – signaling strong user re-engagement and validating the Company’s refined product experience and more targeted player strategy.
- All-Time High in Monthly Betting Handle per User: Monthly betting handle per active user hit a new all-time high in March 2025, marking the fifth consecutive month of record-breaking engagement and deeper player value.
- Record Revenue per User: In March 2025, monthly Gross and Net Revenue per active user reached all-time highs (normalized for margin variance), extending a four-month streak of consistent revenue per active user growth and player monetization strength.
- Month over Month Active User Growth: Monthly active players grew by 9% in March 2025, following a similar increase in February 2025, despite a significantly reduced global marketing budget compared to the same period last year.
- Ontario Regulated Market Showing Strong, Improving Unit Economics: Since the Company’s operational shift, Rivalry’s Average Revenue Per Playing Account (“ARPPA”) in Ontario – a monthly metric defined by and publicly reported by gaming regulator iGO – has generally trended in line with the market average, and in some months exceeded it by as much as 50%. ARPPA has also nearly doubled compared to pre-overhaul levels at Rivalry, reflecting strengthening unit economics supported by efficient customer acquisition, with customer acquisition cost paybacks consistently within single-digit weeks.
Operational Momentum and Efficiency Gains Reflect Structural Progress
The Company’s Q1 2025 performance reflects the first full quarter operating under a significantly leaner structure, with total monthly run rate operating expenses reduced by approximately 65% as compared to prior peak periods.
Betting handle in Q1 2025 was $58.2 million, and net revenue $1.3 million1, for a net revenue margin of 2.3%. This compares to Rivalry’s full-year 2024 net revenue margin of 4.4%1, with the Q1 2025 margin variance largely attributable to short-term fluctuations in sportsbook hold. This was amplified by the Company’s strategic pivot toward high-value and VIP players – segments that offer significantly greater long-term value but naturally introduce more short-term variability in margin performance as they scale.
On a normalized margin basis, Rivalry’s Q1 2025 net revenue would have covered approximately 75% of current run rate operating expenses, inclusive of additional cost reductions completed in early April that lowered monthly operating expenses by approximately $140,000. Growing user value, rising engagement, and stronger unit economics reflect encouraging momentum toward long-term financial sustainability.
“The KPIs are telling the real story – user value is up, efficiency is up, and player engagement is the strongest we’ve seen in the Company’s history,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “Even with soft margin outcomes in Q1 2025, the model is showing strong underlying signals. As sportsbook hold normalizes and our cost base becomes leaner, we believe we’re moving in the right direction.”
Over the past six months, Rivalry has reduced monthly run rate operating expenses by approximately $1.7 million per month, inclusive of the recently completed April 2025 reductions. These reductions have been enabled by a fully modernized core product with improved site performance and ongoing development velocity across key revenue-driving features. The Company has also realized efficiencies through vendor rationalization and the rollout of AI-driven tools across departments.
“We’ve built a stronger, leaner, and more focused Rivalry,” Salz added. “Our improved KPIs and disciplined cost management have created a healthier foundation. With continued operational momentum and a re-energized product, we believe we’re on a promising path forward.”
The post Rivalry Reports Strong Q1 2025 KPI Growth, Validating Strategic Pivot Amid Temporary Margin Variance appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Paysecure has been named Best Online Payment Service 2025 at SiGMA Americas Awards, held during the opening night of the SiGMA Americas event at the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo.
The awards ceremony, hosted by BetConstruct and held on April 7th, brought together leading names in the iGaming, fintech, and digital payments industries to celebrate excellence and innovation. The Best Online Payment Service award, presented in association with Megaposta, recognized companies offering outstanding online payment infrastructure. Paysecure was selected among strong contenders including Online IPS, Nuvei, Payment.Center, and Payku.
Paysecure’s solutions include its unified payments hub, designed to simplify operations for merchants in various sectors, Host-2-Host integrations, cashier services, and plug-in modules for seamless deployment on external platforms. With PCI DSS certification, a focus on 360-degree user trust, and advanced tech capabilities, Paysecure empowers merchants to optimize their payment operations with full control and transparency.
“This award is a testament to our mission: delivering payment technology that is smart, secure, and scalable”, said Viktoriia Degtiarova, Co-founder and CCO of Paysecure, who attended the ceremony alongside Sridhar Sethuraman, Co-founder and COO.
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized at SiGMA Americas, especially amongst such outstanding peers.”
This year, Paysecure exhibited at Booth N115, showcasing its orchestration platform, global PSP coverage, and market-specific solutions tailored for LATAM and beyond. To learn more about Paysecure and its payment orchestration platform, contact the team at: paysecure.net/contact-us/
The post Paysecure wins “Best Online Payment Service 2025” at SiGMA Americas Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
poker
ACR POKER’S NEXT HIGH STAKES ADVENTURE TAKES PLAYERS TO MONTENEGRO FOR PRESTIGIOUS SUPER HIGH ROLLER SERIES
Two $110,000+ Montenegro packages available during ACR Poker’s Main Satellite on Sunday, April 27th
The next chapter of ACR Poker’s High Stakes Adventure is taking shape. Two players are set to win their way to stunning Montenegro in Southeast Europe to compete against top poker pros and high stakes legends for huge prizes during the prestigious Super High Roller Series, scheduled for May 13th to 27th.
Through ACR Poker’s Main Satellite on Sunday, April 27th at 2:05pm ET, the High Stakes Adventure: Montenegro is guaranteeing two all-inclusive packages, each covering $110,000 in tournament buy-ins / entry fees, plus added business-class airfare, and a 5-night stay at the luxurious Maestral Resort & Casino.
“The High Stakes Adventure is all about creating opportunities for players to escape the ordinary and play alongside poker’s elite in incredible destinations,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “I can still feel the energy from my deep run in Montenegro last year, and I’ve got a good feeling this event is going to be just as unforgettable. If you missed your chance to win a South Korea package earlier this year, this is your chance to get in the game.”
Moneymaker is no stranger to the high-stakes scene in Montenegro, having won last year’s Triton Poker Super High Roller Series $25,000 buy-in event for $903,000. Meanwhile, fellow ACR Pro Nacho Barbero also made waves this year during the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Jeju, finishing 7th in the $100,000 buy-in Main Event, earning $946,000, plus cashing in four other events.
The High Stakes Adventure: Montenegro package winners will have the flexibility to split their $110,000 buy-in budget across multiple events or go all-in on a single high-stakes tourney. Off the felt, players can look forward to exploring Montenegro’s rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
This latest satellite follows the success of ACR Poker’s High Stakes Adventure: South Korea earlier this year, where two $110,000 packages were awarded to players for the Super High Roller Series Jeju. Players looking to follow in their footsteps and compete for the Montenegro packages can buy into the Main Satellite for $2,650 or qualify for less through satellites running on ACR Poker this month.
For more details on the High Stakes Adventure: Montenegro, visit the promo page at ACRPoker.eu.
The post ACR POKER’S NEXT HIGH STAKES ADVENTURE TAKES PLAYERS TO MONTENEGRO FOR PRESTIGIOUS SUPER HIGH ROLLER SERIES appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BetBrothers announced the launch of its affiliate marketing platform, dedicated to providing detailed information and analysis of regulated sports betting operators. With the core mission of “Connecting Players with Safer Bets,” it will focus on developing and managing affiliate websites within regulated markets, starting with Spain and Greece.
BetBrothers sets itself apart by partnering exclusively with operators who hold valid licenses within these jurisdictions. This strategy ensures full compliance and promotes a safer betting environment for players.
“Licensing isn’t just a checkbox for us. It’s a baseline. By working only with licensed partners in each market, we not only ensure compliance. We’re taking an active role in promoting a safer betting environment and a player-friendly iGaming ecosystem,” said Borja Imbergamo, Head of Growth & Strategy at BetBrothers. “We are confident that this dedicated approach will resonate with both players and operators who value fair play and responsible experience.”
The platform is founded and managed by a team of seasoned professionals with deep expertise in sports betting, affiliate marketing, and product development. The team behind BetBrothers has 25 years of combined experience in the industry.
BetBrothers content strategy is centered around providing players with clear and reliable insights in sports betting operators and their offerings. The team aims to become a compass for players, guiding them towards betting options offered by reputable and licensed brands. This player-first approach prioritizes user safety and promotes sports betting as an enjoyable form of entertainment.
Imbergamo added, “We established BetBrothers with a clear vision. To build a trustworthy bridge between players seeking entertainment and operators committed to the highest standards of user safety and regulation. We believe that the future of affiliate marketing in this industry lies in responsibility, transparency, and a commitment to safer betting experience.”
BetBrothers adopts a strong product-centric approach. The brand’s strategy goes beyond typical formats, building features and content that are engaging and useful for the players. This commitment to product innovation aims to significantly improve the user experience and offer more than just basic operator reviews. In addition to editorials, BetBrothers will also incorporate user-generated content to highlight real player experiences. This blend of expert-driven analysis and player feedback will provide a more well-rounded view of the betting market.
The brand aims to become an authority for responsible affiliate marketing. Offering valuable resources for players to help them make informed choices while delivering high-quality, compliant traffic to its operator partners. BetBrothers team plans a steady expansion into other regulated markets in the near future.
About BetBrothers:
BetBrothers is an affiliate marketing platform operating in the sports betting industry. Founded by seasoned industry professionals, its core mission is “Connecting Players with Safer Bets.” The platform builds and manages affiliate websites that exclusively promote licensed operators within regulated markets. BetBrothers is committed to responsible gambling, transparency, compliance, and creating a safer online betting environment for players.
The post BetBrothers Introduces Platform Dedicated to Safer Betting in Regulated Markets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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