Eastern Europe
Bet-at-home keeps winning despite Polish ban-hammer
Online gambling operator Bet-at-home kept its good times rolling through the first nine months of 2017, despite those pesky ban-happy Polish regulators.
Figures released this week show Bet-at-home, a Frankfurt-listed subsidiary of French gambling operator Betclic Everest Group, generated revenue of €108.7m in the nine months through September 30, an 8.3% improvement over the same period last year. The momentum builds on Bet-at-home’s Q2 results, which the company hailed as its best ever quarterly performance.
Third-quarter revenue actually took a step back on a year-to-year basis, falling to €31.9m from €35m in Q3 2016. The company noted that its online gambling domains were “subject to blocking measures in Poland” as of July 1, the deadline given by Polish regulators for international operators to get a Polish license or GTFO following last year’s amendments to local gambling laws.
Bet-at-home claims Poland’s actions “are considered as a violation of European legislation” regarding the free movement of goods and services between European Union member states. Bet-at-home further claims that “extensive legal action was initiated in this respect,” but that hasn’t convinced Poland’s Ministry of Finance to expunge the six Bet-at-home domains currently doing time on the country’s online gambling blacklist.
Getting back to Bet-at-home’s financials, the company’s year-to-date revenue rise came entirely from its online casino operations, as sports betting revenue took a 2% dip to €48.1m while online gaming shot up over 18% to €60.6m. Betting duties from operations in regulated markets were up more than one-fifth to €14.5m.
The company reported earnings of €8m in Q3, bringing its year-to-date earnings total to €25.4m, up 19% from the same period last year. With no major sporting event on the calendar, the company achieved a 4.3% reduction in marketing costs while still adding an extra 300k new customers, bringing total registered customers to 4.8m.
Looking ahead, Bet-at-home projected full-year revenue to come in around €144m and earnings to come in between €34m and €38m.
Balkans
BEGE celebrates 15 years as Eastern Europe’s premier gaming expo
The most significant event for the gaming industry in Eastern Europe – the Balkan Entertainment & Gaming Expo (BEGE) – will bring together leading companies, innovators, and industry representatives on November 27 and 28 for its 15th-anniversary edition. In celebration of this milestone, the organizers have prepared numerous surprises and special awards.
Once again, BEGE will offer a rich program, uniting industry leaders, investors, and successful entrepreneurs to share ideas, technologies, and inspiration. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to explore the latest gaming technologies, try out innovative solutions, and enjoy impressive demonstrations.
Traditionally, the first and second days of the event feature the EEGS conference, where internationally recognized speakers will present analyses and discussions critical to the development of the gaming industry. Special panels will provide a platform for leading gaming experts to discuss the future of the industry, emerging trends, and initiatives promoting responsible gaming practices.
For the first time, BEGE will welcome startups, offering them the opportunity to participate in Gaming StartUp Challenge 6.0. This challenge provides a unique opportunity to meet with key industry figures. The most promising startups will be recognized and granted invaluable access to the experience and insights of industry leaders.
As always, the exhibition begins with the BEGE Awards ceremony, a symbol of recognition for innovation, outstanding achievements, and success across various sectors of the gaming industry, with awards such as “Online Provider of the Year” and “Online Game of the Year.” The awards will be presented on November 27 at an elegant dinner at Black&White club in Sofia’s Grand Hotel Millennium.
A key highlight of the program is the Proximity Zone, providing companies with additional visibility through live-streamed interviews and product presentations with leading global brands and experts.
BEGE is a must-attend event for anyone with an interest in the gaming industry. This year, more than 80 exhibitors and over 6,000 visitors from 70 countries are expected, making it a place where the passion for gaming and innovation meets business opportunities.
Eastern Europe
ICONIC21 makes Romania debut with Princess Casino
Live content provider continues to expand into new markets with top online casino operator in Romania now offering its hugely popular games to its players
ICONIC21, the in-demand provider of premium live content, has made its debut in the Romania market through a deal with Princess Casino, one of the top online casino brands in the fast-growing market.
The deal will see Princess Casino gain access to some of the top-performing titles from ICONIC21’s portfolio of live games which have proven to not only meet but exceed player expectations in markets across the world.
This includes classic live table games such as Blackjack and Roulette (including French and Auto Roulette) and popular Asian formats like Baccarat, Bet On Teen Patti and Sic Bo.
Princess Casino players can also experience the provider’s Gravity Series which covers Gravity Blackjack, Gravity Roulette and Gravity Sic Bo. Gravity games take excitement to a new level with additional multipliers of up to 3,000x.
The studio stands out through the quality of its titles, with games broadcast from state-of-the-art studio facilities that make use of the latest audio, visual and streaming technologies. It also has a team of highly experienced game presenters that bring a wow factor to each of its titles.
This has seen ICONIC21 quickly become a must-have provider for operators in regulated markets across Europe and beyond and the provider is confident that players in Romania will be drawn to the high levels of entertainment its games provide.
Alina Mihaela Popa, Chief Commercial Officer at ICONIC21, said: “We are always working hard to bring our games to more players in more markets and this partnership with Princess Casino is the perfect way to make our debut in Romania.
“Princess Casino is aligned with our commitment to provide games that entertain and excite, keeping players on the edge of their seats from the first round to the last.
“Our portfolio is varied, offering a wide range of live games and formats, many with our own unique twist such as our Gravity. We are confident players at Princess Casino will like what each of our games has to offer.”
Eastern Europe
Stakelogic Announces Romanian Partnership with Game World Casino
Stakelogic continues its expansion into Romania with strategic integration
Stakelogic, has once again strengthened its position in one of Europe’s most exciting jurisdictions, as it today announces that it has completed a strategic integration with one of Romania’s most prominent casino operators – Game World Casino.
Game World Casino is the player’s favorite choice since 1999 when its doors first opened to the land-based market. Since then, and with the emergence of online casino, Game World Casino has received multiple accolades and awards and is one of the most trusted and recognised online casino brands in Romania.
Stakelogic’s slot content will now be featured in front of a loyal new audience. Players can look forward to playing any one of Stakelogic’s slot games including Stone Gaze of Medusa and the developer’s latest release The Watcher™.
Neil Tanti, Senior Sales Manager at Stakelogic said: “Working alongside such a prominent casino in one of the fastest growing regions in Europe, is a great opportunity for us, which is why we are incredibly proud to be partnered with Game World Casino.
“Romania plays such an important part of our expansion strategy and it’s great to see that our online slot content is in such high demand with players.”
Catalin Moise, COO at Game World Casino: “Our players are accustomed to our mission, which is to provide them with exceptional customer experience and to exceed expectations.”
“Bolstering our portfolio with quality slots from providers such as Stakelogic is a normal step that we do to meet player’s expectations, and we are very excited for this new partnership.”
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