PopOk Gaming and Cactus Gaming announced a new partnership that aims to elevate the gaming experience to new heights.

“We couldn’t be more excited to join forces with PopOk Gaming. Together, we’re ready to redefine the gaming landscape and bring unparalleled entertainment to players around the world,” Alessandra Abreu, Executive at Cactus Gaming, said.

“This partnership marks a significant step forward for us. With Cactus Gaming’s expertise and our innovative gaming solutions, we’re poised to create groundbreaking experiences that will captivate audiences everywhere,” Marina Mirzoyan, Head of Business Development at PopOk Gaming, said.

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has served up another classic with its tasty Chef’s Sticky Fruits slot.

This latest release from Belatra’s studio  is a vibrant and juicy addition to its renowned catalogue of slots. It’s a 5×4 slot game bursting with colour that’s heightened with an upbeat, retro soundtrack that perfectly captures the essence of fun at the heart of every play. With 100 active paylines, players have numerous chances to win big with every spin.

Players are surrounded by a cast of characters including the moustached chef himself and the innovative Mrs. Wild Cleaver, who represents the wild symbol.

The magic ingredient in this game is the Glued Reels feature. During gameplay, two identical glued reels can appear randomly, boosting players’ chances to walk away with big wins. These glued reels

have the power to expand across three, four, or even all five reels, dramatically increasing the opportunities for major payouts. Additionally, multipliers ranging from 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50 or 100 can be applied to the glued reels.

Sergey Chernyavski, Belatra Games’ CCO, said: “Chef’s Sticky Fruits is the perfect recipe for fun on the reels. This new game brings together the essence of a fruit-themed slot and then seasons it with a fresh twist thanks to the Glued Reels feature. Players will be desperate to tuck in for a ‘bellissimo’  time.”

First quarter 2024

• Total revenue was GBP 307.7 (306.4) million, in line with the first quarter of 2023.
• Gross winnings revenue (B2C) was GBP 297.6 (297.3) million.
• Underlying EBITDA increased by 20 per cent to GBP 59.3 (49.4) million.
• Profit before tax was GBP 39.8 (30.4) million.
• Profit after tax was GBP 31.4 (25.6) million.
• Earnings per share were GBP 0.15 (0.12).
• Free cash flow amounted to GBP 23.7 (29.0) million.
• Number of active customers increased by 3 per cent to 1,667,564 (1,623,568).

CEO Nils Andén comments on the first quarter of 2024

“We have had a solid start to 2024 with the underlying business operations performing well and operational initiatives moving forward according to plan. The headcount reduction plans announced at the end of last year are progressing as intended and the North America exit is set to conclude towards the end of the second quarter this year. Our growth plan that we launched during the fourth quarter last year, focusing on Europe and Australia, continues at pace with dedicated strategic growth projects across locally regulated markets.”

“Together with the encouraging performance of the B2B business, Relax Gaming, total revenue for the first quarter came in at GBP 307.7 million, in line with the same period last year. Underlying EBITDA for the first quarter came in at GBP 59.3 million, which is a very encouraging increase of 20 per cent compared to the first quarter 2023 and shows the continued positive impact of our cost control focus.”

“During the quarter, we launched the Kindred Sportsbook Platform (KSP) in a test market, and we are very pleased with the progress to date. KSP remains one of our most important strategic projects and will give us the flexibility and differentiation needed to improve growth in locally regulated markets.”

“Our share of Gross winnings revenue from locally regulated markets came in at a new all-time high of 84 per cent, indicating our continued focus to sustainable revenue and our commitment to a positive contribution to societies.”

“Following a solid start to the year we now have our eyes firmly set on a much sought after summer of sports with the UEFA Euros, the Copa America, and the Paris Olympics.”

Trading update up to and including 21 April 2024

The average daily Gross winnings revenue for the Group, up to and including 21 April 2024, was GBP 3.48 million, 6 per cent higher (8 per cent in constant currency) compared to the daily average for the full second quarter of 2023. Excluding North America, Gross winnings revenue is increasing 8 per cent (9 per cent in constant currency).

The sports betting margin after free bets for the above period was 11.3 per cent, which is ahead of the Group long-term average of 9.8 per cent and in line with the 11.3 per cent across the full second quarter of 2023.