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LeoVegas AB Q2: Quarterly report 1 April – 30 June 2020
“The strong EBITDA growth clearly illustrates the scalability of our business model”
– Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO
second quarter 2020: 1 april–30 june
- Revenue increased by 17% to EUR 110.7 m (94.4). Organic growth in local currencies was 19%.
- EBITDA was EUR 23.0 million (15.1), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 20.8% (16.0%) and a growth of 53 %.
- The number of depositing customers was 434,453 (350,298), an increase of 24%.
- Earnings per share were EUR 0.14 (0.08) before and after dilution, while adjusted earnings per share were EUR 0.19 (0.11).
Events during the quarter
- LeoVegas completed the migration of 12 brands in the UK to the Group’s proprietary technical platform.
- The LiveCasino.com brand was launched in a number of English-speaking countries.
- At LeoVegas’ Annual General Meeting on 8 May, Anna Frick and Fredrik Rüdén were re-elected as board members. Hélène Westholm, Mathias Hallberg, Carl Larsson, Per Norman and Torsten Söderberg were elected as new board members. Per Norman was elected as Chairman of the Board.
- The effects related to COVID-19 are judged overall to have had a positive impact on NGR during April and May, however, the effect on revenues in Sweden was negative during the quarter.
Events after the end of the quarter
- Preliminary revenue in July amounted to EUR 30.7 m (29.3), representing growth of 5%. The temporary restrictions introduced in Sweden starting on 2 July have had a negative impact on revenue.
- The number of depositing customers increased by 34% in July compared with the same period a year ago, to a new record level for a single month.
- GoGoCasino was launched in Finland. An international rollout of the brand is now continuing.
- LeoVegas has increased its ownership in the e-sports betting operator Pixel.bet to 85%, from 51% previously.
COMMENT FROM GUSTAF HAGMAN – GROUP CEO
SECOND QUARTER 2020
LeoVegas has delivered continued solid growth and profitability during a period of exceptional circumstances in the world around us. Supported by the record-large customer base that we entered the quarter with, together with our ability to quickly adapt to new conditions, the positive trend from the first quarter is continuing.
Revenue during the second quarter amounted to EUR 110.7 m (94.4), representing organic growth of 19%. Net Gaming Revenue (NGR) for casino grew 24% during the period, while for sports betting it decreased by 53% compared with the same period a year ago.
EBITDA amounted to EUR 23.0 m (15.1), corresponding to a margin of 20.8% (16.0%). We thus grew EBITDA by 53%, which shows the scalability in our business model from higher revenue. The sharply improved operating profit has been achieved despite a continued high pace of expansion and increased investments in technology and products.
covid-19
I am very satisfied with how we at LeoVegas are handling the COVID-19 situation so that we can conduct our business without noticeable disruptions, despite challenges such as not being able to meet in our daily work. Our industry, like many other sectors, is experiencing a structural shift from offline to online. Owing to LeoVegas’ online position, appreciated brands and proprietary technical platform, we stand strong in an increasingly digital world.
Markets
We had favourable development in most of our markets during the second quarter. Growth has been driven primarily by a record-large depositing customer base, which grew 24% compared with a year ago. The Rest of Europe region experienced exceptionally high growth, with Italy posting record-strong performance. The effects related to COVID-19 are judged overall to have had a positive impact on NGR during April and May, mainly in the markets that were entirely shut down during the period. In these markets, LeoVegas has taken market shares from the land-based gambling industry. However, the effect on revenue related to COVID-19 is judged to have been negative in Sweden during the quarter.
responsible gaming
During the quarter, several countries implemented measures to reduce the risk for problem gaming in connection with COVID-19. Spain, for example, introduced a temporary ban on gambling advertising. On top of these restrictions, LeoVegas has chosen to implement its own proactive measures to strengthen player protection. Most of the temporary restrictions throughout Europe ended in June, and Spain and the UK, among other countries, have reverted to normal regulations once their respective societies opened up again.
It is therefore remarkable that Sweden, despite massive criticism from most areas, has moved in the opposite direction and introduced new, temporary restrictions, effective 2 July, focused particularly on online casino. There is a large risk that these restrictions, implemented entirely without supporting factual data, are undermining the Swedish regulation system and driving players to companies without Swedish licences, where player protection is non-existent. These restrictions therefore risk being counter-productive and instead contribute to an increase in problem gaming in Sweden.
The independent research consultancy Copenhagen Economics has noted that one consequence of the new restrictions is that the unregulated market for online casino may increase to as much as 50%, which is far from the authorities’ stated goal to limit the unregulated market to 10% at most.
We advocate for balanced and clear regulations for achieving long-term sustainable licensing systems. LeoVegas wants to contribute to this through a broader dialogue and collaboration with the authorities in the countries we are active in.
MULTIBRAND STRATEGY
During the quarter we launched the new LiveCasino.com brand in a number of English-speaking countries. We see great potential for the brand. The start has been promising, and additional markets are to be expected.
Following the successful launch of GoGoCasino in Sweden last year, an international rollout of the brand is now under way. Finland was the second market to launch, at the start of July.
The successful launches of new brands are in line with the company’s multibrand strategy and show our ability to create new revenue streams while at the same time drawing benefit from the Group’s economies of scale.
comments on third quarter
Revenue for the month of July amounted to EUR 30.7 m (29.3), representing a growth rate of 5%.
Our assessment is that the gaming market has returned to a more normal environment in July, with a natural player shift from casino back to sports betting now that the major sports leagues have restarted. At the same time, the temporary restrictions introduced in Sweden starting on 2 July are having a negative impact on revenue.
The positive trend in our customer base is continuing into the third quarter, and the number of depositing customers increased by 34% in July compared with the same period a year ago, to a new record level for a single month. We will maintain a continued high rate of investment during the third quarter, partly linked to the launch of new brands and market establishments. Our current assessment is therefore that marketing costs will be in line with – or slightly higher than – the level during the second quarter.
We continue to focus on delivering sustainable and profitable growth for our shareholders and on offering an entertaining and safe gaming experience for our customers around the world. LeoVegas’ long-term vision is to be “King of Casino”.
Presentation of the report – today at 09:00 CET
- To participate in the conference call, and thereby be able to ask questions, please call one of the following numbers: SE: +46 (0) 8 50 69 21 80, UK: +44 (0) 20 71 92 80 00, US: +1 63 15 10 74 95, Confirmation code: 222 77 69 or join at the web https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/5fggroyh
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Week 45/2024 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Tom Horn Gaming invites bold adventurers to join Max Gold, the fearless explorer, as he delves deep into faraway lands, seeking hidden treasures, legendary jackpots, and mysteries waiting to be uncovered. With an array of exciting features, including the Hold & Win bonus game with jackpots and respins, shatter mode with increasing multipliers, stake booster, and bonus buy, Max Gold.
PopOK Gaming is thrilled to announce the release of its newest slot game, Spinosaurus – a captivating 3×5 slot that transports players back to the thrilling age of dinosaurs! With vibrant, colorful visuals and dynamic gameplay, Spinosaurus features the iconic, mighty dinosaur as your guide on an adventurous quest for massive wins. Players can immerse themselves in prehistoric excitement while aiming for incredible rewards.
Belatra Games has launched its pirate-themed title, Tortuga Codex. This 5×4 slot casts players on a journey on the hunt for untold riches buried on a mysterious island. A Skull symbol acts as the Wild and will substitute for any other symbol to increase the chances of a win. An intriguing element to the game lies in the Additional Reel feature which sits above the main frame. It’s in sync with the main reels, displaying Wild symbols, special pirate icons, and numbers from one to nine.
Vibra Gaming has unwrapped its latest release, Candy Loop, where if players trigger the Candy Round bonus they can max their win by up to 5000x in a game for all sweet-toothed slot fans. Set within a backdrop of clouds and sugar players will lap up this delicious classic three-stepper slot mechanic packed with sweet bonuses, free spins and wilds.
Zillion Games is thrilled to announce the release of Egypt’s Moon, a high-volatility slot that invites players to journey through the mysteries of ancient Egypt under a mesmerizing nighttime sky. Featuring Cleopatra, hidden treasures, and the essence of Egypt’s rich mythology, Egypt’s Moon promises an enthralling experience set against a captivating backdrop. This slot game offers players 25 paylines and an RTP of 96.75%, delivering both excitement and reward.
Having made a big splash with its popular Aqua Lord slot back in 2022, innovative software developer, Swintt, is preparing to dive beneath the waves once more in an action-packed sequel that now features new and improved Pearl Respins and even bigger prizes. Played out across five reels and ten fixed paylines, Aqua Lord 2 picks up where its predecessor left off by once again plunging players into a world of sunken treasures where sticky pearl symbols hold the key to unlocking huge wins of up to 6,000x the bet and two incredibly rewarding features.
Amusnet has released Extra Crown Dice. This latest addition to Amusnet’s online casino portfolio is a majestic dice slot filled with thrilling features. This 5-reel, 10 fixed lines dice game is based on one of the video slots, with redesigned symbols to look like dice. The kingdom of Extra Crown Dice is full of excitement with dice, sevens and eights, where fortunes await those bold enough to seize them. The Star and the Fleur-de-lis symbols are the Scatter symbols boosting the player’s winnings.
The dazzling dancefloor of Piggy Blitz returns with Piggy Blitz Disco Gold, the latest 6×4 online slot sensation from Play’n GO, boasting immersive features and endearing characters. The dancefloor is calling, and it’s shining brighter than ever! Piggy Blitz Disco Gold takes players back to the groovy days of the 1970s – where neon lights and disco beats set the stage for high-energy spins and big-time wins. Our favourite pigs are back, bringing glittering Cash Coins and the exclusive Gold Piggy Feature to this glitzy slot adventure.
Booming Games is going for goal with its first-ever instant win title, Ronaldinho Scores Shoot & Win, as it continues to leverage its partnership with the international footballing icon. Players step into the football boots of Ronaldinho and experience the thrills and excitement of trying to beat the keeper. Each shot the player takes could mean a big prize – there are 16 prizes in total with each kick potentially delivering at least 3 instant rewards.
Asia
VSPO, the largest esports company in Asia, rebranded Hero Esports to support global growth strategy
VSPO, the largest esports company in Asia, is pleased to announce that it has officially been rebranded Hero Esports, aligning with its domestic brand and, in doing so, supporting its international growth strategy.
The company announced its intention to rebrand alongside the appointment of Dino Ying as Executive Chairman and Danny Tang as CEO on 8 October 2024.
The unveiling of Hero Esports marks a pivotal moment in the company’s history. For nearly a decade, the business has been the leading esports tournament operator and content creator, investing in and shaping the industry to drive innovation and excellence. Most recently in September 2024, the company launched the Esports Asian Champions League (ACL), which is Asia’s premier international, multi-title esports tournament. As a key figure in the esports industry, Executive Chairman Dino Ying will play a vital role in growing the ACL alongside working closely with international governing bodies, including the International Olympic Committee and the Esports World Cup Federation, to elevate the industry more broadly. The global esports market is projected to grow from $54 billion in 2023 to $98 billion by 2028, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan.
The company’s new brand is supported by a refreshed Mission, Vision and set of Values to help employees of Hero Esports work towards common goals and ensure quality throughout the business. Hero Esports’ mission is to ‘Empower esports’, supported by its vision to ‘create the premier esports experience of the future’. Hero Esports’ values, which are based on inclusion, diversity, transparency and a passion for esports, have provided a strong foundation for the company’s continued expansion.
Danny Tang, CEO of Hero Esports, said: “Today marks a significant milestone for Hero Esports as we continue our growth trajectory to become a leading international esports organization, driven by a clear mission, vision and set of values. Hero Esports is well positioned to identify and develop new opportunities both domestically and internationally, and we look forward to aligning our expansion with an equally fast-growing esports industry.”
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Xanada Investments Announces FTDX as the Winner of the Xanada Startup Contest
Xanada Investments has announced FTDX as the winner of its prestigious Xanada Startup Contest, an initiative designed to identify standout startups capable of delivering substantial value to the iGaming industry. This contest attracted nearly 250 applications from diverse regions and business verticals, making it a highly competitive process. FTDX distinguished itself with a powerful solution that enables iGaming operators to convert previously unmonetized visitor traffic from regions outside their operational scope into significant new revenue streams.
FTDX’s platform allows operators to redirect traffic from untapped regions effortlessly, unlocking immediate financial value from these visitors. By integrating FTDX’s dual reward system, which optimizes both click-through rates and deal values, operators can enhance overall performance. Already live, FTDX is achieving up to 3% conversion rate from these redirected visitors to First-Time Deposits (FTDs).
Vladimir Malakchi, CEO & Managing Partner of Xanada Investments, shared his thoughts on the victory:
“FTDX stood out not only for its innovative solution but also for the rigorous preparation and commitment they demonstrated throughout the contest. Their detailed approach and well-strategized entry showed a clear vision and a deep understanding of the market, making them an ideal winner of the Xanada Startup Contest.”
Björn Nilsson, Founder of FTDX, expressed his excitement about the win:
“We’re thrilled to be recognized by Xanada Investments. This win represents an exceptional opportunity for us to scale our solution globally and enhance our impact across the industry. Xanada’s promise to support us as a forward-thinking start-up is highly appealing, and we’re excited about the business growth this partnership enables.”
About Xanada Investments
Xanada Investments is an ideological investment fund led by industry visionaries, targeting PreSeed, Seed, and Series A funding of promising projects and their leaders who resonate with their ethos. The fund’s goal is to build an excellent xanadu-like business ecosystem, which will ideologically and strategically bond leaders into one community for the global idea of mutual prosperity.
About FTDX
FTDX empowers iGaming operators to maximize the value of every visit, across all borders, by converting visits from regions outside their business scope into a newfound source of revenue
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