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.

1/ST, North America’s preeminent Thoroughbred racing and leading pari-mutuel wagering company, has today announced a breakthrough partnership with France Galop, the governing body of French horse racing.

This new initiative sees both parties come together to form a series of high-class partnerships that will power increased international participation across a host of top-quality Graded contests and marquee race days, beginning with the $100,000 Grade 3 Gallorette Stakes on Preakness 149 race day at 1/ST’s Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland on May 18. The winner will be automatically qualified to run in the €250,000 Group 1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet Stakes at Deauville on August 18. The Galorette winner will also receive a free equine travel stipend to cover its subsequent travel costs to France.

The collective aim is to establish long-lasting links between revered races in France and valuable turf contests at 1/ST racetracks across North America, boosting the international profile and prize funds of all participating contests and increasing the number of runners entered in these races which, in turn, will engage a wider international audience and drive global wagering turnover.

This innovative collaboration with France Galop leverages natural synergies between two powerhouses of the sport. Moreover, it builds on similar global “gateway” partnerships which 1/ST has already formed with Ascot Racecourse (via Gulfstream Park’s Royal Palm series for Royal Ascot’s juvenile races) and the UK Jockey Club around the Group 1 July Cup and the Eclipse Stakes, now twinned as qualifiers for the newly minted California Crown taking place at Santa Anita Park on September 28, marking California’s richest day of racing.

As an automatic qualifier for France Galop’s Prix Jean Romanet, the Gallorette Stakes also shines the spotlight on a high-profile undercard for Preakness 149. This year’s Preakness 149 race day will be the most lucrative in the event’s history with $3.3 million on the line, highlighted by the running of the 149^th Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel in the Triple Crown, featuring an increased $2 million purse. These enhanced purses reflect 1/ST’s vision for the future of the highest standard of world-class Thoroughbred horse racing, combined with unique and elevated guest experiences, and exciting opportunities for owners, trainers and bettors to usher in a new era for racing.

Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, said: “1/ST is thrilled to create another great global partnership, breaking new ground in France with our friends at France Galop. This Gallorette-Romanet pathway is an exciting trial for hopefully more reciprocal race days in France, considering France Galop’s rich heritage in staging many of the most prestigious turf contests in Europe at courses like Deauville, Chantilly and Longchamp.

“We look forward to announcing more global racing partnerships over the year ahead. Whether we’re bolstering the brand, increasing horse-recruitment numbers, or driving wagering dollars overseas, it’s high time for more innovative moments on the worldwide racing stage.”

Henri Pouret, Chief Operating Officer at France Galop, added: “We’re naturally delighted to be teaming up with 1/ST on this compelling initiative which will introduce many new French racing fans to Preakness 149 and add some welcome transatlantic flavour to the Group 1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet Stakes, now in its 20^th year of attracting the best middle-distance horses in the business.

“The travel stipend is an excellent incentive for facilitating stress-free long-haul travel, helping to secure a stellar field of global contenders for the Romanet, and proving that racing is a sport whose worldwide appeal is no barrier to worldwide participation, be it in France or the States. We look forward to welcoming the Gallorette victor to Deauville later this summer and building on the success of US-trained horses at other elite European events, such as Royal Ascot.”