SharpLink Gaming, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBET) (“SharpLink” or the “Company”), an online performance-based marketing company serving the U.S. sports betting and iGaming industries, today announced its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Financial Highlights

• Revenues decreased 27.7% to $2,838,908 for the first nine months of 2024, compared to $3,925,618 for the same nine-month period in 2023. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, revenues declined 34.7% to $881,690 compared to $1,349,331, respectively.
• Total operating expenses declined 25.9% to $4,426,835 from $5,977,327 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively; and total operating expenses dropped 46.0% to $970,080 from $1,795,057 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
• For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income climbed to $11,002,266 after factoring net income from discontinued operations of $14,567,733 – up 673.3% from a net loss of $9,114,443 inclusive of the net loss from discontinued operations of $2,523,754 posted for the comparable nine months in the prior year. After factoring a net loss from discontinued operations of $97,139, the net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased 68.9% to $885,131 when compared to a net loss of $2,849,547 for the same three months ended September 30, 2023 after factoring a net loss from discontinued operations of $822,100.
• As of September 30, 2024, cash on hand was $1,850,206 and total stockholders’ equity was $2,020,143. This compared to $2,487,481 cash on hand and total stockholders’ deficit of $9,399,769 as of December 31, 2023.

Commenting on the results, SharpLink Chairman and CEO Rob Phythian said, “The notable decline in operating expenses reflects SharpLink’s continued focus on streamlining our affiliate marketing business; and the significant improvement in our bottom line results is largely a result of our $22.5 million cash sale of our SportsHub fantasy sports and sports game development businesses to RSports Interactive, Inc. earlier this year. Since that time, we have succeeded at scouring our balance sheet, eliminating virtually all of our debt, and have turned our attention to identifying, qualifying and pursuing compelling strategic growth opportunities that we believe can best be leveraged to create and enhance long-term sustainable value for our shareholders. As we progress through to the end of the year, we look forward to sharing much greater insight into our future plans for SharpLink resulting from the collective due diligence efforts of our leadership team and our highly engaged Board of Directors.”

For more detailed information about SharpLink’s Third Quarter 2024 financial results, please refer to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed yesterday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and accessible online at sec.gov or via SharpLink’s investor relations page at investors.sharplink.com/

About SharpLink Gaming, Inc.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, SharpLink is a trusted marketing partner to leading sportsbooks and online casino gaming operators worldwide. Through its iGaming affiliate marketing network, known as PAS.net, SharpLink focuses on driving qualified traffic and player acquisitions, retention and conversions to U.S. regulated and global iGaming operator partners worldwide. In fact, PAS.net won industry recognition as the European online gambling industry’s Top Affiliate Website and Top Affiliate Program for four consecutive years by both igamingbusiness.com and igamingaffiliate.com. SharpLink also owns and operates a portfolio of direct-to-player, state-specific, affiliate marketing websites designed to attract, acquire and drive local sports betting and online casino gaming traffic to its valued partners which are licensed to operate in each respective state. For more information, please visit sharplink.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such statements include statements regarding the Company’s ability to grow its business through strategic growth opportunities, the potential benefits of the Company’s products, services and technologies and other statements that are not historical facts, including statements which may be accompanied by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including without limitation, the Company’s ability to achieve profitable operations, government regulation of online betting, customer acceptance of new products and services, the demand for its products and its customers’ economic condition, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the lengthy sales cycle, proprietary rights of the Company and its competitors, general economic conditions and other risk factors detailed in the Company’s annual report and other filings with the SEC. The Company does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

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The significance of cashback programs extends beyond mere player retention. They are a compelling incentive for new player acquisition, particularly among demographics that value financial reassurance during gameplay. By offering a partial refund on losses, operators can create a more forgiving gaming environment, encouraging players to engage more freely and frequently.

To gain deeper insights into the strategic advantages of cashback programs, we spoke to renowned industry expert Joonas Karhu. He is the CEO of Bojoko, a leading online casino affiliate platform known for its expertise in everything from exclusive offers to optimizing bingo bonuses.

In this interview, Karhu shares his insights on how cashback initiatives impact player acquisition and retention metrics, the specific player demographics that respond positively to these incentives, and the potential financial implications for operators. He also provides practical advice on effectively implementing cashback programs to maximize their benefits while mitigating associated risks.

How do cashback programs impact player acquisition and retention metrics?

From a retention perspective, cashback offers create a more forgiving gaming environment. Players are more inclined to return, knowing that some of their losses will be reimbursed. This assurance can reduce churn rates and extend the customer’s lifetime value.

You might not think that cashback programs could be a driver for new player acquisition, but they actually do have this effect, much more than UK casinos might expect. We have a page highlighting British casino sites with cashback bonus offers available, and from this, we have seen some interesting data.

Hundreds of Brits are specifically looking for casinos with cashback every month, and while smaller than many other searches, such as free spins, etc., this traffic and niche interest should not be ignored. Additionally, players will also take cashback into consideration when reading casino reviews and comparing websites. Adding cashback is a positive factor across the board.

Are there specific types of players who respond more positively to cashback incentives?

Cashback programs tend to resonate particularly well with the types of players you want at your casino, namely regular recreational players and high rollers.

For the former group, it is about a safety net and better odds. The logic is somewhat similar for high rollers, but the numbers they are playing for are huge, and you should strongly consider making your cashback for VIP rollers real cash rather than bonus money. Highrollers are used to getting money straight into their hands, have alternatives, and will be picky.

What are the potential financial implications for operators offering cashback programs?

While cashback programs involve returning a portion of losses to players, the long-term financial benefits often outweigh the immediate costs. Yes, you will lower the house edge, but in return, enhanced player retention leads to sustained revenue streams.

However, it’s crucial for operators to carefully design these programs to ensure they are financially sustainable, balancing player incentives with the company’s profitability goals. This is especially key for highroller incentives.

How can operators effectively implement cashback programs to maximize their benefits?

Operators should tailor cashback programs to align with their target audience’s preferences and behaviors. If you have a solid VIP or high roller base, have a separate system for them. Tiered loyalty programs or VIP programs work as well. It is also possible to only make cashback available for your VIP players if you have data showing that your regular incentives do enough to retain recreational players.

Are there any risks or downsides associated with cashback programs that operators should be aware of?

The only real risk is miscalculating your profit margins, especially when it comes to high rollers. Be careful that big wins from one set of players, coupled with high cashback payouts to others, are planned. The unexpected does happen, and you need to be prepared for it.

If you plan cashback right, there is no real risk. You are simply trading a small percentage of your house edge for retention. Just ensure the house edge is squarely on your side, and should you end up with a very high RTP overall, be sure to advertise it for maximum potential. There’s also a very large group of British players that really cares about payout percentages, and being over 96-97% can give you a nice additional boost in acquisitions.

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