WorldMatch, leading provider of premium online gaming solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with KGI, marking a significant milestone in its expansion into the Philippine market. The collaboration with KGI represents WorldMatch’s inaugural and exclusive direct client in the Philippines, positioning the company as a key player in this burgeoning market.

As part of this partnership, WorldMatch has obtained certification for its games by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards. This certification underscores WorldMatch’s commitment to providing high-quality gaming content that meets the strict requirements of regulated markets.

“The partnership with KGI and the certification by PAGCOR mark a pivotal moment for WorldMatch. Entering the Philippine market represents a significant opportunity for us to expand our presence in a regulated and rapidly growing industry. We are excited to collaborate with KGI and deliver our cutting-edge gaming solutions to players in the region,” said Xhuljana Demerxhiu, Head of Sales at WorldMatch.

The Philippines is a key market for the online gaming industry, with its robust regulatory framework and growing demand for innovative gaming experiences. By partnering with KGI and obtaining PAGCOR certification, WorldMatch is poised to capitalize on this opportunity and establish a strong foothold in the region.

Mr. Marvin A. Tort, President of KGI, said: “KGI is looking forward to this collaboration with WorldMatch, which is well known for its innovative gaming products with engaging gameplay. We are proud to be their partner in this region.”

Activity of monopoly operators (FDJ and PMU): growth dynamics for FDJ and declining activity for PMU

The activities of La Française Des Jeux (FDJ) and PMU represent 78.5% of the total market gross profit.

The gross profit of FDJ activities reaches €3.5 billion in the first half of 2024, up 5.5% compared to the first half of 2023.

These good performances are mainly due to sports betting activities in points of sale and in competition, the GGR of which increased by 14% to reach €611 million over this period.

The lottery activity (composed of draw and scratch games) saw its gross sales increase to a level 4 times higher than last year (4% in 2024, or €2.9 billion, compared to 1% in 2023).

More specifically, the draw (+2.1% in turnover) benefited from attractive jackpot amounts for Euromilions players and the continued installation of the new EuroDreams game. For their part, scratch games continued their growth (+6.7% in turnover), driven in particular by the launches of Ticket d’or and Maxi Black Jack.

For the first time since the end of Covid, PMU activity in the first half of 2024 is down compared to the same period in 2023. Both the stakes and the PBJ are down (respectively -2% and -2.3%), bringing them back to levels below 2022. The first quarter of 2024 weighed heavily on these results, with a drop of around 4% in stakes and the PBJ.

Activity of licensed online gaming operators: a semester with strong growth with disparities depending on the gaming segments

The first half of 2024 is marked by an increase in the GGR of the online market of 11% (i.e. €1.3 billion in GGR). This amount exceeds the previous historical high point recorded in the first half of 2021 (€1.2 billion). However, this increase masks disparities between the different segments with sports betting achieving a record first half (+16% GGR compared to H1 2023) , poker having experienced more moderate growth in its GGR (+2%) and horse racing betting showing a slight decline (-2%).

The gross profit for this semester is composed of 67% gross profit from sports betting , 20% gross profit from online poker and 13% gross profit from horse racing betting .

The total number of APAs increased by 13% over the period to reach 4.3M. This increase is mainly observed in sports betting (+16%, or 3.6M APAs) and, to a lesser extent, in poker, which saw its number of active player accounts (APAs) increase over the last months of the half-year (+11%, or nearly 1.5M APAs).

SPORTS BETTING: a very profitable half-year due to the Euro football championship and the good performances of French clubs

At the end of the first half of 2024, the level of bets recorded a growth of 24%, or €5.2 billion. Football accounts for 53% of bets. At the same time, the GGR increased by 16% to reach €871 million.

This development marks a very profitable half-year for sports betting, due to the Euro football championship but also the excellent performances of French clubs in major football competitions (PSG in the semi-finals of the Champions League, Olympique de Marseille in the semi-finals of the Europa League).

This sharp increase in the GGR is accompanied by that of the CJA (+16% between the first halves of 2023 and 2024) and exceeds, in absolute amount, the record of the first half of 2021. A peak in recruitment is observed in June (+63%) and is explained by the marketing campaigns and acquisition strategies of the operators during the period of the Euro Football.

Overall, whatever the ratio chosen, the intensity of play seems to be increasing (+13% for the average bet placed, +7% for the average stake per CJA).

HORSE RACING BETTING: an increase in stakes and an expansion of the pool of players

After a moderate increase in its level of activity in 2023, the online horse racing betting segment is this time recording a more significant increase in its stakes, of around 6%, for a total of €787 million at the end of the first half of 2024 .

Unlike stakes, the GGR will decline by 2% between the first half of 2023 and that of 2024. However, it remains in the same order of magnitude as at the end of the Covid crisis, i.e. around €170 million.

The number of CJA increases by 3% between the first half of 2023 and 2024 (i.e. nearly 500k CJA), reaching a new record for the horse racing betting segment. This increase echoes in particular that of the number of bets: +3% compared to the first half of 2023, to reach 254M bets.

ONLINE POKER: a growing segment, with a slower pace than in 2023

Online poker gross sales reached €257 million, 2% more than in the first half of the previous year.

Despite the relative slowdown in its growth, online poker has a solid unique player base of 1.2 million players, up more than 10% for the second year in a row.

This consolidation of the player pool may originate, to a certain extent, from the cross-selling strategies carried out between this segment and that of sports betting. Indeed, the number of CJA increased significantly in June, with an increase of 31.1%, compared to June 2023. This strong increase in CJA, with a GGR that increases moderately, suggests the recruitment of occasional players or those who are discovering the poker offer.

The Golden Palace Group, a key player in the gaming sector, announced the forthcoming opening of its fourth casino in France, in Digne-les-Bains. Scheduled to open in 2027, this unique project represents a new milestone in the Group’s ambitious expansion plan across France.

Architecture for natural integration

The Digne-les-Bains casino will be built in the heart of a green setting, in a unique natural environment. With its timeless architecture, the establishment will respect the town’s ecological and urban balance. The project will emphasize harmonious integration into the local landscape while offering a modern infrastructure, including a gaming hall, restaurant, bar and a space specially designed to host cultural events and shows.

A catalyst for local dynamism

The Digne-les-Bains casino project is not just about entertainment. It will play a key role in the region’s economic development. It will create 30 direct jobs, while generating financial spin-offs estimated at 18 million euros for the municipality. This new attraction will contribute to the vitality of Digne-les-Bains, enhancing its appeal for residents and visitors alike.

A strong commitment to responsible gaming

Since its creation, the Golden Palace Group has always been committed to providing a safe and responsible gaming environment. The Digne-les-Bains casino is no exception to this rule. Initiatives will be put in place to raise players’ awareness of the risks associated with excessive gambling, and to provide them with the tools they need to practice their profession in a responsible manner. The protection and well-being of players remain priorities for the Group.

A project designed for and with the region

The Digne-les-Bains casino was designed not only with tourists in mind, but also, and above all, with local residents in mind. As Massimo Menegalli, CEO of the Golden Palace Group, explains: “This casino was envisioned not just for the people of Digne-les-Bains, but also for tourists. We are convinced that it is possible to create respectful and responsible recreational facilities that benefit everyone.”

Scheduled to open in 2027

Scheduled to open in 2027, the Casino Golden Palace Digne-les-Bains will represent a major milestone in the Group’s expansion in France. The project embodies Golden Palace’s commitment to developing innovative entertainment venues that meet local expectations, while respecting environmental and social issues.