Industry News
Nektan Q3 FY19 TRADING UPDATE
Nektan plc, the fast growing, award-winning international gaming technology platform and services provider, is pleased to announce a trading update for the third quarter of its financial year ending 30 June 2019 (Q3 FY19).
During the quarter, overall revenue rose 5.9% on the same period a year ago (Q3 FY18). The B2B division reported record growth and revenues, while B2C experienced a decline in KPIs as announced in the Company’s unaudited interim results released on 25 March 2019, due to a number of factors impacting FTDs and deposits, including seasonality, increased UK regulation around player marketing and verifications and a delay in the granting of the Company’s Swedish operator licence. The Board expects trading to improve in the next quarter (Q4 FY19).
The figures stated below are all unaudited.
KPIs
Q3 FY19 | Q2 FY19** | Change | Q3 FY18** | Change | |
Revenue* | £5.4m | £6.4m | -15.6% | £5.1m | 5.9% |
B2C Net Gaming Revenue | £5.1m | £6.2m | -17.7% | £5.1m | 0% |
B2B Revenue | £0.35m | £0.2m | 75.0% | £83k | 322% |
B2C First Time Depositors (FTDs) | 31,914 | 36,328 | -12.2% | 36,359 | -12.2% |
B2C Cash Wagering | £141m | £168m | -16.0% | £142.4m | -1.0% |
*Net Gaming Revenue (jackpot adjusted) from B2C and Revenue Share from B2B
**adjusted
*calculated using underlying, non-rounded figures
Highlights
- Global sales pipeline of future B2B and B2C partners remains strong.
- Growth trajectory remains on track and having reported European EBITDA break-even in H1 FY19, this is forecast to continue in H2 FY19, with break-even expected for FY19 (30 June 2019).
- B2B – revenue increased 75.0% to £0.35m in Q3 FY19, up from £0.2m in Q2 FY19 (up 322% on Q3 FY18).
- B2B – 10 partners currently live and further distribution deals signed with 7 new partners, including the recently announced Bede. All due to go live in Q4 FY19.
- B2B – E-Lite platform and content distribution deal signed with Addison Global’s MoPlay.
- B2B – benefitting from its speed of integration and breadth of premium gaming content.
- B2C – network now with a total of 152 white label casino sites live, with 10 new partner contracts signed in the period.
- B2C – trading is expected to improve in Q4 FY19 due to the continued growth and breadth of the Company’s casino network.
Gaming Content Update
- Games content is increasing across both B2C and B2B with the total number of available games increased to 834 (750 in Q2 FY19, an increase of 11%), from a total of 38 games providers (27 in Q2 FY19, an increase of 41%).
- Content aggregation deals signed with leading studios Leander and Rock Salt.
North America Update
- Nektan’s US subsidiary, Respin LLC (Respin), soft launched its Class II and Class III mobile ‘On Premise’ product with a major tier-one casino group at one of its properties in California.
- Signed a new contract with one of the largest casinos in Palm Springs, California.
- The proposed sale of the majority shareholding of Nektan’s US subsidiary, Respin, is being finalised and the Company expects to enter into a binding contract for the sale shortly, but in any event no later than 30 April 2019.
Lucy Buckley, Chief Executive Officer of Nektan, said:
“Q3 has been another record quarter of growth for our rapidly emerging B2B business. We continue to see strong demand for our award-winning casino technology as evidenced by the signing of 7 significant B2B partners during Q3 FY19. Having achieved EBITDA break-even in H1 of this financial year, a key achievement for Nektan, we remain on track to be break-even in FY19. As reported in our interim results announcement on 25 March 2019, whilst the headlines revenue figures are slightly down on Q2, our growing portfolio of partners means that we do not expect a repeat of what was a quiet period by historical standards.
Developments on the sale of our majority stake in the US division Respin are progressing and we expect to conclude this shortly and before 30 April 2019. This transaction will mean us maintaining a material stake in the emerging US market while removing the cash burn of this business. As a result of that deal, the other inter-conditional transactions, namely the fund raising and CLN conversion, are due to complete as well, putting Nektan in a very strong position to capitalise on our global growth prospects.”
For further information on the Group, please contact:
Nektan
Lucy Buckley, Chief Executive Officer Gary Shaw, Executive Officer |
+44 20 3463 8735 |
Stockdale Securities Limited (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker)
Tom Griffiths / David Coaten |
+44 20 7601 6100 |
Smaller Company Capital Limited (Joint Broker)
Rupert Williams / Jeremy Woodgate |
+44 20 3651 2911 |
Nominis Advisory (PR Adviser)
Angus Campbell |
+44 7 881 625 098
Email: [email protected] |
Further information on Nektan can be found on the Group’s website at www.nektan.com.
About Nektan:
Nektan is a fast growing, international gaming technology and services provider, specialising in mobile casino. It licenses its proprietary technology to leading operators including BetVictor and provides end-to-end technology and white label casino services for leading brands including News International’s, The Sun Play.
Nektan’s full end-to-end technology platform, Evolve, enables the management of the full customer experience and back-office operations, allowing partners to focus on marketing the product to their consumers.
The E-Lite platform is Nektan’s B2B gaming content aggregator and bonusing platform that delivers a wide range of premium content from the world’s leading game studios. It is an easily-integrated add on module for operators, giving them an array of options and flexibility on how they manage and distribute a breadth of premium gaming content across their networks.
Nektan’s US operating subsidiary, Respin, provides US land-based casinos with an in-venue mobile gaming solution. It allows operators to add mobile technology and content to their existing offerings, with products accessible to players across both cabinets and mobile devices inside casinos.
Headquartered in Gibraltar, Nektan is regulated by the Gibraltar Licensing Authority, the UK Gambling Commission and the Information Commissioners Office. As a socially responsible license holder, Nektan endeavours to deliver a safe, secure and robust player gaming experience.
Nektan plc was admitted to the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in November 2014.
Industry News
LiveScore Group Announces Internal Restructuring as Part of Sustainable Growth Strategy
LiveScore Group has announced an internal restructuring process, expected to impact more than 100 existing roles across multiple business locations, including London.
The changes are seen as a difficult yet important step for LiveScore Group, streamlining the business to create improved structures and a pathway to long-term sustainable growth. All impacted employees have been informed and are now subject to a confidential consultation process.
Sam Sadi, CEO of LiveScore Group, said: “On behalf of all Directors of LiveScore Group, and the relevant subsidiary companies, we are saddened by the difficult decision to commence an internal restructure of the business, a process which impacts a significant number of our people.
“Whilst we celebrate our recent period of significant and exciting growth, we must now future-proof the organisation and ensure our internal structures allow us to achieve long-term and sustainable success.
“This is a hard time for all our people, as we say goodbye to colleagues who have played an important role in our journey across recent years.”
The announcement follows on from the recent news that LiveScore Malta Limited (part of LiveScore Group) is to withdraw its LiveScore Bet brand from the Netherlands following recent government tax increases in the market. The announcement includes those impacted by this. There will be no other customer impact in respect of any of the remaining LiveScore, LiveScore Bet or Virgin Bet sites globally.
Industry News
Pronet Gaming Appoints Alex Karaoulis as its New Commercial & Product Strategy Lead
Pronet Gaming, an award-winning platform provider of full turnkey solutions, announced the appointment of Alexandros Karaoulis as its new Commercial & Product Strategy Lead.
With over 14 years of experience in the iGaming industry, Karaoulis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be instrumental in driving the company’s strategic initiatives forward.
Throughout his iGaming career, Karaoulis has held various senior roles with B2B sportsbook and casino providers, as well as with B2C operators. His extensive background in marketing and sales within the iGaming sector positions him as a true industry expert, ensuring that Pronet Gaming remains at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly evolving market.
“I am thrilled to join Pronet Gaming and excited to fulfill my role in developing and executing sales strategies to drive the company’s revenue growth in key markets,” Karaoulis said.
With a track record in commercial strategies and driving product excellence, Karaoulis’ appointment is invaluable as Pronet Gaming now seeks to expand its footprint to Asia. His vision and deep understanding of the iGaming landscape equip him to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that the dynamic region presents.
“I want Pronet Gaming to lead the iGaming revolution by providing innovative, culturally tailored solutions that cater to the diverse and rapidly growing demands of the region. Through strategic partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and a deep understanding of local markets, we aim to empower operators to offer world-class gaming experiences that engage players and drive sustainable growth,” he added.
According to Karaoulis, Pronet Gaming is poised to make a splash in Asia by leveraging its advanced technology, flexible platform solutions and deep market expertise while adapting to the unique characteristics of the region.
“The key differentiation point of Pronet Gaming is that we have B2C experience, which greatly aids in understanding the needs of operators and helping them to improve and execute their strategy according to the market. I have worked in B2C roles for more than seven years in my iGaming Career and managed campaigns across various channels, optimised conversion funnels, and learned to use data to improve player acquisition and retention,” said Karaoulis.
Karaoulis acknowledges that the marketing skills he has acquired from B2C experience are valuable in every B2B environment. As he dives into his new role at Pronet Gaming, Karaoulis aims to guide his operator clients on how to better market their own sites, including providing them with advice on effective acquisition strategies, content marketing and campaign structures that appeal to iGaming audiences.
“I also focus heavily on engagement strategies, loyalty programs, bonuses, and personalised offers to keep players active and returning. In my new B2B role, I will advise clients on best practices for player engagement, helping them adopt effective loyalty programs, personalised marketing, and retention tactics that drive player lifetime value to improve the end-player experience for our clients’ sites,” Karaoulis added.
Industry News
Vbet Wins Best Online Casino Operator 2024 at SiGMA Europe 2024
Vbet has been crowned the Best Online Casino Operator 2024 at the highly coveted SiGMA Europe event, cementing its position as a leader in the online gaming industry.
This achievement highlights Vbet’s commitment to providing an exceptional user experience by combining cutting-edge technology with a vast range of options and a secure process. The dedication to creating a responsible, enjoyable environment for players was recognised with this award, making this accolade even more significant. As Vbet continue to expand into new markets, the list of strategic partnerships grows alongside our constant drive to expand its offering. This award serves as a stepping stone on its path to reach more players and set new standards in the industry.
Arman Khachatryan, VBET’s Managing Director, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive the Best Online Casino Operator award at SiGMA Europe 2024. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, passion, and effort of our entire team. Our mission has always been to deliver the highest quality experience in the safest environment possible to our users. This award not only recognizes our dedication to this mission but also motivates us to continue expanding into new markets and territories.”
-
Latest News2 days ago
Make every pixel personal: Opera GX facelift lets you match your browser to your setup down to the smallest detail
-
Latest News2 days ago
Casino Management System Market to Reach USD 29.09 Billion by 2032 | Enhanced Security and Operational Efficiency Drive Growth | Research by S&S Insider
-
Latest News2 days ago
Fast Track Celebrates Third Year as a Great Place to Work Certified™ Tech Company
-
Africa4 days ago
South Africa: Tribunal Grants Lottoland Interim Relief – Orders Google to Grant Lottoland Access to its Advertising Platform
-
Latest News2 days ago
IBIA Upgrades Technology Platform to Strengthen Global Betting Integrity Efforts
-
Latest News2 days ago
ACR POKER ADDS BLITZ BONUS BOOST TO NOVEMBER CALENDAR AS $20 MILLION GTD WINTER OSS ENTERS FINAL DAYS
-
Latest News2 days ago
Crypto Sportsbook, Sportsbet.io’s player wins huge $3.2m jackpot from $5 spin
-
Balkans4 days ago
CT Interactive Shortlisted in Two Categories at BEGE Awards 2024