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Betsson Group – strong full-year operating profit thanks to geographical spread and efficient organisation

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Betsson Group - strong full-year operating profit thanks to geographical spread and efficient organisation
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QUARTER OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019

  • Group revenue was SEK 1,289.5 (1,436.6) million, a decrease of 10 percent with an organic  decrease of 11 percent.
  • Casino revenue declined by 10 percent and Sportsbook revenue declined by 9 percent. The sportsbook margin was 6.8 (7.3) percent.
  • Operating income (EBIT) was SEK 200.5 (341.5) million. The variance was mainly due to decreased revenue. The EBIT margin was 15.5 (23.8) percent.
  • Operating cash flow amounted to SEK 237.8 (289.3) million.

FULL YEAR 2019

  • Group revenue was SEK 5,173.0 (5,419.8) million, a decrease of 5 percent, reported and organic.
  • Operating income (EBIT) was SEK 865.0 (1,193.8) million, corresponding to an operating margin of 16.7 (22.0) percent.
  • Net income was SEK 787.1 (1,078.1) million, corresponding to SEK 5.69 (7.79) per share.
  • Operating cash flow amounted to SEK 1,150.3 (1,273.3) million.
  • The Board of Directors proposes to the AGM that SEK 393.1 (538.4) million, which corresponds to SEK 2.84 (3.89) per share, is distributed to shareholders.

FOURTH QUARTER

Revenue for the fourth quarter was SEK 1,289.5 million, a decrease compared to the same quarter last year but an increase compared to the previous quarter. Development in Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands have continued to be weak, while other markets in which Betsson operates, locally regulated and non-locally regulated, have performed well. The sportsbook margin for the fourth quarter at 6.8 percent is slightly lower than the previous two quarters, which impacted the sportsbook’s revenue for the quarter negatively. Sportsbook gross turnover on the other hand, have developed strongly both during the fourth quarter and the full year 2019, with an increase during the quarter of 15 percent compared with the same period last year and 6 percent for the full year. Operating profit (EBIT) for the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 200.5 million, which corresponds to an operating margin of 15.5 percent.

CEO COMMENTS

2019 full-year operating profit of SEK 865 million shows that  Betsson can deliver despite several market challanges

“We are proud to present an operating profit for the full year 2019 of SEK 865 million. The operating profit shows Betsson’s ability to deliver profitability, also during the challenges that 2019 entailed. We had expected some recovery in the closing fourth quarter, above all in the Swedish market, but we did not reach our objectives there. Up until now, one year after the Swedish re-regulation, we have still not seen the market consolidation that we expect due to the great number of operators, many of them showing no profitability. On the other hand, we have seen declining channelisation, which makes it difficult for the licensed operators who pay 18 percent gaming tax and it also jeopardizes consumer protection. High channelisation contributes to competition on equal terms for the companies in the sector that operate in the Swedish market.

During its long history, Betsson has grown more than the market. In 2019, we had a notch in this curve, but our long-term ambition to grow more than the market, organically and through acquisitions, remains. Our efficient organisation, the strong cash flow and the strong financial position provide a good foundation for acquisitions. During the fourth quarter we made a minor strategic acquisition and continue to analyse several opportunities, both in locally regulated markets and in markets that will be regulated. By further increasing the geographical distribution, we can reduce the impact of temporary downturns in individual markets.

The geographical and product distribution provide stability and also gives us the opportunity to be sustainable in our long-term efforts to run a profitable business with growth and good margins. Betsson is continuously investing in the development of the product offering and it is gratifying to get an acknowledgment that we do the right things. We saw an increase in active customers during the fourth quarter by 3 percent compared to the fourth quarter of last year 9 percent compared to the third quarter. Our in-house developed sportsbook with constantly improved performance delivers good customer experiences, sales growth and good profitability. The high performance also makes it an attractive third-party product. We have previously stated that our ambition is to offer the sportsbook to external customers and we have concluded the first deal with a third party at the beginning of the current year. We are now looking forward to the European Football Championship in June.”

ABOUT BETSSON:

Betsson AB (publ) is a holding company that invests in and manages fast-growing companies within online gaming. The company is one of the largest in online gaming in Europe and has the ambition to outgrow the market, organically and through acquisitions. This should be done in a profitable and sustainable manner, primarily in locally regulated markets. Betsson AB is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm Large Cap (BETS).

Betsson’s operational subsidiaries’ vision is to deliver the best customer experience in the industry. They offer casino, sportsbook and other games via gaming licences in twelve countries in Europe and Central Asia. The business model is to offer gaming under multiple brands, including Betsson, Betsafe, NordicBet and Casinoeuro. The brands are operated on a proprietary platform, which is the core of the offer and the customer experience.

Being a responsible operator in relation to customers, suppliers, authorities, investors and other stakeholders is a cornerstone of the Betsson’s business. Betsson is a member of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), ESSA (Sports Betting Integrity) and G4 (The Global Gambling Guidance Group).

Learn more about the Group on www.betssonab.com

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BOS agrees with KV’s/KO’s advertising assessment of “Trisskrapet” in TV4

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The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) agrees with the Swedish Consumer Agency’s (KV) and the Consumer Ombudsman’s (KO) assessment that the daily scratch card commercial “Trisskrapet” in TV4 is an advertising feature, and thus not an editorial feature. BOS welcomes that KO is now ending that part of the process.

If Svenska Spel does not stop the advertising elements, BOS looks forward to KV following up on its earlier call to Svenska Spel to comply with the provisions on advertising identification and broadcaster declaration in section 9 of the Marketing Act and the information obligation in ch. 15. Section 3 of the Gambling Act with information on the 18-year-old age limit and where to turn in case of gambling problems.

– The Swedish gambling market must be characterized by a high level of consumer protection. A cornerstone of good consumer protection is that people are clear about what constitutes gambling advertising, i.e. that they are not tricked into thinking that an advertising feature would instead be an editorial feature. The daily “Trisskrapet” on TV4 has been anything but clear on that point, and we welcome that KO now finally establishes that the features constitute advertising and nothing else, says Gustaf Hoffstedt.

– Now it remains for Svenska Spel to introduce the mandatory consumer protection labelling of Trisskrapet. Since the company has not shown any excessive eagerness to introduce this voluntarily, KO should ensure that this happens as soon as possible. Every day and every “Trisskrapet” that does not contain the mandatory consumer protection label is another lost day for a safe and secure gambling market, Gustaf Hoffstedt concludes.

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Balkans

Expanse Studios Launches in Bulgaria with Inbet

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Expanse Studios, a leader in online gaming innovation, has secured a Bulgarian iGaming license and is now live on Inbet’s website. This expansion brings Expanse Studios’ popular game offerings including turn-based strategies gamified for iGaming, classic slots, traditional card games and the highly-acclaimed ones like Titan Roulette, Clown Fever Deluxe, Wild Icy Fruits, White Wild Whale and Joker Poker to Bulgarian players.

Diverse Gaming Portfolio Now Available to Bulgarian Players

With the Bulgarian market entry, Expanse Studios introduces a versatile gaming experience to Inbet’s platform. The offerings include a dynamic range of games tailored to diverse player preferences:

  • Turn-based strategy games: Leveraging gamification, these games transform traditional strategy gameplay into engaging iGaming experiences, suitable for both novice and experienced players.
  • Classic slots: Players will enjoy a variety of themed slots that combine traditional gameplay with modern graphics and sound.
  • Traditional card games: A selection of popular card games offer something for every card game enthusiast.
  • Titan Roulette: This standout feature, known for its immersive experience and innovative design, continues to be a favorite among roulette players.

Commitment to Quality and Compliance

Expanse Studios not only cultivates a diverse gaming library but also adheres to stringent regulatory standards to ensure a secure and fair gaming environment. The acquisition of the Bulgarian iGaming license is a testament to Expanse Studios’ commitment to compliance and excellence in the gaming industry.

The partnership between Expanse Studios and Inbet marks a significant milestone in Expanse Studios’ expansion efforts. By combining Expanse Studios’ innovative gaming solutions with Inbet’s established market presence, both entities are set to offer a superior gaming experience to players in Bulgaria and potentially beyond. As Expanse Studios continues to develop and release new games monthly, Bulgarian players can look forward to a continually evolving and enriching gaming landscape.

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Conferences in Europe

CasinoBeats Summit 2024: Providing the Tools to Balance Innovation and Regulation in the Digital Age

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As the industry seeks optimal methods to responsibly integrate innovative technology, the upcoming CasinoBeats Summit will provide delegates with an exploration of the latest emerging technologies, regulatory frameworks and future trends to ensure a safe yet immersive gaming experience for players.

The Industry and Leadership track will take place across both core days of the CasinoBeats Summit, May 22 to 23 at the InterContinental Malta. Panel sessions will delve into key topics such as global gaming regulations, the evolving digital payment landscape and an in-depth exploration of the world of M&A.

The panel entitled Responsible Gambling in the Digital Age will delve into the latest responsible gambling initiatives influencing the digital landscape. Expert speakers Pedro Romero (RG Consultant and psychologist, University of Gibraltar), Matthew Curtis (Head of Responsible Gaming, L&L), Georgia Wise (Head of Responsible Gaming, PlayNorth), Eduards Jakubovs (Head of Responsible Gaming, Betsson) and panel moderator Maris Catania (Senior SG Consultant, SG: Certified) will analyse the impact of landmark regulatory guidelines such as the 3.4.3 regulation on remote customer interaction and the United Kingdom’s ‘white paper’ as well as discuss the latest distinctions between regulated, grey and black markets.

The Industry Trends and Future Predictions panel will look at the future of the casino sector, examining upcoming industry trends and their potential impact. Industry leaders Itai Zak (Executive Director, Digicode, and former/ex-Chief Executive Officer, SBTech), Matthew D’Emanuele (Chief Executive Officer, Yolo Entertainment), Alexander Martin (Chief Executive Officer, SKS365), Inesa Glazaite (Chief Commercial Officer, iGaming Platform), Dmitry Starostenkov (Chief Executive Officer, EvenBet) alongside panel moderator Martyn Elliott (Project Director, SBC Media) will offer insights into key emerging markets, innovative game formats and strategies to effectively cater to evolving player needs.

Commencing the second day is the panel entitled The Evolving Landscape of Gaming Sector Payments, which will explore the current state of the industry’s payment sector. Expert speakers Sean Spiteri (Head of Payment Solutions, PressEnter), Enrico Giancaterina (Managing Director, Funtech) and Ian Perrygrove (Chief Risk Officer, Kwiff) will discuss the current payment innovations driven by the casino sector, analyse the future of digital payment methods and the potential risks of such rapid innovations.

The Navigating the Future: Global Gaming Regulations panel will explore strategies to effectively address the challenges posed by current and future global regulations. Regulator representatives Aideen Shortt, (Advisor to the Minister, Curacao), Andrew Lyman (Gambling Commissioner and Executive Director, Gibraltar), Andrew Rhodes (Chief Executive, Gambling Commission) and Brandon Debattista (Deputy Chief Regulatory Officer, Malta Gaming Authority) will provide insights into their respective markets whilst assessing the possibility of a unified global regulatory standard and the importance of cross-market collaboration.

Additionally, track attendees will have the opportunity to garner insights into the world of acquisition and investment during an exclusive IMGL-led masterclass, Acquisition Strategy: Gearing up for Investment, which is set to take place on Thursday, May 23, the second core day of the event.

For groups of three or more, you can purchase the Group Pass Ticket and gain access to all three days of the CasinoBeats Summit for the discounted price of €400 per person (a saving of €200 per ticket). Additionally, operators and affiliates can apply for a free pass to the event.

You can keep up-to-date with the latest news, speakers and exhibitor additions and conference content by subscribing to the bi-weekly CasinoBeats Summit LinkedIn newsletter.

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