Industry News
Net Gaming carries out restructuring and issues forecast for Q2 2020
Net Gaming’s operations have performed well during Q2, showing both organic growth and improved underlying profitability in adjusted EBITDA. The Company is in an intensive transformation phase, after Robert Andersson took over as CEO, which means that a reorganisation has been initiated. The reorganisation, which is aimed at creating better conditions for future growth, means that the second quarter has been affected by non-recurring costs.
The reorganisation of the business and transformation to Acroud AB have begun during Q2. The reorganisation involves, among other things, closing the Swedish office and centralising the business to Malta, in order to create a more efficient and cost-effective organisation. The reorganisation will bring annual savings of EUR 0.3m, with full effect from Q3. The reorganisation will give rise to non-recurring costs of EUR 0.5m during Q2 2020, charged to operating profit (EBITDA). The Company has also decided to recognise an impairment loss of EUR 0.5m on assets related to the PokerLoco brand, which will not be included in the new growth strategy adopted in 2020, focusing on fewer products. In parallel, refinancing of the business has been successfully secured in Q2, also resulting in non-recurring costs of approximately EUR 0.3m related to a consent fee, charged to net financial items. Net financial items have also been adversely affected by EUR/SEK exchange rate fluctuations of approximately EUR 1.2m in the first two months of the quarter, as the bond loan is denominated in SEK. The Company’s reported profit after tax for Q2 has been negatively affected by the above factors.
“The underlying operations have shown positive development during Q2, with sequential organic growth of 14%, but also compared with the previous year. It should be noted that a large proportion of the items having a negative impact on Q2 earnings are non-cash items and of an accounting nature. The offensive initiatives and the reorganisation we are now implementing create the conditions for future growth and a brand new Acroud AB that will stand stronger in the future. With Sports betting on the doorstep and a company that is now optimised for the future, we feel strong as we embark on the growth journey we have begun. As proposed to the AGM, we also hope to be able to change our track to the new Acroud AB, which will be a new milestone,” says CEO Robert Andersson.
Forecast Q2 2020
Revenue is expected to amount to EUR 3.6m in Q2 2020, 14 percent higher than in Q1 2020 and 4 percent higher than in Q2 2019.
Adjusted EBITDA (adjusted for non-recurring costs related to reorganisation and rebranding) is expected to amount to EUR 2.1m, 21 percent higher than in Q1 2020 and 4 percent higher than in Q2 2019. The adjusted EBITDA margin for Q2 2020 is expected to be 58 percent.
Reported EBITDA is expected to amount to EUR 1.6m, 10 percent lower than in Q1 2020 and 23 percent lower than in Q2 2019. The EBITDA margin for Q2 2020 is expected to be 43 percent
Reported profit after tax is expected to amount to EUR -1.2m, compared with EUR 2.8m in Q1 2020 and EUR 1.2m in Q2 2019, which was adversely affected by the above-mentioned non-recurring costs and exchange rate fluctuations related to the loan financing. Adjusted for non-recurring costs and exchange rate fluctuations, Adjusted profit after tax for Q2 2020 amounts to EUR 1.4m.
At 30 June 2020, the cash position is estimated at EUR 3.0-3.2m. The Company’s interest-bearing net debt is expected to be EUR 21.5m, corresponding to a debt/equity ratio, defined as net debt/EBITDA, of 3.0x, based on estimated LTM EBITDA at 30 June 2020.
Robert Andersson, President and CEO
All figures are unaudited and based on management accounts. The next financial update is scheduled to take place in connection with this year’s Q2 report on 13 August 2020.
About Net Gaming:
Net Gaming owns, operates and develops high-quality comparison sites, mainly in iGaming affiliation, for the purpose of helping our partners by channelling high-quality users to the Company’s customers – primarily iGaming operators. Through the sites, Net Gaming generates high-quality users, primarily to global iGaming operators. The Company, which was founded in 2003, has just over 70 employees and is headquartered in Malta.
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.”
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