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Aspire Global: Interim Report First Quarter 2022

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RECORD HIGH REVENUES OF €46.3 MILLION IN Q1 2022

  • Revenues increased by 31.7% to €46.3 million (35.2).
  • EBITDA increased by 18.7 % to €8.2 million (6.9).
  • The EBITDA margin amounted to 17.8% (19.7%).
  • EBIT increased by 13.6% to € 5.6 million (4.9).
  • Earnings after tax increased by 4.7% to €4.8 million (4.5).
  • Earnings per share amounted to €0.10 (0.10)

*B2C as discontinued operations in Q1 2021 and based on net royalties during Q1 2022.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE QUARTER AND AFTER THE END OF THE QUARTER

  • GLI-19 certification received for launch of Aspire Global’s broad offering in the US and Canada.
  • The complete offering licensed in the Netherlands.
  • Key platform and managed services deals with BoyleSports for the Netherlands, with ITSP for Germany and with esports operator WIN Group.
  • Pariplay gained license in Ontario and provisional license in Michigan.
  • Pariplay signed multi-state deal with US operator Golden Nugget and agreement to supply its content to Alberta Gaming.
  • Aspire Global awarded sports betting license in Denmark.

UPDATE ON THE PUBLIC TENDER OFFER MADE BY NEOGAMES

  • On 17 January 2022, a public tender offer was made by NeoGames to the shareholders of Aspire Global to tender all their shares in the Company to NeoGames. An offer document regarding the Offer was published on 26 April 2022. The acceptance period for the Offer commenced on 27 April 2022 and ends on 25 May 2022. The expected settlement date is around 14 June 2022.

KEY FIGURES

CEO COMMENTS

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“ASPIRE GLOBAL HAS CLEARLY ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A LEADING IGAMING SUPPLIER IN REGULATED MARKETS”

We have a continued strong business momentum and the quarterly performance once again demonstrates the strengths of our offering and the capabilities of our highly motivated team. Aspire Global has set new records in the quarter with revenues of €46.3 million and EBITDA of €8.2 million. I´m especially proud to see the progress we have made in the quarter in North America as well as in regulated European markets by adding tier 1-operators to our client list and being awarded additional certifications. Aspire Global has clearly established itself as a leading iGaming supplier in regulated markets.

Today, after the divestment of the B2C segment in December 2021, Aspire Global is a clearly focused B2B company. It should be noted, that the numbers we provide in this report have been calculated on a discontinued basis and the divested B2C operation is reported as a B2B partner and also based on proforma basis for the comparison period according to the agreed commercial terms. We hope this transparency will help to increase the understanding of the development of our B2B operation.

STRONG COMBINATION WITH NEOGAMES

A key event in the quarter is of course the offer by NeoGames to Aspire Global’s shareholders. Aspire Global’s entire operations will form a new iGaming division within NeoGames. Together, our companies will generate significant long-term value by creating synergies and capitalizing on the key strengths of the entities by positioning them for expansion in both new and existing markets. We look forward to being a part of NeoGames and I’m very excited about our promising growth opportunities in this new strong business combination.

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With a revenue growth of 31.7% in the quarter, driven by the strong business momentum, we have further strengthened our market position. In the quarter, Aspire Global has made significant progress in key targeted markets by signing partnership agreements with tier 1 operators and entering new regulated markets. This is a confirmation that our growth strategy is effective.

With a total of five deals signed for our Core platform (PAM) in the period, we have gained clear proof that new tier 1 operators are choosing Aspire Global’s full suite of products covering the PAM, games, sports and managed services. Our complete offering is now licensed in the Netherlands and already in the first quarter, we signed three deals with tier 1 operators for their Dutch rollout. The two other turnkey platform deals relate to the newly regulated German market and the overall .com-market.

READY FOR BROAD NORTH AMERICAN LAUNCH

Aspire Global has also made key progress in North America by obtaining the Gaming Labs International certification standard, GLI, for our offering. This enables us to launch our platform, sportsbook and managed services to the US and Canadian markets. We are now in a strong position to establish Aspire Global as a leading iGaming provider also in North America.

It is worth mentioning that Aspire Global is already established in North America through Pariplay, the leading content and aggregator provider, whose games are licensed in Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia and Ontario. Pariplay has recently signed a number of deals in the US with operators or distributors such as Rush Street Interactive (RSI), Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc., PlayUp Group, Amelco, BetMGM and GAN. Pariplay is live with BetMGM as of March 2022 and excited by the opportunities the two parties have identified.

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Pariplay will also together with NeoPollard Interactive LLC offer a wealth of gaming content on Play Alberta, the only regulated gambling website in Canadian Alberta. In total, Pariplay signed 17 new customers in the quarter, among all with operators in our targeted markets in North America and Latin America, an impressive advancement. Pariplay reported revenue growth of 39.0% in the quarter.

BtoBet, our proprietary sportsbook provider, also made significant progress in the quarter by being awarded certification in Denmark along with the GLI-certification for the North American market. In the quarter, BtoBet reported revenue growth of 88.3% and five new brands were launched on BtoBet’s sportsbook platform.

SAFEGUARDING OUR EMPLOYEES IN UKRAINE

With 118 employees in Kiev in Ukraine, the war has come very close to us. Our Ukrainian employees have all been part of our team for a long time and we have fortunately been able to ensure their and their families’ safety. In the quarter, we chose to terminate our contract with the National Russian Lottery’s operator Sports Lotteries LLC. The contract was announced in October 2020 and the termination have had immediate effect.

NEXT STEPS

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Aspire Global was introduced on Nasdaq First North Growth Market in July 2017 and the offer by NeoGames proves the value the company has created over these four and half years. NeoGames’ bid of SEK 111 per share means that Aspire Global’s share has increased by 270% since the introduction on Nasdaq First North Growth Market. The offer by NeoGames, a technology-driven provider of end-to-end iLottery solutions, is a natural step for Aspire Global and a strategic fit.

Aspire Global is today clearly positioned as a leading iGaming supplier in regulated markets. As part of the NeoGame’s Group, Aspire Global will continue to take advantage of its key strengths. Beside the cutting-edge, technology advanced offering, and skilled teams, Aspire Global’s foremost asset is the long-term commitment to its partners. On top of our agenda is always the success of our partners and our ability to support in the fulfilment of their potential. Through our strong partnerships with leading operators and distributors, we will continue to build long-term value.

Tsachi Maimon, CEO.

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Top Online Casino Trends to Watch: Megapari’s Expert Analysis

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Top Online Casino Trends to Watch: Megapari’s Expert Analysis

 

The gambling industry is evolving rapidly, bringing new opportunities and challenges daily. To help affiliates maximize their earnings by focusing on what truly engages players, experts from Megapari discuss the latest trends and key developments shaping the future of the sector in their newest article.

Megapari Partners is an affiliate platform that welcomes traffic from more than 50 geographical regions. With revenue shares of up to 50%, as well as CPA and hybrid options, the platform boasts an active partner base of over 30,000 affiliates.

When discussing the evolution of online casinos, Megapari emphasized the ongoing growth in the popularity of crash games. Although the mechanics of these games are not new and have been recognized within the industry for some time, Megapari notes that their popularity continues to rise. Leading providers have adapted to the overwhelming demand for this category of slots by introducing their own variations of the crash game mechanics. Games like Aviator and Aviatrix have solidified their positions in the platform’s Top 5 most popular slots, combining high RTP with appealing graphics and captivating gameplay. Compared to Q4 2023, Megapari has observed an increase in the popularity of crash slots more than 60%, further confirming the hypothesis of the ongoing expansion of these types of games.

Additionally, Megapari’s experts point to the significance of the “retention” rate in clicker slots. These types of slots gained popularity during the first half of 2024, attracting players with their incredibly simple mechanics. While it may be too early to compare the popularity of clickers with that of crash games, Megapari believes that in the second half of 2024, the industry will likely witness further growth in this category of slots.

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When it comes to classic and well-known mechanics, roulette games remain among the top preferences for players. American and European roulettes—classic games with familiar rules—continue to attract players with their straightforward and well-known gameplay. Despite the fact that roulettes have long been a staple among popular and widely recognized slots, Megapari has noted an increase in the popularity of this category of games, demonstrating that the appeal of classic games should not be underestimated.

Beyond the games themselves, the hardware used by players is also advancing, leading users to seek out slots with superior graphics. More and more providers are focusing not only on game mechanics but also on enhancing gameplay with visually stunning and immersive slots, such as Medusa by Spinomenal or Heist: Bank Rush. Complex animations and vibrant icons attract players, enriching their gaming experience with greater variety.

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The Role of Adaptive Soundtracks in Player Engagement

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Video slot games have come a long way from their humble beginnings. Today’s gaming experience is not just about graphics or slot gameplay; sound has also taken center stage, adding depth and enhancing player immersion. One aspect that has emerged as a slot game-changer is adaptive soundtracks. These dynamic musical scores adjust in real-time based on the player’s actions, emotions, or in-slot game events. This innovation has significantly impacted player engagement, contributing to a more immersive and interactive gaming experience.

What Are Adaptive Soundtracks?

An adaptive soundtrack refers to a musical score that changes depending on what’s happening in a slot online game. Unlike static soundtracks, which play in a loop or remain the same throughout the slot game, adaptive music evolves as players progress through different levels or encounter specific challenges. The changes in the soundtrack can reflect various in-slot game elements like mood shifts, action sequences, or environmental changes, helping to create a seamless experience.

In simpler terms, adaptive soundtracks adjust to the slot game’s flow. If a player is in a high-stress situation like a battle or chase, the music might intensify to heighten the feeling of urgency. On the other hand, if the player is exploring a peaceful environment, the music may slow down or become more calming. This dynamic nature of adaptive soundtracks plays a crucial role in how engaged a player feels while playing.

How Adaptive Soundtracks Work

Adaptive soundtracks rely on a system that monitors in-slot game events, player movements, and environmental changes. Based on specific triggers, the music shifts to suit the atmosphere or slot gameplay. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques:

  • Layering: The slot game’s soundtrack is composed of multiple layers of music. Depending on the situation, different layers are added or removed to create the right mood. For instance, in a stealth slot game, the soundtrack may begin with a light, suspenseful melody, but as enemies approach, an additional layer of percussion or a faster rhythm may be introduced to increase tension.
  • Transitioning: In some slot gacor games, rather than layering, the music transitions between different themes. For example, when a player enters a combat sequence, the tranquil exploration theme may fade out and a more intense battle score takes over. The shift is smooth, ensuring that the player doesn’t feel disconnected from the slot gameplay.
  • Reacting to Player Inputs: Some adaptive soundtracks are directly influenced by the player’s decisions. In role-playing slot games (RPGs), where players make moral choices, the music may shift to reflect the emotional weight of those decisions. A heroic act may bring in uplifting music, while a villainous choice might introduce darker, more ominous tones.

Why Soundtracks Matter in Gaming

Sound is an often overlooked but essential aspect of gaming. Without it, slot games would lose a significant layer of immersion and emotional depth. Music sets the mood, adds tension, and can guide players through complex narratives without using words.

Enhancing Emotional Connection

One of the primary ways adaptive soundtracks contribute to player engagement is by enhancing emotional connections. The music in a slot game can evoke a wide range of emotions, from excitement to fear, sadness, and triumph. By adjusting the soundtrack to match the player’s experience, adaptive soundtracks ensure that the emotional impact of the slot game is felt more strongly.

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For example, in horror slot games, sudden changes in music can signal an impending threat, causing players to feel anxious or on edge. In adventure slot games, a soaring soundtrack during a climactic moment can make players feel empowered or inspired. This emotional engagement is key to keeping players invested in the slot game.

Maintaining Immersion

Another critical factor in player engagement is immersion. When players are fully immersed in a slot game, they lose track of time and become deeply involved in the slot game world. Adaptive soundtracks help maintain this immersion by creating a consistent and reactive audio environment that responds to the player’s actions.

If the music didn’t change to reflect what’s happening in the slot game, players might feel disconnected or disoriented. Imagine playing a slot game where the music remains calm and peaceful during a high-stakes battle; it would break the immersion and reduce the overall intensity of the experience. By constantly evolving to match the slot gameplay, adaptive soundtracks keep players in the moment, making every action and decision feel significant.

Increasing Replayability

Replayability is an important aspect of modern slot games, and adaptive soundtracks can contribute to this in a big way. slot games with dynamic music systems offer a fresh experience each time a player plays, as the soundtrack can vary based on different actions or choices. This variability can make players want to come back and explore different possibilities, knowing that even the music will change to match their new path.

For instance, in slot games with branching narratives, the music will adapt to the storyline the player chooses, offering a unique soundtrack for each playthrough. This keeps the experience fresh and engaging, encouraging players to revisit the slot game multiple times.

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Conclusion

Adaptive soundtracks have transformed the gaming experience by enhancing emotional connections, maintaining immersion, and increasing replayability. By responding to in-slot game events and player actions, these dynamic soundtracks keep players engaged and invested in the slot game world. As technology evolves, the role of adaptive soundtracks in player engagement will only continue to grow, offering slot gamers an ever-deepening connection to the virtual worlds they explore.

From iconic titles like The Legend of Zelda to intense shooters like DOOM, adaptive soundtracks are proving to be a vital component of modern video slot game design, making each gaming experience truly unique and unforgett

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SOFTSWISS Joins Pink October Movement

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SOFTSWISS Joins Pink October Movement

 

SOFTSWISS, a global tech company with over 15 years of expertise in iGaming, supports the global Pink October initiative to attract attention to preventing breast cancer.

This year’s Pink October campaign at SOFTSWISS is themed “A Minute Today, a Future Ahead” and emphasises the importance of early detection and preventative care. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, and early diagnosis is key in the fight against the disease. When it is noticed early, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.

Early detection involves doing monthly breast self-exams and planning regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Half of the 2,000 SOFTSWISS employees are women, and the company will refund each of them for ultrasounds and mammograms in October and November.

Pink October at SOFTSWISS offers a wide range of activities throughout the month. In addition to reimbursing for medical examinations, an online webinar on mental health will provide valuable insights for those who face the disease. To support the international charity movement “Butterfly Support Mission”, women from SOFTSWISS will take part in a themed race.

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The company’s employees also personally support the initiative. To further raise awareness, prominent female influencers from the SOFTSWISS community share information about the campaign across social media, amplifying the message of self-care and vigilance.

“Health is a crucial value beyond everything. Here, at SOFTSWISS, we aim to help and support our employees’ well-being and health every day. By promoting the Pink October initiative, we want to stress the importance of well-timed self-care and make this issue visible both within the iGaming industry and beyond,” shares Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, Valentina Bagniya.

Notably, the iGaming industry recognised SOFTSWISS’ strong dedication to ensuring the best working conditions for its employees. A few weeks ago, SOFTSWISS received the esteemed accolade “Employer of the Year” at the SBC Awards.

Supporting the Pink October initiative for the second year in a row, SOFTSWISS continues to lead by example, emphasising the importance of preventive health measures and community support. Through this initiative, the company hopes to inspire its employees and society to take action today for a healthier tomorrow.

 

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About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.

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