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Esports Entertainment Group CEO Provides Letter to Shareholders

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Esports Entertainment Group Inc., a leading, global iGaming company and business-to-business (B2B) esports content and solutions provider, provided the following letter to shareholders from the Company’s CEO, Alex Igelman, including an update on its ongoing restructuring plan aimed at driving accelerated growth and increased operational efficiency:

To my fellow shareholders,

Since joining the Company approximately three months ago, I immediately undertook a top-to-bottom review of the entire organization based on where I believe the esports and esports gambling industries are heading, and then tied this into a cohesive vision for the Company. Esports Entertainment already owns several valuable assets that it had previously acquired and, going forward, these assets should serve as the foundation for the Company’s new direction. By concentrating our efforts and streamlining the business, I am extremely confident in our ability to establish a dominant position within this high-growth industry and drive long-term profitability.

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Strategic Focus

As a business-to-consumer (B2C) iGaming operator in international markets, operating under our MGA license, we plan to have a renewed focus on esports wagering through new betting content and offerings. Concurrently, the Company is implementing strategies to expand its B2C esports wagering services through its Idefix platform, and we are in the final stages of integrating the Oddin.gg iFrame solution on our platform for esports wagering. Eventually, we plan to offer an “esports-first,” Idefix-based B2B platform for sale and distribution to third parties. Through the Idefix iGaming platform and the MGA-based suite of B2C brands, together with growth opportunities in the B2B platform sector, we anticipate a unique opportunity to bridge the iGaming and esports worlds.

In the US market, we expect to direct our attention toward aggregating and supplying B2B esports solutions and content for the esports and esports gambling industries. The Company also plans to direct significant attention toward bespoke e-simulator tournaments and related e-simulator content. EEG is already well known in the esports community for its highly valuable esports venue management solution through its ggCircuit division, which has an established presence in the US and globally. Among the markets we plan to target, we believe there is a significant near-term opportunity within the education market, where there has been considerable growth across both domestic and international college and university campuses as well as K-12 schools. We also plan to enhance the existing ggCircuit software with unique features that facilitate integration with esports wagering content where it is legally permitted, and incorporate several achievable add-ons to the software, resulting in increased revenue for both clients and the Company.

Operational Efficiency

In addition to our near- and long-term growth strategies, we are divesting or closing non-core business lines to streamline our operations. In January of this year, we completed the sale of our eSports Spanish Gaming license for approximately $1.2 million. On the immediate heels of this transaction, we completed the sale of the Bethard business in February for approximately $1.7 million in cash at closing, and further eliminated debt and liabilities to the Bethard business of approximately $7.5 million. In March, we initiated the liquidation of Argyll Entertainment, an online gambling business in the UK with recurring losses.

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We have also reduced headcount from 158 full-time employees at December 31, 2022, to 99 full-time employees, inclusive of planned reductions. As a result, annualized salaries are expected to decline by approximately 36% based on the actions being taken thus far. Although we incurred upfront costs related to the restructuring, over time, these initiatives are expected to lower our operating expenses by over $4.0 million on an annualized basis. In addition, we have pinpointed further opportunities for cost savings.

Balance Sheet Improvement

We have dramatically enhanced our balance sheet. Specifically, we reduced debt and other liabilities by approximately $27.1 million since December 31, 2022. The principal amount of our Senior Convertible Note was reduced by $16.3 million, from $32.2 million at December 31, 2022, to $15.9 million as of March 31, 2023. Other payables to the holder of the Senior Convertible Note were reduced by $2.5 million. Through the sale of the aforementioned Bethard business earlier this year, we eliminated approximately $7.5 million of debt and liabilities. Lastly, we terminated a lease, resulting in a $0.8 million reduction in lease liability. We appreciate the support of our senior lender and are working to convert additional debt to preferred equity, which we believe illustrates their confidence in the long-term outlook for the business.

Management Restructuring

In addition to my own appointment as CEO earlier this year, we recently promoted Michael Villani to interim CFO. Michael brings deep experience in corporate finance and capital markets and has been instrumental in the restructuring of the business and resulting cost reductions. Before joining Esports Entertainment, Michael worked as a Director in the Deal Advisory practice of KPMG supporting clients with technical accounting, buy-side and sell-side transactions, initial public offerings and SEC reporting. He also served as the Chief Financial Officer of a Geneva-based hedge fund and held other senior accounting roles at a number of public companies. Moreover, we eliminated non-core, senior leadership positions that were not aligned with the future direction of the Company.

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Summary

The esports betting landscape today lacks uniformity and is often either a by-product of traditional sports betting, or something that conventional US bookmakers struggle to comprehend and integrate seamlessly into their platforms. Esports Entertainment has extremely valuable and differentiated assets, which we believe will be key to the future of this industry. We are executing on our vision with a specific focus on esports betting solutions and esports e-simulator content, targeting both the B2B and B2C markets.

I strongly believe that our achievements over a short three-month span are truly noteworthy. However, this is merely the starting point of our journey. Our team now comprises seasoned gambling executives, former regulators, and video game industry professionals, all of whom are committed to realizing this vision. We are also diversifying our sources of revenue to create a more resilient and sustainable business model. With the right leadership, direction and financial discipline, I am extremely confident we can establish Esports Entertainment as a leader in this rapidly emerging market, while unlocking value for shareholders.

We truly appreciate the support of our shareholders and look forward to providing further updates on our progress in the weeks and months ahead.

Alex Igelman

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Chief Executive Officer

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Peter-Paul de Goeij Steps Down as Director of NOGA

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After five years as Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA) Director, Peter-Paul de Goeij has stepped down from his role.

Eric Konings, involved with NOGA since 2022, will be appointed as interim director. He will now hope to utlise his company knowledge and previous experience to steer the company through this transitional period. Further, Konings will be supported in the process of change by former Staatsloterij (State Lottery) CEO, Frans van Steenis.

“We are very grateful to Peter-Paul for his efforts over the past 5 years, in which he has excellently shaped the transformation from SpeelVerantwoord to NOGA. As a result, NOGA has been able to properly represent the interests of its members in a tumultuous period for the industry. We are confident that this line will be continued under Eric as interim director. However, we do not expect the coming period to be any less turbulent. That is why we as a board have decided to initiate the strategic reorientation,” Remko de Boer, chairman of the board of directors of NOGA, said.

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“The past few years have been hectic, with the opening of the Dutch online gambling market as the absolute highlight. I am now stepping down, but I am convinced that the sector will continue to strive for a safe and responsible gaming offer. That is and remains the best way to achieve optimal consumer protection. I thank the board of NOGA for the trust they have placed in me over the past five years and I hand over the baton to Eric with a clear conscience,” Peter-Paul de Goeij said.

“The industry is facing a number of major challenges in the current political and social climate, and I look forward to helping NOGA members with this. In addition, NOGA is explicitly exploring how the representation of the industry’s interests can be organised in a future-proof manner. I am pleased that Frans van Steenis is fulfilling the role of explorer to shape this process with me,” Eric Konings said.

“A lot is happening in the gambling sector at the moment. Licensed providers, policy makers and society benefit from more clarity and better cooperation. I want to explore how bridges can be built between all parties involved in the gambling dossier,” Van Steenis said.

The post Peter-Paul de Goeij Steps Down as Director of NOGA appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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SmartSoft Keeps Crafting Innovations

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SmartSoft, the pioneering the first-ever crash game creator, was founded in Georgia in 2015 by industry enthusiasts. Dedicated to delivering high-quality gaming experiences globally, SmartSoft remains committed to not only creating games but also revolutionizing the industry itself. The hallmark lies in it’s continuous creation of new games, updating of old favorites and coming up with the features that make every gaming experience unforgettable.

What’s more, SmartSoft’s commitment to innovation goes beyond just game mechanics. The company also prioritizes engaging storytelling, stunning visuals, and captivating sounds to create truly memorable gaming experiences. This complex approach not only sets SmartSoft apart from its competitors but also underscores its mission to deliver unparalleled entertainment to gamers worldwide.

Let’s take a look below at Smartsoft’s work, old gems, new features and pushed boundaries:

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The Evolution Continues, expending horizons

As pioneers of non-traditional casino games, flagship game “Jet X”, launched in 2018, marked a breakthrough in the genre and continues to lead the transformation of non-traditional games into mainstream casino offerings. “Jet X” has become the most popular game for SmartSoft, but mission doesn’t end there. Along with “Jet X”, SmartSoft have released numerous innovative games within a year. These games are distinctive in their mechanics and visuals, reflecting company’s commitment to continuous innovation through creativity and passion.

The latest innovation, a visual symphony known as “Helicopter X”, has been captivating users since November 2023. The groundbreaking Crash game designed to revolutionize the online casino landscape. This game combines innovative gameplay mechanics with stunning visual and auditory elements, offering players challenges and multiple strategic options. In “Helicopter X,” players control a helicopter, aiming to cash out before a crash occurs. The game features the Diamond Feature, which randomly boosts multipliers, adding excitement to every round. With it’s fascinating features and results “Helicopter X” offers high stakes and high rewards.

One more gem from SmartSoft – “Mine Island” presents an innovative and exhilarating addition to the online casino world. Since the release in December, this innovative game blends simplicity with excitement, making it accessible to both novice and experienced players. Its 10-stage progression system introduces a unique twist to traditional minefield games, allowing players to strategically decide when to collect winnings or risk progressing for higher multipliers, thus enhancing the gaming experience. The game offers substantial rewards and a compelling risk-reward dynamic. The intuitive gameplay, combined with strategic depth, ensures that “Mine

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Island” stands out in the crowded casino market. Visually stunning design and user-friendly interface reflects a deep understanding of player preferences and behaviors.

Crash Duel X” is an adrenaline-pumping world where strategic betting meets thrilling gameplay, achieving more success daily since launching in December of 2023. SmartSoft Gaming invites you to experience the rush of Crash games with an unparalleled gaming experience, with its diverse betting strategies and exciting features. As the first game on the market to introduce Crash Side Bets, “Crash Duel X” revolutionizes the traditional Crash game mechanics by integrating the best practices from online casino games with side bonus bet features. This innovative approach provides players with multiple strategic options, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

This is just a glimpse into SmartSoft’s ongoing commitment to innovation. Smartsoft, together with its team of professionals, continues to work actively, generating ideas and creating stunning visuals to deliver only the best products to its partners. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking developments and innovative solutions from SmartSoft.

The post SmartSoft Keeps Crafting Innovations appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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NIGC Announces Record $41.9 Billion FY 2023 GGR

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The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) released fiscal year 2023 Gross Gaming Revenue numbers totaling $41.9 billion, an increase of $1 billion, or 2.4%, from the historic FY 2022 GGR of $40.9 billion.

Acting Chairwoman Sharon M. Avery and Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland made the announcement at the Wisconsin Gaming Regulators Association Summer Conference in Green Bay, Wis.

This year’s revenue reflects the viability of tribal gaming operations, as tribal gaming continues to adapt to technological advances and changes in consumer preferences. All eight NIGC regions demonstrated growth in gaming revenue since the last GGR report.

“This year’s GGR results demonstrate how a strong regulatory framework and diversity of tribal gaming enterprises generates growth in the gaming industry. Again, this year, tribal gaming operators and regulators have proven that their ingenuity and tenacity are catalysts for growth, even in the face of an ever-changing gaming landscape. This steadfastness will ensure that tribal gaming remains a valuable resource for continued economic sustainability in tribal communities,” said Avery.

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“I congratulate the industry regulators, operators, and tribal leadership on another successful year. Their hard work in meeting and overcoming the challenges presented by an increasingly competitive market is evidence that tribes are resilient, and their gaming expertise is yielding benefits for their nations as IGRA intended,” said Hovland.

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