Press Releases
Rivalry Issues 2024 Business Update
Rivalry Corp. (the “Company” or “Rivalry”) (TSXV: RVLY) (OTCQX: RVLCF) (FSE: 9VK), the leading sportsbook and iGaming operator for Millennials and Gen Z, today issued a letter to shareholders summarizing recent progress and outlining strategic priorities for 2024. The full text of the letter follows. All dollar figures are quoted in Canadian dollars.
Rivalry Corp. 2024 Business Update
To our Shareholders,
Rivalry is defining the future of online gambling for a generation born on the internet.
Our aspiration is to set the standard for what is possible in this category, and to be market leaders in the inevitable generational shift that is underway.
We exited 2023 as a substantially diversified company, both geographically and across our product suite, with the strongest customer KPIs in our history.1 Our esports expertise no longer solely defines us, and our rapid ascent in other segments such as traditional sports, casino, and fantasy outlines the increasingly widening opportunity set we’re realizing as a result of our unrivaled demographic understanding.
Rivalry’s brand has become a bridge to Gen Z experiences. We’ve proven we can acquire, engage, and retain this demographic in gambling products under our umbrella. The value we’re beginning to unlock from this cannot be overstated.
The potential for how far our brand can go is just beginning to unfold. And it is why 2024 is setting up to be a year of significant growth, powered by our relentless pursuit to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience to a digitally native demographic that we can delight better than anyone else.
What we have built is only made possible by a world-class team excelling at their craft. One that is unafraid to push against the long-standing industry status quo. This high standard has made Rivalry a gravitational center for talent and breeding ground for innovation that we believe is unmatched in the online gambling industry.
This is the engine building operating leverage for Rivalry, enabling us to deliver on growth while maintaining financial discipline, leading us to profitability.
Having taken significant strides toward our vision in 2023, we now enter 2024 hungry for more. In this letter we will highlight some of our achievements last year and share what shareholders can look forward to in 2024.
2023 Highlights
We’re proud of our accomplishments last year:
Maintained growth momentum, with year-to-date reported betting handle increasing 127% to $338.1 million, revenue increasing 70% to $29.2 million, and gross profit up 175% to $13.2 million through Q3 2023 compared to the first nine months of 2022, while marketing spend decreased by 8%.
Proved our Gen Z demographic thesis by leading from the front with gaming and internet culture while diversifying below, with casino growing to nearly 50% of total wagers, followed by esports, and then sports.
Achieved record high customer KPIs, including all-time high average handle per customer, average revenue per user, and record low cost of customer acquisition, demonstrating the operating leverage which compounds with scale.1
Reached key product innovation milestones, including the release of an industry-first same-game parlay product for esports, supporting an improved sportsbook product mix and enhanced margin profile.
Debuted our iOS mobile app in Ontario, contributing to a 400%+ year-over-year increase in betting handle in the province in Q3 2023.
Rapidly scaled our casino offering with new features, games, and mobile functionality.
Developed and launched our second-ever original game, Cash & Dash, which has already become one of the most popular and highest-grossing casino titles on our platform.
Continued marketing excellence and expanded creator network with over 100 brand partners and 90M+ aggregate followers, creating reliable consumer touch points to engage our core audience and enabling us to drive growth without the use of excessive bonus and promotional offers.
A Generational Brand in Online Gambling Delivering Tangible Business Results
There are generational cycles in technology where new products rise up to serve an emerging customer in a way legacy companies did not. In the online betting space, we believe Rivalry is that company.
It’s reflected in a product suite that looks like nothing else in this category – one that is intrinsically entertaining, culturally relevant, and always evolving. It’s reflected in a brand strategically positioned at the intersection of gaming and internet culture with marketing that spreads globally through unignorable creative work. It’s seen in a company that deliberately stands out in a sea of sameness with a customer base averaging a decade younger than our peers.2
Everything we put out into the world is intentionally-designed to resonate with our target audience. Customers, interested brand partners, and various other stakeholders have come to view Rivalry as a proven onramp to interactive and entertaining experiences broadly, which is opening up exciting possibilities for the Company to expand.
In 2023, this enabled us to launch a standalone NBA fantasy app called Rivalry Ultimate Fan, which is acquiring new users, cross-selling them, and further engaging existing ones in our product universe.
The value being created from our original game IP is also materializing rapidly. Four months after launching our latest first-party game Cash & Dash, it has become the fifth most-played game on our platform and among the top ten highest-grossing titles by revenue.
In roughly a year’s time, casino has grown to nearly 50% of betting handle, growing 141% year-over-year in Q3 2023 without cannibalizing player wallet share. Casino.exe, our custom-built platform, has represented a key part of our success in this segment by differentiating Rivalry’s casino offering from the others out there.
The connective thread between these things is a highly-nuanced understanding of Gen Z’s consumer behaviors, its connectivity to gaming and internet culture, and our ability to transform it into a successful product experience that is well-differentiated from the pack.
Together, this creates a generational brand in online gambling delivering tangible business results, and one where the possibilities of its products, marketing, and brand are limitless.
Rivalry in 2024 and Beyond
We are committed to pursuing strategic and well-measured investments in key areas of our business, positioning Rivalry for sustained growth throughout 2024 and beyond. Our objectives are designed to maintain and accelerate our momentum towards profitability. Initiatives and catalysts anticipated to drive results in 2024 include:
Operating leverage and profitability: Continued cost management to balance profitability with growth by doubling down on proven marketing tactics which deliver business operating leverage and position Rivalry for long-term success.
New original games: Releasing more first-party games in 2024 which blur the lines between gaming, betting, and entertainment to meaningfully engage a digitally native audience.
Casino B2B opportunities. Our original casino games have demonstrated their ability to engage an under-30 demographic and drive revenue; we believe this will open up B2B licensing opportunities and create a new revenue stream for our business.
Product innovation: New proprietary releases and enhancements to the current product suite across sportsbook, casino, and more, including those which drive usage of higher-margin verticals and increase overall player engagement.
Player value focus: Strengthening innovative player retention initiatives through gamification and loyalty programs that not only increase player satisfaction and compound user value, but contribute to the profoundly unique experience of betting on Rivalry.
Geographic expansion: Growing our Total Addressable Market by entering new markets.
Traditional sports expansion: Investing further in the traditional sports segment, which has increased on Rivalry by 60% since 2022, demonstrating the success of our brand among Gen Z broadly and enabling us to continue broadening our TAM.
Our multi-year track record of triple-digit growth amidst decreasing year-over-year marketing spend is a testament to the execution of our team, business model, and brand leadership among Gen Z. We have unparalleled demographic expertise, a product innovation engine delivering results, unforgettable marketing, and an immensely talented team.
Our vision for online betting is challenging conventional norms in a long-standing industry. We are disruptors, stepping on nicely manicured lawns by seeing the future of online gambling and creating it. The next generation is just getting started on their customer journey, and we are poised to own it.
We have conviction in our one-of-one strategy in this industry and will continue pushing it forward at every opportunity.
As we step into 2024, our enthusiasm is at a high to showcase the same operational excellence that has set us apart in a fiercely competitive industry.
With that, I wish everyone a happy, successful, and healthy year.
Steven Salz
Co-Founder & CEO
Rivalry Corp.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “project” and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. These statements are only predictions.
Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of the Company at the date the statements are made based on information then available to the Company. Various factors and assumptions are applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve a number of known and unknown, variables, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations; the ability to obtain and maintain required licenses; the esports and sports betting industry being a heavily regulated industry; the complex and evolving regulatory environment for the online gaming and online gambling industry; the success of esports and other betting products are not guaranteed; changes in public perception of the esports and online gambling industry; failure to retain or add customers; the Company having a limited operating history; negative cash flow from operations; operational risks; cybersecurity risks; reliance on management; reliance on third parties and third-party networks; exchange rate risks; risks related to cryptocurrency transactions; risk of intellectual property infringement or invalid claims; the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; and general economic, market and business conditions. For additional risks, please see the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2022 and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ website.
No assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.
Source: Rivalry Corp.
Compliance Updates
Stakelogic Secures License to the newly regulated Danish market
Industry-leading provider secures license to provide slots and live content in Denmark
Award-winning casino content provider Stakelogic has obtained a license from the Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, to provide its gaming content in Denmark.
The license will allow Stakelogic to bring its premium portfolio of online casino slots and live dealer content to the Danish market, including recent releases like Fire and Gold Cluster Breaker, Super Wheel Game Show, Trident of Legends, and The Watcher.
Stakelogic is able to partner up with leading Danish operators, establishing itself as a must-have provider in the country. The move further highlights Stakelogic’s commitment to strengthening its position in the European market and exploring new and exciting regulated markets.
The license also further cements the company’s presence in the Scandinavian markets, having secured a license from the Swedish authority, Spelinspektionen, in 2023 and establishing itself as a popular provider among Swedish players.
Denmark is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets, with a strong focus on customer care and responsible gambling. Stakelogic is proud to have met all the requirements needed to obtain the license, highlighting its commitment to providing players with the best and safest gaming experiences.
Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO at Stakelogic, said: “Denmark is one of the fastest growing markets in Europe, and we are proud to have achieved a license to the newly regulated market.
We are grateful to Spillemyndigheden for their support in us and we are excited to take our next steps into the market.”
The post Stakelogic Secures License to the newly regulated Danish market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Discover the Wealth of Legends: ELA Games’ Adventurous New Mythological Title
ELA Games, a modern and trailblazing game development studio, announces the release of its latest game, Wealth of Legends. The slot aims to attract players of various audiences with its unique format, exciting graphics and captivating features.
The 5×5 game pays all ways, giving players plenty of opportunities to win during the base game, keeping the playing experience engaging. Landing a coin symbol in the special zone triggers the Hold & Win feature, which begins three free re-spins. Collect special jackpot coins for a lucrative win!
Wealth of Legends’ other core feature is its Free Spins, which players can enter when landing three Scatter symbols. During this feature, all coins stick in the special zone, giving players the opportunity to collect massive multipliers and get more chances at winning the jackpot.
David Fall, ELA Games’ Business Development Manager, commented on the release, “I’m excited to unveil Wealth of Legends and showcase our studio’s commitment to creating exciting gameplay experiences. This game combines our signature art and design with unique gameplay mechanics, and we’re confident it will become a staple game in our portfolio for years to come.”
Wealth of Legends combines a high RTP of 95.3% with unique gameplay mechanics to ensure players can experience a balance between exciting special features and a consistent base game. ELA Games implements its signature high-quality art and design with innovation to create a captivating world filled with Greek symbology.
Wealth of Legends key features:
- RTP: 95.3%
- Volatility: Low
- Format: 5-reels, 5-rows
- Paylines: All ways
- Jackpot available
- Hold & Win feature
- Free Spins feature
The post Discover the Wealth of Legends: ELA Games’ Adventurous New Mythological Title appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
THE UNIT TO STEP UP EXPANSION PLANS WITH OPENING OF NEW YORK CITY OFFICE
The Unit aims to grow its presence in the Americas with move to new Manhattan location in January 2025 at Bank of Ireland’s NYC Hub
The Unit, a leader in product design and development for sports betting and iGaming, will proudly open its new office in New York City, as part of its long-term global expansion objectives, in January 2025.
The Americas division was established in 2023 with the launch of The Unit’s partnership with online operator PlayStar Casino. The New York City office, located in the heart of Manhattan, will now be the hub for The Unit’s activity in the Americas.
This new base will be located at Bank of Ireland’s NYC Hub, which was launched to help Irish business owners expand their North American operations. The offices at 2 Grand Central Tower are a great asset to Irish companies aiming to expand their operations in the United States and beyond. This is an ideal location for The Unit to grow its footprint in the region.
The project will be put into practice by The Unit’s Head of Business Development & Account Management Mark O’Hare, who has relocated to New York and will be responsible for The Unit’s commercial growth in the region.
With product and development teams in Ireland and Moldova, the addition of an American hub is further proof The Unit holds an unwavering commitment to becoming the partner of choice, on a global scale, throughout the industry.
Paddy Casey, Co-founder at The Unit, said: “These are exciting times for The Unit, and with plans in place to exponentially grow our presence in the Americas across the next few years, the start of 2025 will be the perfect time for us to move into one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
“This will be the ideal addition to our existing bases in Ireland and Moldova. The flexible workspace the hub can provide will be integral to our plans and will give us the opportunity to grow the team.
“This is an excellent opportunity for us to touch base with clients in the Americas and strategise further launches. We’re looking forward to mapping out our future in the region with our team on the ground there.
“I would like to thank Mark O’Hare for making the move to New York, and I’m sure both he and his team will have the skills and experience to execute our vision for the Americas division across the long-term.”
Tania Sheikh, Manager of NYC Hub for Bank of Ireland, said: “We are very pleased to welcome The Unit to the NYC Hub. The facilities we can provide have helped businesses scale up and connect with their partners, and we are proud to offer that opportunity to The Unit.
“We look forward to hosting The Unit and wish them well in their endeavors to grow their business here.”
The Unit has solidified its strong track record of building world-class, scalable and efficient products for the sports betting and iGaming sector in recent years.
As The Unit embarks on this exciting period of growth, the company remains committed to delivering exceptional products and services to its clients. With its experienced team, best-in-class product development capabilities, and focus on innovation, The Unit is poised to shape the future of the sports betting and iGaming industries.
-
gaming2 years ago
ODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News6 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News6 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News7 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018