Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Industry News

Zeal Network Continued to Grow in First Three Quarters of 2021 Despite Weaker Jackpot Situation

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

German lottery provider Zeal Network has achieved further growth in the first nine months of 2021, despite experiencing weaker jackpots.

In the first nine months of 2021, billings of the Zeal Group rose by 5% to EUR 493.2 million (2020: EUR 471.8 million), of which the Germany segment accounted for almost the entire amount (2020: EUR 470.9 million). Revenue increased by 1% to EUR 65.1 million (2020: EUR 64.5 million), of which EUR 61.5 million was attributable to the Germany segment (2020: EUR 58.4 million). At 12.2%, the gross margin in the Germany segment was thus stable compared to the prior-year figure (2020: 12.3%).

The market environment for lotteries in Germany during the first nine months of 2021 was comparatively weak: the jackpot of the European lottery “Eurojackpot” only reached the EUR 90 million mark three times (2020: six times), while the mandatory payout mark for the German lottery “LOTTO 6aus49”, set at EUR 45 million since 23 September 2020, was not reached at all (2020: three times). Low jackpots have a negative effect on Billings, gross margin and new customer acquisition.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Despite this market environment, the Company gained 446 thousand new registered customers in the Germany segment (2020: 787 thousand) and the acquisition costs per new registered customer (cost per lead, CPL) of EUR 27.57 (2020: EUR 27.58) were maintained at the previous year’s level. At EUR 18.6 million, marketing expenses in the first nine months of 2021 were below the prior-year level (2020: EUR 25.3 million) as a result of the significantly weaker jackpot development.

Personnel expenses and other operating expenses of EUR 14.5 million and EUR 33.2 million, respectively, were also well below the corresponding prior-year figures (2020: EUR 16.6 million and EUR 43.0 million). As a result of adjusting marketing expenses to the jackpot environment, Zeal significantly improved the profitability: for example, adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2021 rose to EUR 17.6 million (2020: EUR 6.9 million) The Germany segment accounted for EUR 16.6 million of this amount (2020: EUR 5.2 million). EBIT and net profit of EUR 11.1 million and EUR 7.3 million, respectively, were also well above the prior-year figures (2020: EUR 2.9 million and EUR 6.6 million).

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Industry News

CT Interactive Appoints Todor Botsev as Business Development Manager for EMEA and Asia

Published

on

ct-interactive-appoints-todor-botsev-as-business-development-manager-for-emea-and-asia
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

CT Interactive has appointed Todor Botsev as its Business Development Manager for ЕМЕА and Аsia.

With over 16 years of experience in the dynamic and rapidly evolving casino industry, Todor specialises in online and offline business operations. His career has encompassed a variety of roles and responsibilities, including managing online and offline casino operations, optimising gaming platforms and developing strategic business initiatives.

Throughout his career, Todor has gained extensive experience in the development and implementation of new gaming products for online and offline casinos, working with a diverse range of gaming platforms and systems. His expert approach to data analysis and market trends enables him to design and execute innovative strategies for customer acquisition and retention, driving sustainable growth and expanding the customer base.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Todor’s strong leadership skills allow him to effectively manage teams and projects, with a focus on operational efficiency and staff development. His leadership philosophy is built on collaboration and a commitment to delivering the highest standards of customer service.

With his deep understanding of online casino operations and strategic thinking, Todor is a valuable addition to the CT Interactive team.

The post CT Interactive Appoints Todor Botsev as Business Development Manager for EMEA and Asia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Industry News

Playtech Executive Chair Brian Mattingley Set to Step Aside

Published

on

playtech-executive-chair-brian-mattingley-set-to-step-aside
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

The chairman of Playtech, the London-listed gambling technology group, is to step down, triggering a search for a successor with a taste for stringent corporate governance challenges.

Egon Zehnder International, the boardroom headhunter, is being appointed to handle the search for Mr Mattingley’s successor, according to a source close to the situation.

A former chairman and chief executive of 888, the London-listed gaming company now known as Evoke, Mr Mattingley was also a founding director of Gala Leisure.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

At Playtech, he has overseen a frenetic period of corporate activity while also finding himself in the eye of a series of storms with shareholders over boardroom pay and wider corporate governance.

The most recent of those came in December when close to a third of investors rebelled over a €100m bonus plan for Mor Weizer, the company’s chief executive, along with other senior executives.

Shareholders give Mr Mattingley credit, however, for helping to navigate the company through a challenging period in the gambling industry, in particular his role last year in securing the sale of Snaitech, its Italian consumer gambling arm, for €2.3bn.

That represented a nearly threefold return on Playtech’s initial investment in the business, triggering total returns to shareholders of up to €1.8bn – a sum almost equivalent to all of the special dividends paid by London-listed companies in 2023.

The sale of Snaitech will transform Playtech into a pure-play business-to-business operation.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

During Mr Mattingley’s three-and-a-half year tenure, shares in the company have risen by about 60%.

The post Playtech Executive Chair Brian Mattingley Set to Step Aside appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Industry News

CT Interactive Reflects on Successful Showcase at ICE 2025

Published

on

ct-interactive-reflects-on-successful-showcase-at-ice-2025
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

CT Interactive is marking a resounding success following its participation in last week’s ICE 2025 trade show. As a global iGaming provider of innovative gaming solutions, the company used the event to solidify its market presence, seal new partnerships, unveil new gaming content and engage in productive discussions about its ambitious growth plans.

CT Interactive’s showcase at ICE Gaming 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its partners by expanding its portfolio of games available for their platforms. The company’s efforts to release fresh and engaging content have already been met with enthusiasm, setting the stage for stronger collaborations and greater player satisfaction.

Another highlight of the event was the company’s announcement about its impending certification for the Brazilian market. This milestone will enable CT Interactive to officially enter one of Latin America’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

“We’re thrilled about the opportunities Brazil offers. We have prepared a games list designed to resonate with the preferences of Brazilian players, and we’re eager to bring our portfolio to this exciting market,” Martin Ivanov, COO of CT Interactive, said.

ICE Gaming 2025 also provided an excellent platform for CT Interactive to explore growth opportunities in Eastern Europe. With its strong regulatory framework and growing appetite for online gaming, Ukraine featured prominently in the company’s discussions. CT Interactive is about to conclude a deal with a local partner, significantly boosting its presence in this emerging market.

“The Ukrainian market holds tremendous potential, and we’re keen to expand our footprint there. We are confident that our diverse portfolio of high-quality games will meet the expectations of operators and players alike,” Martin Ivanov said.

The company’s new game releases were another highlight of its ICE Gaming presence. CT Interactive’s cutting-edge titles, designed with captivating visuals and engaging gameplay, were met with widespread acclaim. These releases are expected to captivate players and drive significant revenue growth for its operator partners.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Martin Ivanov stated that CT Interactive’s participation allowed it to strengthen its relationships with partners, explore untapped opportunities and reinforce its position in the gaming industry.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

“The show was an incredible opportunity to engage with our partners, showcase our innovations, and discuss strategies for mutual growth. We leave ICE Gaming 2025 energised and excited for what’s next,” Martin Ivanov added.

The post CT Interactive Reflects on Successful Showcase at ICE 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending