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Boyd Gaming Reports Second-Quarter 2020 Results

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Boyd Gaming Corporation reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020.

Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming, said: “Across the country, our team members did a tremendous job getting our properties back open quickly and safely over the final six weeks of the quarter. And since reopening began, we are off to an excellent start. On a comparable basis at our reopened properties, we achieved Companywide EBITDAR growth and significant margin improvement while complying with state-regulated reductions in gaming capacity. During the reopening period, our Midwest & South properties posted double-digit EBITDAR gains, while our Las Vegas Locals properties also improved EBITDAR performance versus prior year. While overall visitation and revenues are down, spend per visit is robust, and we have successfully streamlined operating and marketing expenses to drive margin gains of more than 1,000 basis points in both the Midwest & South and Las Vegas Locals segments. These positive operating trends are continuing into July, giving us confidence that we can sustain increased efficiencies in our operating model.”

Smith continued: “We are also making great progress positioning our Company for the digital future of our industry. With the recent launch of our Stardust Social Casino mobile app, we established our first interactive gaming presence under the Stardust brand. We also continued to expand our strategic partnership with FanDuel Group as we introduced an online casino product in the state of Pennsylvania. With our industry-leading strategic partner and the iconic Stardust brand, Boyd Gaming is in an excellent position to capitalize on the compelling growth opportunity presented by interactive gaming and mobile sports betting.”

Due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Boyd Gaming reported second-quarter 2020 revenues of $209.9 million, compared to $846.1 million in the second quarter of 2019. The Company recorded a net loss of $108.5 million, or $0.96 per share, for the second quarter of 2020, compared to net income of $48.5 million, or $0.43 per share, for the year-ago period.

Total Adjusted EBITDAR(1) was $16.1 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to $232.6 million in the second quarter of 2019. Adjusted Earnings(1) for the second quarter of 2020 reflect a loss of $110.5 million, or $0.98 per share, compared to Adjusted Earnings of $52.5 million, or $0.46 per share, for the same period in 2019.

Operations Review
During the period from March 18 through May 19, 2020, all 29 of the Company’s properties nationwide were closed under state and local orders aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19. The Company resumed operations at 26 properties on the following dates.(2)

May 20: Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, Treasure Chest
May 21: IP Casino Resort Spa, Sam’s Town Tunica
May 23: Kansas Star
May 27: Sam’s Town Shreveport, Amelia Belle
June 1: Ameristar St. Charles, Ameristar Kansas City, Diamond Jo Dubuque, Diamond Jo Worth
June 4: The Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Aliante, Cannery, Sam’s Town, Jokers Wild, California, Fremont
June 15: Blue Chip, Belterra Casino Resort
June 19: Belterra Park
June 26: Valley Forge
July 1: Par-A-Dice

The following comparisons reflect operating trends for the period from the reopening date of each property through June 30, 2020, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year. All properties operated under significantly reduced capacity in compliance with local and state restrictions.

Combined revenues for the 16 reopened Midwest & South segment properties were down 18% from the comparable prior-year period, while combined Adjusted EBITDAR rose 16% and operating margins increased more than 1,200 basis points. The seven Las Vegas Locals properties that reopened on June 4, 2020, reported a combined revenue decrease of 28% from the prior year, while combined Adjusted EBITDAR grew 1% and operating margins increased nearly 1,300 basis points. The Company’s two reopened Downtown Las Vegas segment properties reported a combined revenue decline of 60% from the prior year while combined Adjusted EBITDAR for the reopening period was breakeven, reflecting the impact of reduced visitation to Las Vegas as well as lower business volumes from the Company’s Hawaiian customer base.

Segment results for the second quarter and year-to-date periods ended June 30, 2020, are presented in the financial tables accompanying this release.

(2) As of July 28, 2020, Eastside Cannery, Eldorado and Main Street Station remain closed to the public.

Balance Sheet Update

As of June 30, 2020, Boyd Gaming had cash on hand of $1.31 billion, and total debt of $4.98 billion. Cash and debt balances reflect the Company’s issuance of $600 million of 8.625% senior notes due 2025 on May 21, 2020, as well as $670 million drawn from the Company’s revolving credit facilities on March 16, 2020.

Conference Call Information

Boyd Gaming will host a conference call to discuss second-quarter 2020 results today, July 28, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. The conference call number is (888) 317-6003, passcode 6244842. Please call up to 15 minutes in advance to ensure you are connected prior to the start of the call.

The conference call will also be available live on the Internet at www.boydgaming.com, or: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/964/35870.

Following the call’s completion, a replay will be available by dialing (877) 344-7529 today, July 28, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Eastern and continuing through Tuesday, August 4 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. The conference number for the replay will be 10146576. The replay will also be available on the Internet at www.boydgaming.com.

About Boyd Gaming:
Founded in 1975, Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) is a leading geographically diversified operator of 29 gaming entertainment properties in 10 states. The Company is also a strategic partner and 5% equity owner of FanDuel Group, the nation’s leading sports-betting and iGaming operator. With one of the most experienced leadership teams in the casino industry, Boyd Gaming prides itself on offering its guests an outstanding entertainment experience, delivered with unwavering attention to customer service. For additional Company information and press releases, visit www.boydgaming.com.

SOURCE Boyd Gaming Corporation

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Bragg Gaming Group Enteres into New Financing Agreement with Bank of Montreal

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Bragg Gaming Group, a leading global B2B iGaming content and technology provider, announced it has entered into a new financing agreement with the Bank of Montreal (BMO), a leading North American financial institution, pursuant to which BMO has made available to the Company certain credit facilities in a maximum aggregate amount of up to US$6.0 million to support its ongoing working capital and general corporate requirements (the BMO Facilities).

In connection with the closing of the BMO Facilities, Bragg has successfully repaid in full the outstanding promissory note with entities controlled by Doug Fallon (the Prior Note Indebtedness). The new BMO Facilities replace the Prior Note Indebtedness, signalling a significant step in the Company’s financial strategy to partner with a major commercial bank to support its growth.

“We are very pleased to establish this new relationship with the Bank of Montreal, a recognized leader in financial services. This new credit facility strengthens our balance sheet and provides us with a flexible capital structure to execute our strategic plan. The ability to secure financing from a major North American bank underscores the confidence in our business and our long-term growth prospects. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with BMO,” said Robbie Bressler, CFO of Bragg Gaming Group.

The BMO Facilities are secured by, amongst other things, a first-ranking security interest over all of the assets of the Company and certain of its key operating subsidiaries, and are uncommitted and are repayable upon the earlier of (i) demand by BMO, (ii) the occurrence of certain insolvency events, and (iii) on the one-year anniversary of the closing date, unless a one-year extension is granted at BMO’s discretion.

The agreement includes customary legal and financial covenants, including a requirement for the Company to maintain a Total Funded Debt to EBITDA ratio not exceeding 2.50:1.00, and a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.25:1.00. These financial covenants are to be tested on a consolidated basis at the end of each fiscal quarter.

The Company currently expects to draw on the BMO Facilities in Canadian dollars, which would result in estimated borrowing costs of 6.9%–7.9% for Prime-based loans or 5.9%–6.9% for CORRA-based loans, depending on the period of the draw and the Company’s leverage ratio. Standby fees on the unused portion of the revolving facility will range from 0.75% to 1.75% per annum, depending on leverage.

Management believes that based on the terms of the BMO Facilities, the Company’s borrowing costs on an annualized basis will be less than half of its Prior Note Debt.

Matevž Mazij, CEO of Bragg Gaming Group, said: “Securing this BMO facility represents a critical milestone in our strategic plan to strengthen Bragg’s financial foundation and accelerate value creation for our shareholders. With our cybersecurity incident contained and our borrowing costs cut by more than half, we are laser-focused on executing our strategic shift toward higher-quality earnings. The Company is prioritizing margin and cash generation over lower-margin revenue, and synergies realized post-quarter end to become a leaner operation. We’ve already realized EUR 2 million in annualized synergies and are on track to achieve our 20% Adjusted EBITDA margin target for the second half of 2025.

“Our recent leadership additions in AI and innovation, combined with our expanding partnerships with operators like Fanatics and Hard Rock Digital, position us to pursue highly accretive growth opportunities methodically. The Company remains focused on growing the business in a sustainable and margin-accretive manner, with strong momentum in the proprietary content and technology pipeline positioning Bragg for long-term profitable growth.

“We understand the importance of delivering results for our shareholders, and our board and management team are fully aligned and committed to executing the strategic initiatives that will drive value. With improved financial flexibility, a strengthened operational foundation, and clear milestones ahead, we believe we have the right strategy and team in place to unlock Bragg’s full potential. We remain committed to maximizing shareholder value as we build sustainable, profitable growth and ensure our strong operational performance translates into appropriate market valuation.”

Cyber Breach Update

The Company has also provided an update on its previously announced cybersecurity incident initially detected on August 16, 2025.

Immediately following detection, Bragg took appropriate steps to mitigate any potential impact of the breach. With the assistance of independent cybersecurity experts, the Company has followed industry best practices and considers that the incident is now resolved.

There continues to be no indication that any personal information was affected and the breach has had no impact on the ability of the Company to continue its operations. Bragg has also provided assurances to its customers regarding the security of its game titles. The Company has experienced no negative impact on its revenue or profitability and does not expect that the cost of responding to the incident will have a material financial impact on the Company.

The Company has already applied knowledge gathered from the investigation of the event to enhance its cyber security defenses.

The post Bragg Gaming Group Enteres into New Financing Agreement with Bank of Montreal appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership

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Independent slots studio Thunderkick has agreed a deal with Ontario-based operator Betty to supply the rapidly growing online casino with a diverse collection of globally popular titles.

Betty, an official partner of sporting franchises Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, has risen to prominence since its 2022 establishment, when it was built following the consultation of 300 casino players to create the optimal iGaming environment.

Distinguishing itself from North American competitors by catering specifically to slot enthusiasts rather than sports bettors, the operator has curated a portfolio of 2,800 games, hand-picked to deliver customers maximum entertainment value.

Thunderkick’s content is the latest to be integrated into Betty’s online casino, and the agreement will see a selection of its most popular titles, including The Wildos 2, Midas Golden Touch 3, and Esqueleto Explosivo 3, made available to a greater number of Ontarian players.

Thunderkick marked its debut in the Canadian province in Q2 of 2024, and has since partnered with a network of leading operators to improve its market position. The collaboration with Betty will further amplify its visibility in a key jurisdiction as the provider looks to reinforce its reputation as a global slot developer.

Svante Sahlström, CCO at Thunderkick, said: “It’s our mission at Thunderkick to go deeper, not wider, in 2025. That means forging meaningful, lasting relationships in target markets as opposed to securing as many commercial deals as possible.

“Since entering Ontario over 12 months ago, we have worked tirelessly to enhance our presence in the province, and working with leading brands such as Betty allows us to bring our unique games to a deeper pool of Canadian players.”

Paraskeva Smirnova, Casino Operations Manager at Betty, added: “Betty’s USP has always been our drive to build a slot portfolio with the very best titles from the industry’s most creative suppliers.

“Thunderkick’s passion for slot development is there for all to see, and the introduction of its games to our casino further elevates the consumer experience.”

The post Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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BCLC

Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026

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BCLC is pleased to announce the return of the New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference, taking place November 2–4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.

This global event brings leading voices in research, policy and industry together to explore innovative approaches to safer gambling. Attendees can expect two days of forward-thinking dialogue, evidence-based insights and collaborative solutions to help shape the future of player health.

Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available

New to the 2026 conference, BCLC is excited to offer sponsorship opportunities to organizations that share BCLC’s passion for safer gambling. Benefits of sponsoring New Horizons 2026 include industry visibility, leadership recognition and meaningful engagement with a global audience. To learn more about sponsorship, please e-mail [email protected].

Registration and program details will be released later this fall.

The post Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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