Canada
Gambling.com Group Reports 2021 Financial Results
Gambling.com Group Limited, a leading provider of digital marketing services for the global online gambling industry, today announced its operating and financial results for the year and the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2021.
2021 Financial Highlights
- North American revenue grew 89% to $7.5 million compared to $4.0 million for the prior year
- Revenue of $42.3 million grew 51% compared to $28.0 million for the prior year
- Net income of $12.5 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $15.2 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, for the prior year
- Adjusted EBITDA of $18.4 million increased 26% compared to $14.6 million for the prior year, representing an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 43%1
- Free cash flow of $8.4 million decreased 22% compared to $10.8 million for the prior year1
Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights
- North American revenue grew 56% to $2.2 million compared to $1.4 million in the same period for the prior year
- Revenue of $10.3 million remained consistent to $10.3 million in the same period for the prior year
- Net income of $0.9 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $8.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, in the same period for the prior year
- Adjusted EBITDA of $2.3 million decreased 63% compared to $6.1 million in the same period for the prior year, representing an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 22%1
- Free cash flow of $(1.8 million) compared to $3.5 million for the prior year1
Business Highlights
- Completed successful public listing of ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Global Market in July 2021 under the ticker symbol “GAMB”
- Named the 2021 EGR Affiliate of the Year and 2021 SBC North America Casino Affiliate of the Year
- Delivered 117,000 new depositing customers in 2021 compared to 104,000 in 2020
- Launched several new U.S.- facing websites during 2021 and acquired an incredibly strong portfolio of U.S. specific domain names
- Announced the acquisition of RotoWire.com – a leader in U.S online fantasy sports – in December 2021 to leverage RotoWire’s high-quality traffic and drive substantial incremental sports betting affiliate revenue in the U.S., the acquisition was completed on January 1, 2022
- Announced media partnership with McClatchy in January 2022 to monetize the McClatchy portfolio of digital media assets through sports betting in 29 markets across 14 states
- Successfully entered the New York and Louisiana markets in January 2022
- Announced acquisition of BonusFinder.com in February 2022 to better position the Group for the upcoming market launch in Ontario and further strengthening the Group’s North American presence
“We grew our revenue in 2021 by 51% compared to the prior year, delivered an EBITDA margin of 43% and generated over $8 million of free cash flow as many other industry players struggled to find a path to sustainable profitability,” said Charles Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Gambling.com Group. “As we look towards 2022, we are encouraged by the strongest start to a year we have seen in our 15-year history. Helped by launches in New York and Louisiana, January was our best-single month performance ever – even before consolidating financial results from our recent acquisitions. Just in January, we have seen the total addressable market in North America expand by leaps and bounds and there is a clear path to additional state launches this year, along with the impending launch of Ontario next month. As B2C operators in the U.S. seek a path to sustainable profitability and evaluate their marketing spend going forward, we believe that the affiliate model is ideally positioned to provide operators with more effective, higher ROI investments where they can clearly attribute the source, profitability and lifetime value of a referred player. We view this shift as greatly benefitting the value of our performance marketing revenue model, and we are confident that these tailwinds support what we expect to be another year of record performance for the Group.”
2022 Outlook
Based on currently available information, the Group estimates that, for the full year 2022:
- Total revenue will be in the range of $71 million and $76 million; and
- Adjusted EBITDA will be in the range $22 million and $27 million1
Elias Mark, Chief Financial Officer of Gambling.com Group, added, “Our expectation for another year of record revenue and Adjusted EBITDA is supported primarily by our premier domain portfolio and our growing presence in the U.S. achieved through continuous investments in U.S-facing assets. Organic growth in North America is complemented by our recent acquisitions of RotoWire.com and BonusFinder.com as well as our initiatives to further our leadership in the more established markets that we currently serve. As we have stated, our Adjusted EBITDA margin may deviate from target in the short-term as we strategically invest to strengthen our U.S. footprint, which is reflected in our 2022 outlook. Nonetheless, our profitability metrics remain among the very best in the industry, and our free cash flow generation more than covers our organic growth initiatives and the acquisition of domain names and other assets. We entered 2022 on strong financial footing and are off to the best start to a year in the Company history led by strong growth in North America. We grew total revenue profitably by 51% in 2021 and we look forward to accelerate that rate of profitable growth in 2022.”
2021 – 2023 Financial Targets |
||
|
|
|
Total Revenue Growth |
|
> Average 40% |
Adjusted EBITDA Margin1 |
|
> Average 40% |
Leverage2 |
|
< Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA 2.5x3 |
1 Adjusted figures represent non-IFRS information. See “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” and the tables at the end of this release for an explanation of the adjustments and reconciliations to the comparable IFRS numbers.
2 Leverage is defined as Net Debt as a proportion of Adjusted EBITDA.
3 Net Debt is defined as Borrowings less Cash and Cash Equivalents.
2021 vs. 2020 Financial Highlights |
||||||||||||||||
|
|
YEAR ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands USD, except for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF |
|
|||||||||||||||
Revenue |
|
|
42,323 |
|
|
|
27,980 |
|
|
|
14,343 |
|
|
|
51 |
% |
Operating expenses |
|
|
(30,931 |
) |
|
|
(16,849 |
) |
|
|
(14,082 |
) |
|
|
84 |
% |
Operating profit |
|
|
11,392 |
|
|
|
11,131 |
|
|
|
261 |
|
|
|
2 |
% |
Income before tax |
|
|
12,164 |
|
|
|
10,752 |
|
|
|
1,412 |
|
|
|
13 |
% |
Net income for the period attributable to the |
|
|
12,453 |
|
|
|
15,151 |
|
|
|
(2,698 |
) |
|
|
(18 |
)% |
Net income per share attributable to ordinary |
|
|
0.40 |
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
(0.15 |
) |
|
|
(27 |
)% |
Net income per share attributable to ordinary |
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
0.49 |
|
|
|
(0.12 |
) |
|
|
(24 |
)% |
|
|
YEAR ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands USD, except Adjusted EBITDA Margin, unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
|
18,356 |
|
|
|
14,608 |
|
|
|
3,748 |
|
|
|
26 |
% |
Adjusted EBITDA Margin |
|
|
43 |
% |
|
|
52 |
% |
|
n/m |
|
|
n/m |
|
||
Free Cash Flow |
|
|
8,423 |
|
|
|
10,804 |
|
|
|
(2,381 |
) |
|
|
(22 |
)% |
n/m = not meaningful
|
|
YEAR ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands, unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL DATA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
New Depositing Customers (1) |
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
13 |
% |
- We define New Depositing Customers, or NDCs, as unique referral of a player from our system to one of our customers that satisfied an agreed metric (typically making a deposit above a minimum threshold) with the customer, thereby triggering the right to a commission for us.
Revenue
Total revenue increased 51% to $42.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $28.0 million for the prior year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased $13.4 million, or 46%. Revenue growth was organic. The increase was driven by both growth in NDCs and improved monetization of NDCs that we attribute to a combination of technology improvements and changes in product and market mix. NDCs increased 13% to 117,000 compared to 104,000 in the prior year.
Our revenue disaggregated by market is as follows:
|
|
YEAR ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands USD) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
U.K. and Ireland |
|
|
21,391 |
|
|
|
16,189 |
|
|
|
5,202 |
|
|
|
32 |
% |
Other Europe |
|
|
10,800 |
|
|
|
5,252 |
|
|
|
5,548 |
|
|
|
106 |
% |
North America |
|
|
7,484 |
|
|
|
3,959 |
|
|
|
3,525 |
|
|
|
89 |
% |
Rest of the world |
|
|
2,648 |
|
|
|
2,580 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
3 |
% |
Total revenues |
|
|
42,323 |
|
|
|
27,980 |
|
|
|
14,343 |
|
|
|
51 |
% |
Revenue increases were primarily driven by growth in revenue from the U.K. and Ireland, Other Europe, and North America.
Our revenue disaggregated by monetization is as follows:
|
|
YEAR ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands USD) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Hybrid commission |
|
|
15,616 |
|
|
|
14,738 |
|
|
|
878 |
|
|
|
6 |
% |
Revenue share commission |
|
|
3,596 |
|
|
|
3,308 |
|
|
|
288 |
|
|
|
9 |
% |
CPA commission |
|
|
18,591 |
|
|
|
9,047 |
|
|
|
9,544 |
|
|
|
105 |
% |
Other revenue |
|
|
4,520 |
|
|
|
887 |
|
|
|
3,633 |
|
|
|
410 |
% |
Total revenues |
|
|
42,323 |
|
|
|
27,980 |
|
|
|
14,343 |
|
|
|
51 |
% |
Revenue increases were driven primarily by additional Cost Per Acquisition, or CPA, commission and Other revenue. The increase in Other revenue was driven by bonuses related to achieving certain operator NDC performance targets and fixed fees.
Our revenue disaggregated by product type from which it is derived is as follows:
|
|
YEAR ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands USD) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Casino |
|
|
35,632 |
|
|
|
24,135 |
|
|
|
11,497 |
|
|
|
48 |
% |
Sports |
|
|
6,188 |
|
|
|
3,210 |
|
|
|
2,978 |
|
|
|
93 |
% |
Other |
|
|
503 |
|
|
|
635 |
|
|
|
(132 |
) |
|
|
(21 |
)% |
Total revenues |
|
|
42,323 |
|
|
|
27,980 |
|
|
|
14,343 |
|
|
|
51 |
% |
Revenue increases were driven by growth in revenue from casino and sports products.
Operating Expenses
|
|
YEAR ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands USD) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Sales and marketing expenses |
|
|
14,067 |
|
|
|
8,103 |
|
|
|
5,964 |
|
|
|
74 |
% |
Technology expenses |
|
|
3,947 |
|
|
|
2,503 |
|
|
|
1,444 |
|
|
|
58 |
% |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
13,014 |
|
|
|
5,956 |
|
|
|
7,058 |
|
|
|
119 |
% |
Movements in credit losses allowance and write offs |
|
|
(97 |
) |
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
(384 |
) |
|
|
(134 |
)% |
Total operating expenses |
|
|
30,931 |
|
|
|
16,849 |
|
|
|
14,082 |
|
|
|
84 |
% |
Total operating expenses increased by $14.1 million to $30.9 million compared to $16.8 million in the prior year. On a constant currency basis, operating expenses increased by $13.5 million, or 77%. The increase was driven primarily by increased headcount across Sales and Marketing, Technology, and General and Administrative functions as we invest in the Company’s organic growth initiatives as well as increased administrative expenses associated with operating as a public company.
Sales and Marketing expenses totaled $14.1 million compared to $8.1 million in the prior year. The increase was driven primarily by increased wages and salary expenses associated with increased headcount.
Technology expenses totaled $4.0 million compared to $2.5 million in the prior year. The increase was driven primarily by increased wages and salary expenses associated with increased headcount partially offset by capitalized development costs.
General and Administrative expenses totaled $13.0 million compared to $6.0 million in the prior year. The increase was driven primarily by increased wages and salary expenses associated with increased headcount, professional services, and insurance expenses.
Earnings
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 26% to $18.4 million compared to $14.6 million in the prior year representing an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 43%. The increase was driven primarily by increased revenue partly offset by increased operating expenses.
Operating profit remained relatively constant at $11.4 million compared to $11.1 million in 2020. Operating profit in 2021 was affected by non-recurring costs related to the public offering and future acquisitions by $2.6 million, and share based payments costs by $ 2.0 million ($0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in 2020).
Net income totaled $12.5 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, compared to net income of $15.2 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, in the prior year. Net income in 2020 was positively affected by the recognition of deferred tax assets of $5.4 million and gain from bonds’ redemption of $1.4 million ($1.8 million and zero, respectively, in 2021).
Free Cash-flow
Total cash generated from operations of $14.0 million increased 28% compared to $10.9 million in the prior year. The increase was driven primarily by increased adjusted EBITDA. Free cash flow totaled $8.4 million compared to $10.8 million in the prior year. The decline was the result of increased cash flow generated from operations offset by increased capital expenditures consisting primarily of the acquisition of domain names and capitalized development costs.
Balance Sheet |
||||||||||||||||
|
|
AS OF |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands, USD) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
51,047 |
|
|
|
8,225 |
|
|
|
42,822 |
|
|
|
521 |
% |
Working capital (2) |
|
|
46,714 |
|
|
|
10,059 |
|
|
|
36,655 |
|
|
|
364 |
% |
Total assets |
|
|
91,025 |
|
|
|
45,383 |
|
|
|
45,642 |
|
|
|
101 |
% |
Total borrowings |
|
|
5,944 |
|
|
|
5,960 |
|
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
(0 |
)% |
Total liabilities |
|
|
11,116 |
|
|
|
11,171 |
|
|
|
(55 |
) |
|
|
(0 |
)% |
Total equity |
|
|
79,909 |
|
|
|
34,212 |
|
|
|
45,697 |
|
|
|
134 |
% |
- Working capital is defined as total current assets minus total current liabilities.
n/m = not meaningful
Cash balances as of December 31, 2021 totaled $51.0 million, an increase of $42.8 million compared to $8.2 million as of December 31, 2020. Working capital as of December 31, 2021 totaled $46.7 million, an increase of $36.6 million compared to $10.1 million as of December 31, 2020.
Total assets as of December 31, 2021 were $91.0 million compared to $45.4 million as of December 31, 2020. Total borrowings, including accrued interest, remained constant at $5.9 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. Total liabilities decreased slightly as of December 31, 2021 to $11.1 million compared to $11.2 million as of December 31, 2020.
Total equity as of December 31, 2021 was $79.9 million compared to $34.2 million as of December 31, 2020.
The increases in working capital, total assets, and total equity were driven primarily by the net proceeds received from the IPO and operating profit and net income generated by the Company.
Fourth Quarter 2021 vs. Fourth Quarter 2020 Financial Highlights |
||||||||||||||||
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands USD, except for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF |
|
|||||||||||||||
Revenue |
|
|
10,291 |
|
|
|
10,267 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
0 |
% |
Operating expenses |
|
|
(9,668 |
) |
|
|
(5,897 |
) |
|
|
(3,771 |
) |
|
|
64 |
% |
Operating profit |
|
|
623 |
|
|
|
4,370 |
|
|
|
(3,747 |
) |
|
|
(86 |
)% |
Income before tax |
|
|
1,311 |
|
|
|
3,489 |
|
|
|
(2,178 |
) |
|
|
(62 |
)% |
Net income for the period attributable to the |
|
|
867 |
|
|
|
8,541 |
|
|
|
(7,674 |
) |
|
|
(90 |
)% |
Net income per share attributable to ordinary |
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
(0.36 |
) |
|
|
(92 |
)% |
Net income per share attributable to ordinary |
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
(94 |
)% |
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands USD, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
|
2,272 |
|
|
|
6,115 |
|
|
|
(3,843 |
) |
|
|
(63 |
)% |
Adjusted EBITDA Margin |
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
60 |
% |
|
n/m |
|
|
|
(38 |
)% |
|
Free Cash Flow |
|
|
(1,811 |
) |
|
|
3,533 |
|
|
|
(5,344 |
) |
|
|
(151 |
)% |
n/m = not meaningful
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands, unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL DATA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
New Depositing Customers (1) |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
)% |
- We define New Depositing Customers, or NDCs, as unique referral of a player from our system to one of our customers that satisfied an agreed metric (typically making a deposit above a minimum threshold) with the customer, thereby triggering the right to a commission for us.
Revenue
Total revenue in the fourth quarter remained relatively constant at $10.3 million. On a constant currency basis, revenue remained relatively constant. NDCs decreased 20% to 28,000 compared to 35,000 in the prior year. We attribute the improved monetization of NDCs to a combination of technology improvements and changes in product and market mix.
Our revenue disaggregated by market is as follows:
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands USD, unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
U.K. and Ireland |
|
|
5,226 |
|
|
|
5,780 |
|
|
|
(554 |
) |
|
|
(10 |
)% |
Other Europe |
|
|
2,260 |
|
|
|
2,299 |
|
|
|
(39 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
)% |
North America |
|
|
2,154 |
|
|
|
1,383 |
|
|
|
771 |
|
|
|
56 |
% |
Rest of the world |
|
|
651 |
|
|
|
805 |
|
|
|
(154 |
) |
|
|
(19 |
)% |
Total revenues |
|
|
10,291 |
|
|
|
10,267 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
0 |
% |
Changes in revenue were driven by strong organic growth in our North American markets, offset by a decline in the U.K. and Ireland and, to a lesser extent, Other Europe and Rest of the world. U.K. and Ireland revenue was negatively affected by higher than usual volatility in organic search traffic. In the comparable period, U.K. and Ireland revenue was positively affected by increased demand coinciding with restrictive Covid-19 measures. Other Europe was negatively affected by regulatory changes in Germany implemented in July 2021 partly offset by growth in revenue from other European markets.
Our revenue disaggregated by monetization is as follows:
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands USD, unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Hybrid commission |
|
|
2,935 |
|
|
|
5,557 |
|
|
|
(2,622 |
) |
|
|
(47 |
)% |
Revenue share commission |
|
|
744 |
|
|
|
1,004 |
|
|
|
(260 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
)% |
CPA commission |
|
|
5,202 |
|
|
|
3,271 |
|
|
|
1,931 |
|
|
|
59 |
% |
Other revenue |
|
|
1,410 |
|
|
|
435 |
|
|
|
975 |
|
|
|
224 |
% |
Total revenues |
|
|
10,291 |
|
|
|
10,267 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
0 |
% |
Revenue from CPA commission and Other revenue increased whereas revenue from hybrid and revenue share commission decreased. The changes in monetization were primarily a result of changes in market mix with a higher proportion of revenue from the U.S compared to the previous year. The increase in Other revenue was driven primarily by bonuses related to achieving certain operator NDC performance targets and fixed fees.
Our revenue disaggregated by product type from which it is derived is as follows:
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands USD, unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Casino |
|
|
8,466 |
|
|
|
8,846 |
|
|
|
(380 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
)% |
Sports |
|
|
1,769 |
|
|
|
1,160 |
|
|
|
609 |
|
|
|
53 |
% |
Other |
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
261 |
|
|
|
(205 |
) |
|
|
(79 |
)% |
Total revenues |
|
|
10,291 |
|
|
|
10,267 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
0 |
% |
Revenue increases were driven by growth in revenue from sports products offset by a decrease in casino and other revenue.
Operating Expenses
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
CHANGE |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands USD, unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Sales and marketing expenses |
|
|
4,632 |
|
|
|
2,442 |
|
|
|
2,190 |
|
|
|
90 |
% |
Technology expenses |
|
|
1,190 |
|
|
|
798 |
|
|
|
392 |
|
|
|
49 |
% |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
3,877 |
|
|
|
2,609 |
|
|
|
1,268 |
|
|
|
49 |
% |
Movements in credit losses allowance and write offs |
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
(79 |
) |
|
|
(165 |
)% |
Total operating expenses |
|
|
9,668 |
|
|
|
5,897 |
|
|
|
3,771 |
|
|
|
64 |
% |
Total operating expenses increased by $3.8 million to $9.7 million compared to $5.9 million in the prior year. On a constant currency basis, operating expenses increased by $3.6 million, or 58%. The increase was driven primarily by headcount across Sales and Marketing, Technology, and General and Administrative functions as we invest in the Company’s organic growth initiatives as well as increased administrative expenses associated with operating as a public company.
Sales and Marketing expenses totaled $4.6 million compared to $2.4 million in the prior year. The increase was driven primarily by increased wages and salary expenses associated with increased headcount.
Technology expenses totaled $1.2 million compared to $0.8 million in the prior year. The increase was driven primarily by increased wages and salary expenses associated with increased headcount partially offset by capitalized development costs.
General and Administrative expenses totaled $3.9 million compared to $2.6 million in the prior year. The increase was driven primarily by increased wages and salary expenses associated with increased headcount, professional services, and insurance expenses.
Earnings
Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 63% to $2.3 million compared to $6.1 million in the prior year representing an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 22%. The decrease was driven by increased operating expenses.
Operating profit in the fourth quarter decreased 86% to $0.6 million compared to $4.4 million in 2020. The decrease was driven primarily by a decrease in Adjusted EBITDA and an increase in share-based payments expense.
Net income in the fourth quarter totaled $0.9 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to net income of $8.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, in the prior year. Net income in the forth quarter 2021 was positively affected by a USD/Euro foreign currency exchange gain of $1.1 million (zero in 2020). While net income in the fourth quarter of 2020 was positively affected by the recognition of deferred tax assets of $5.4 million (deferred tax asset reduction of $0.2 million in 2021).
BetConstruct
BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity
BetConstruct, a global pioneer in iGaming and sports betting solutions, has announced a significant milestone in the gaming industry. Through its affiliate entity, BetConstruct has become the first iGaming company authorized to facilitate the issuance of both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licenses. This remarkable achievement was made possible by obtaining a direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation in Canada.
The Tobique First Nation, renowned for its innovative and forward-thinking regulatory approach, has entrusted BetConstruct’s affiliate entity with the authority to oversee applications and facilitate the issuance of licenses from its jurisdiction. This partnership underscores shared values of innovation, transparency, and a commitment to responsible gaming practices.
This historic development places BetConstruct at the forefront of the Canadian iGaming market, redefining the opportunities available to gaming operators. By leveraging its affiliate entity’s licensing capabilities, BetConstruct empowers businesses to navigate a streamlined and transparent regulatory environment, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
“At BetConstruct, we’ve always strived to push the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming. This landmark achievement with the Tobique First Nation reflects our unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for our partners while upholding the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in gaming,” said Vigen Badalyan, Co-Founder of BetConstruct.
The issuance of dual licenses under the watchful eye of BetConstruct’s affiliate not only highlights BetConstruct’s commitment to supporting its partners but also reinforces the company’s role as a trusted leader in the global iGaming landscape.
This milestone signals a new era for regulated iGaming, as BetConstruct takes bold steps to establish a robust ecosystem for operators and consumers alike. With its direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation, BetConstruct is setting a new standard for innovation, consumer protection, and sustainable growth in Canada and beyond.
The post BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Announce Closing of the Acquisition of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria
Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Ltd. announced that PDG has closed the previously announced acquisitions of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria from Great Canadian, in historic transactions for both parties. PDG is a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation (the “Nation”) and is dedicated to realizing the economic potential of the Nation.
The transactions, originally announced on June 24, 2024, for Casino Nanaimo and September 10, 2024, for Elements Casino Victoria, have received all required approvals from the regulatory authorities.
“We are thrilled to have completed these transactions. An incredible amount of work has been undertaken by our corporate team, our on-site teams at both properties, and PDG to achieve this successful closing. I am grateful for their efforts, as well as everyone at the B.C. Lottery Corporation and the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch, who were thoughtful, diligent, and thorough in facilitating these closings,” said Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian.
“We look forward to working closely with PDG during the transition period to support the continued successful operation of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria,” Anfinson added.
“We celebrate the closing of our two casino acquisitions and our continued progress toward building a strong Snuneymuxw economy. For decades, Snuneymuxw leadership has worked tirelessly toward this moment, recognizing the connection between a strong economy, self-determination, and the foundation of nationhood. Today, we honour the achievements of those who came before us by securing businesses that will strengthen our Nation for generations to come. Thank you to the PDG and Great Canadian teams for your exceptional work. We look forward to a rewarding partnership with the B.C. Lottery Corporation, driving economic growth for the Nation and Province,” said Chief Mike Wyse.
Erralyn Joseph, President of PDG, said: “This measured acquisition marks an important milestone for PDG as we continue growing a corporate enterprise that reinvests directly into the prosperity of our Nation. With a strong operating plan focused on risk mitigation and yielding sizable returns, PDG continues to generate sustainable wealth for Snuneymuxw. With every step we are realizing our socio-economic potential and influence at a local, national, and global level. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to share this news and remain committed to advancing economic growth in support of all residents connected to Snuneymuxw territory.”
“Acquiring these assets marks a pivotal shift for Snuneymuxw and Vancouver Island. This transition will fuel the Island’s economy, strengthening the Snuneymuxw Nation and ensuring the benefits stay local,” said Ian Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of PDG.
The post Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Announce Closing of the Acquisition of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
Ottawa Black Bears Announce Partnership Deal with PowerPlay
The Ottawa Black Bears announced an extensive partnership agreement with PowerPlay Online Sportsbook and Casino that will see the company’s logo featured on the club’s home and away jerseys.
In addition to the jersey partnership, PowerPlay will also have branding elements inside the goal crease, behind the bench, on the LED display ring, and along the rinkboards for Black Bears home games at Canadian Tire Centre. As part of the deal, PowerPlay also becomes the exclusive sportsbook and online casino partner for the Ottawa Black Bears.
“We are thrilled to have PowerPlay on board for our inaugural season with such a comprehensive partnership agreement. Their investment with the Black Bears represents a foundational agreement for our lacrosse club. And we’re proud to wear their logo alongside ours as we launch our franchise,” said Chelsea McDermott, Vice President of Business Operations for the Ottawa Black Bears.
“We are excited to bring PowerPlay’s bold, community-driven spirit to Ottawa-Gatineau, partnering with the Black Bears as they establish themselves as a force in lacrosse. This partnership celebrates a sport deeply tied to Canada’s heritage and competitive energy. Together, we’ll ignite passion, energize fans, and deliver excitement all season long,” said Thomas Vermeulen, Marketing Director for PowerPlay.
The post Ottawa Black Bears Announce Partnership Deal with PowerPlay appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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