Industry News
Kindred Group update on the initial impact of COVID-19
In light of the exceptional circumstances caused by COVID-19, Kindred is providing the following updates.
Trading update
Kindred has had a good start to the year with gross winning revenue for the first quarter of 2020 estimated to be in the range of GBP 247-252 million (Q1-2019: GBP 224.4 million) unaudited. The gross winning revenue was positively impacted by strong sports betting margins in the period up the disruption of sports in the middle of March 2020. Despite this, the margin before free bets was 12.2 per cent for the quarter, compared to 9.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2019.
The full impact of cancelled sports events was largely effective from 16 March 2020, which resulted in lower sports book turnover, however partially compensated by solid growth in revenues from other products. As a very short-term indication, during the period 16 March to 31 March 2020, the daily average gross winnings revenue was GBP 2.2 million, which was 10 per cent lower than the average for the full year in 2019 (11 per cent in constant currency).
Update on dividend for 2019
Kindred has a good financial position with strong liquidity and low leverage. However, due to the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 and to ensure that Kindred is well capitalized for future investment opportunities, the Board has decided to change the previously communicated proposal on the 2019 dividend and will recommend to the AGM that no dividend is paid.
Operational update
Kindred has taken steps to protect employees and to ensure continuity of operations by adjusting ways of working so that, wherever possible, employees work from home. As a modern technology-based company, this has been achieved with minimum disruption to the business. Kindred is also working closely with all its partners to continue to provide an attractive sports and racing offer where possible and to be ready for normalized levels of sport activity.
Henrik Tjärnström, CEO, comments:
“We expect the impact of the coronavirus on our business to be temporary, with sports activities gradually resuming during or after the summer. In order to reduce the earnings impact of temporarily lower sports revenues, we will adapt our cost base through reduced levels of marketing spend, lower operating costs and delaying certain investments.
While the current situation presents several challenges, I remain very positive about Kindred’s future outlook. Kindred will continue to benefit from a wide geographical reach and a broad product mix as well as a business model which has been resilient during previous times of economic downturns. I also believe that the social and behavioural changes that are already happening will accelerate the migration from offline to online, which will benefit digital operators like Kindred. Our focus on player safety and care for our customers will naturally continue with the same dedication.”
Quarterly Results Presentations
Kindred will publish results for the first quarter on 24 April 2020. The results presentation and Q&A session will be available through webcast as usual. The previously planned physical meeting at Regeringsgatan 25 in Stockholm will not take place. The arrangements for the results announcements for subsequent quarters will depend on the relevant advice from public authorities.
About Kindred Group:
Kindred Group is one of the world’s leading online gambling operators with business across Europe and Australia, offering over 26 million customers across 11 brands a great form of entertainment in a safe, fair and sustainable environment. The company, which employs about 1,600 people, is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm Large Cap and is a founding member of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) and founding member of IBIA (International Betting Integrity Association). Kindred Group is audited and certified by eCOGRA for compliance with the 2014 EU Recommendation on Consumer Protection and Responsible Gambling (2014/478/EU).
Industry News
CT Interactive Appoints Todor Botsev as Business Development Manager for EMEA and Asia
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.
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.
Industry News
Playtech Executive Chair Brian Mattingley Set to Step Aside
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.
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.
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.
Industry News
CT Interactive Reflects on Successful Showcase at ICE 2025
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.
“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.
“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.
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