Industry News
Kindred Group plc – Interim report January – March 2020 (unaudited)
First quarter highlights
- Gross winnings revenue amounted to GBP 249.7 (224.4) million for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of 11 per cent (14 per cent in constant currency) from the same period last year.
- Underlying EBITDA for the first quarter of 2020 was GBP 42.5 (31.1) million.
- Items affecting comparability of GBP 24.0 million for the first quarter of 2020 included specific charges of GBP 20.7 million recognised as follows:
| GBP ‘m | |
| Personnel restructuring costs | 1.9 |
| Disputed regulatory sanction | 8.0 |
| EBITDA impact | 9.9 |
| Accelerated amortisation of acquired intangible assets | 10.8 |
| Profit before tax impact | 20.7 |
- The result was also impacted by foreign exchange losses of GBP 3.5 million on retranslation of borrowings, of which GBP 3.1 million are accounting unrealised losses.
- Profit before tax for the first quarter of 2020 amounted to GBP 2.4 (17.7) million.
- Profit after tax for the first quarter of 2020 amounted to GBP 1.0 (15.1) million.
- Free cash flow for the first quarter of 2020 amounted to GBP 32.3 (-6.6) million. GBP 36.7 million of borrowings was repaid in the quarter and the net debt position has improved since 2019 to GBP 133.4 million as at 31 March 2020.
- Earnings per share for the first quarter of 2020 were GBP 0.004 (0.067).
- Number of active customers during the first quarter was 1,531,302 (1,631,636).
“A resilient business operating in exceptional circumstances”
“Kindred has delivered a strong first quarter in returning to double-digit growth in Gross winnings revenue of 11 per cent (14 per cent in constant currency). The growth was aided by a higher than average Sports betting margin but underlying performance across all regions was positive. Our focus now is to optimise the business to meet the challenges of COVID-19. In the short-term, we continue to deliver a high-quality service to our customers, while protecting our employees and ensuring business continuity and regulatory compliance.”
“As part of the previously communicated plans to review the Group’s cost base, we have recognised a charge of GBP 1.9 million in the first quarter of 2020 in connection with restructuring costs. We have additionally decided to rationalise the Group’s brand portfolio and have announced the pending closure of several smaller brands. This, together with a wider review of acquired intangibles, has triggered a non-cash charge of GBP 10.8 million in the first quarter.”
“In line with the activity for the second half of March mentioned in our trading update on 2 April 2020, daily revenues for the period from 1 to 19 April have continued to be around GBP 2.2 million. Revenues and margins are less volatile in current circumstances because of the reduced proportion of revenues coming from Sports betting. The largest decline in daily revenues has been in France, which is expected due to its high reliance on sports, but it remains a low margin territory for Kindred because of the high betting taxes.”
“We have seen positive growth in other products and we have acted quickly to adapt our marketing and other investments and to maintain an even tighter control over all operating costs. If we see any further deterioration in the business, we will not hesitate to make further adjustments.”
“As a pure digital company, we are well prepared and ready to take the opportunities that will come when markets start to normalise. I am very confident that Kindred’s well-diversified and financially sound business model will enable us to emerge stronger over the coming quarters,” says Henrik Tjärnström, CEO Kindred Group.
Today, Friday 24 April 2020, Kindred Group’s CEO Henrik Tjärnström will host a web cast in English at 09.00 CEST on www.kindredgroup.com/Q12020. For those who would like to participate in the telephone conference in connection with the presentation, the telephone numbers are UK: +44 33 3300 9034 or in the USA: +1 833 249 8406.
The Kindred Group operates in locally-regulated markets through its gambling licences in the UK, Sweden, France, Belgium, Denmark, Germany (Schleswig-Holstein), Italy, Australia, Ireland, Romania, Estonia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as other markets internationally through its gambling licences in Malta and Gibraltar. The Kindred Group pays betting duties in all markets in accordance with applicable local laws.
The information in this report is such that Kindred Group plc is required to disclose under the EU Regulation of Market Abuse, MAR.
After five years as Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA) Director, Peter-Paul de Goeij has stepped down from his role.
Eric Konings, involved with NOGA since 2022, will be appointed as interim director. He will now hope to utlise his company knowledge and previous experience to steer the company through this transitional period. Further, Konings will be supported in the process of change by former Staatsloterij (State Lottery) CEO, Frans van Steenis.
“We are very grateful to Peter-Paul for his efforts over the past 5 years, in which he has excellently shaped the transformation from SpeelVerantwoord to NOGA. As a result, NOGA has been able to properly represent the interests of its members in a tumultuous period for the industry. We are confident that this line will be continued under Eric as interim director. However, we do not expect the coming period to be any less turbulent. That is why we as a board have decided to initiate the strategic reorientation,” Remko de Boer, chairman of the board of directors of NOGA, said.
“The past few years have been hectic, with the opening of the Dutch online gambling market as the absolute highlight. I am now stepping down, but I am convinced that the sector will continue to strive for a safe and responsible gaming offer. That is and remains the best way to achieve optimal consumer protection. I thank the board of NOGA for the trust they have placed in me over the past five years and I hand over the baton to Eric with a clear conscience,” Peter-Paul de Goeij said.
“The industry is facing a number of major challenges in the current political and social climate, and I look forward to helping NOGA members with this. In addition, NOGA is explicitly exploring how the representation of the industry’s interests can be organised in a future-proof manner. I am pleased that Frans van Steenis is fulfilling the role of explorer to shape this process with me,” Eric Konings said.
“A lot is happening in the gambling sector at the moment. Licensed providers, policy makers and society benefit from more clarity and better cooperation. I want to explore how bridges can be built between all parties involved in the gambling dossier,” Van Steenis said.
The post Peter-Paul de Goeij Steps Down as Director of NOGA appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
SmartSoft, the pioneering the first-ever crash game creator, was founded in Georgia in 2015 by industry enthusiasts. Dedicated to delivering high-quality gaming experiences globally, SmartSoft remains committed to not only creating games but also revolutionizing the industry itself. The hallmark lies in it’s continuous creation of new games, updating of old favorites and coming up with the features that make every gaming experience unforgettable.
What’s more, SmartSoft’s commitment to innovation goes beyond just game mechanics. The company also prioritizes engaging storytelling, stunning visuals, and captivating sounds to create truly memorable gaming experiences. This complex approach not only sets SmartSoft apart from its competitors but also underscores its mission to deliver unparalleled entertainment to gamers worldwide.
Let’s take a look below at Smartsoft’s work, old gems, new features and pushed boundaries:
The Evolution Continues, expending horizons
As pioneers of non-traditional casino games, flagship game “Jet X”, launched in 2018, marked a breakthrough in the genre and continues to lead the transformation of non-traditional games into mainstream casino offerings. “Jet X” has become the most popular game for SmartSoft, but mission doesn’t end there. Along with “Jet X”, SmartSoft have released numerous innovative games within a year. These games are distinctive in their mechanics and visuals, reflecting company’s commitment to continuous innovation through creativity and passion.
The latest innovation, a visual symphony known as “Helicopter X”, has been captivating users since November 2023. The groundbreaking Crash game designed to revolutionize the online casino landscape. This game combines innovative gameplay mechanics with stunning visual and auditory elements, offering players challenges and multiple strategic options. In “Helicopter X,” players control a helicopter, aiming to cash out before a crash occurs. The game features the Diamond Feature, which randomly boosts multipliers, adding excitement to every round. With it’s fascinating features and results “Helicopter X” offers high stakes and high rewards.
One more gem from SmartSoft – “Mine Island” presents an innovative and exhilarating addition to the online casino world. Since the release in December, this innovative game blends simplicity with excitement, making it accessible to both novice and experienced players. Its 10-stage progression system introduces a unique twist to traditional minefield games, allowing players to strategically decide when to collect winnings or risk progressing for higher multipliers, thus enhancing the gaming experience. The game offers substantial rewards and a compelling risk-reward dynamic. The intuitive gameplay, combined with strategic depth, ensures that “Mine
Island” stands out in the crowded casino market. Visually stunning design and user-friendly interface reflects a deep understanding of player preferences and behaviors.
“Crash Duel X” is an adrenaline-pumping world where strategic betting meets thrilling gameplay, achieving more success daily since launching in December of 2023. SmartSoft Gaming invites you to experience the rush of Crash games with an unparalleled gaming experience, with its diverse betting strategies and exciting features. As the first game on the market to introduce Crash Side Bets, “Crash Duel X” revolutionizes the traditional Crash game mechanics by integrating the best practices from online casino games with side bonus bet features. This innovative approach provides players with multiple strategic options, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
This is just a glimpse into SmartSoft’s ongoing commitment to innovation. Smartsoft, together with its team of professionals, continues to work actively, generating ideas and creating stunning visuals to deliver only the best products to its partners. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking developments and innovative solutions from SmartSoft.
The post SmartSoft Keeps Crafting Innovations appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) released fiscal year 2023 Gross Gaming Revenue numbers totaling $41.9 billion, an increase of $1 billion, or 2.4%, from the historic FY 2022 GGR of $40.9 billion.
Acting Chairwoman Sharon M. Avery and Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland made the announcement at the Wisconsin Gaming Regulators Association Summer Conference in Green Bay, Wis.
This year’s revenue reflects the viability of tribal gaming operations, as tribal gaming continues to adapt to technological advances and changes in consumer preferences. All eight NIGC regions demonstrated growth in gaming revenue since the last GGR report.
“This year’s GGR results demonstrate how a strong regulatory framework and diversity of tribal gaming enterprises generates growth in the gaming industry. Again, this year, tribal gaming operators and regulators have proven that their ingenuity and tenacity are catalysts for growth, even in the face of an ever-changing gaming landscape. This steadfastness will ensure that tribal gaming remains a valuable resource for continued economic sustainability in tribal communities,” said Avery.
“I congratulate the industry regulators, operators, and tribal leadership on another successful year. Their hard work in meeting and overcoming the challenges presented by an increasingly competitive market is evidence that tribes are resilient, and their gaming expertise is yielding benefits for their nations as IGRA intended,” said Hovland.
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