Gambling in the USA
Golden Entertainment Reports 2020 First Quarter Results
– Q1 Results Negatively Impacted by Mandated Closure of All Operations in March
– Cash Outlays Significantly Reduced to Preserve Liquidity
– Revolver Fully Drawn in March to Create Over $300 million Cash Position
– Montana Distributed Gaming Operations Reopened May 4th Statewide
Golden Entertainment, Inc. reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020.
Blake Sartini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Entertainment, commented, “The COVID-19 pandemic forced the mandated closure of all our operations beginning in mid-March, and continues to have an unprecedented impact on our business and the gaming and entertainment industry in general. This is reflected in our first quarter financial results, notwithstanding our significant year-over-year growth through February prior to the suspension of our operations. Since the closures, we have focused on supporting our team members, staying connected to our customers, and working to establish appropriate sanitation protocols to offer a safe environment when we are allowed to reopen.
“In order to preserve the Company’s liquidity and position ourselves to withstand the ongoing interruption to our operations, we reduced our cash operating expenses, deferred all capital expenditures and drew down our $200 million availability under our revolving credit facility. The actions that we have taken since the closure of our operations have positioned Golden Entertainment to withstand the current disruption in our business for the foreseeable future.
“Over the last several years we have executed on a strategic plan to put the Company on a path for long-term growth. This plan included capital investment to renovate and reposition The STRAT, accretive acquisitions that have grown our market share in Laughlin, pursuing new distributed gaming markets, and the introduction of our True Rewards one-card loyalty program. Our current cash position, capital structure with no near-term debt maturities, and diverse operations of wholly-owned casinos and distributed gaming operations across multiple jurisdictions will position Golden Entertainment favorably to achieve long-term success as we are allowed to reopen our properties.
“Finally, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to those whose health or livelihood has been directly affected by COVID-19, as well as acknowledge our great appreciation for all the healthcare providers, first responders and other essential workers whose efforts are keeping our communities safe and healthy.”
Consolidated Results
The Company reported 2020 first quarter revenues of $207.2 million compared to $239.9 million in the first quarter of 2019. Net loss for the first quarter of 2020 was $32.6 million, or a loss of $1.17 per share, compared to a net loss of $8.0 million, or $0.29 per share, in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted EBITDA was $30.3 million for the first quarter of 2020 compared to $48.4 million for the first quarter of 2019.
Casinos
Casino revenues were $128.0 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to $151.4 million in the first quarter of 2019. Casino Adjusted EBITDA was $31.8 million compared to $46.6 million in the first quarter of 2019.
Distributed Gaming
Distributed Gaming revenues for the first quarter of 2020 were $79.0 million compared to $88.4 million in the first quarter of 2019. Distributed Gaming Adjusted EBITDA was $7.1 million compared to $13.5 million in the first quarter of 2019.
Balance Sheet Highlights
As of March 31, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $302 million, including $200 million drawn from the Company’s revolving credit facility on March 16, 2020. Total debt on March 31 was $1.36 billion including the revolver draw.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2020 totaled $18.5 million, including payments of approximately $12 million related to renovations at The STRAT that were completed in December 2019. The total cost of renovations for The STRAT since June 2018 totals approximately $101 million.
The hottest new game from Aristocrat Gaming, Phoenix Link, is now live on casino floors, with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino being the first in North America to offer the highly-anticipated game. As the next evolution of the international hit game, Dragon Link, Phoenix Link features player-favorite mechanics from top games with all-new themes, features, and bonuses.
“We have been humbled by the incredible global fanfare Dragon Link has received over the years but are never ones to rest on our laurels. The teams have been working tirelessly on a follow-up that brings together all the player-favorite elements in a new and exciting way with Phoenix Link as the proud result. We were thrilled to partner with Yaamava’ to premiere Phoenix Link with flair, excitement, and celebration,” said Victor Duarte, executive vice president of product for Aristocrat Gaming.
Phoenix Link players will enjoy the game’s additional denominations, configurations, and jackpots on each of the launch game theme titles. Gameplay features include Hold & Spin, Free Games with multiplier wilds or twin spin reels, Phoenix Mystery trigger, and more new bonus twists. Phoenix Link is available on the Neptune Single cabinet.
“Yaamava’ is thrilled to host yet another world premiere in gaming with the launch of Phoenix Link by Aristocrat Gaming. Our Club Serrano members are already raving about this captivating extension of the player-favorite Dragon Link. It’s a great addition to the Yaamava’ gaming floor,” said Kenji Hall, General Manager of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, said.
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Jackpot Digital, a leading manufacturer of electronic multiplayer dealerless poker tables, announced that it has received approval from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) to act as a registered supplier of gaming supplies and services to regulated casinos in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The approval follows the Company’s news release dated February 6, 2024, announcing the signing of a licensing agreement with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority to install the Company’s Jackpot Blitz dealerless poker ETGs into SIGA casinos.
Underdog Fantasy, one the fastest-growing sports gaming and media companies in the US, was recognised as the number 15 company on LinkedIn’s 2024 Top Startups list in the US, alongside startups recognised for employment growth, engagement, job interest and attraction of top talent. This marks the second consecutive year Underdog has made LinkedIn’s top startups list. Underdog is the only sports gaming company to make the list in 2024, and is the only sports gaming company to make LinkedIn’s list since Underdog’s founding in 2020.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel announced the opening of the Aristocrat Gaming Lounge, a cutting-edge gaming area showcasing some of the most popular slot games by Aristocrat Gaming. The lounge is conveniently located near to the hotel lobby, offering easy access for guests. The Aristocrat Gaming Lounge houses 32 popular game titles by Aristocrat Gaming including fan favourites like Dragon Link, Buffalo, Mo’ Mummy, Whisker Wheels and more.
NIGC Compliance Officer Jo’Elle Thompson was inducted into the Emerging Leaders of Gaming (ELG) “40 Under 40” Class of 2025. The ELG “40 Under 40,” designed by The Innovation Group (TIG) in collaboration with Global Gaming Business magazine, recognises the significant contributions that gaming professionals under the age of 40 have made to the casino gaming industry. Recipients of this award are not only being honoured for their achievements, but also paving the way for the next generation of innovators and leaders in the gaming industry.
Partnerships
Fanatics Betting and Gaming has integrated a range of White Hat Studios’ award-winning games into the new online Fanatics Casino for customers in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Known for bringing branded entertainment to life, White Hat Studios will offer Fanatics Casino players access to popular slots, including the hit titles Goonies Hey You Guys and Ted Cashlock. Each title offers engaging gameplay and immersive visuals that connect players with their favourite brands.
Slotomania, the free-to-play slots game from Playtika, has announced an extended collaboration with the hit game show “Let’s Make a Deal”. From October 1 to 24, Slotomania will sponsor The Big Deal of the Day round on “Let’s Make a Deal,” offering lucky contestants the chance to win big with even more exciting prizes in the ultimate showdown of chance, luck and fun.
Pavilion Payments, the leading omnichannel payments provider exclusively serving the gaming industry, has announced a strategic partnership with betPARX. This partnership will integrate Pavilion Payments’ cutting-edge Real-Time Payments (RTP) solution—fully supporting FedNow and RTP networks—into betPARX’s platform, revolutionising the payout experience for patrons by enabling instant access to their winnings.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 30-October 6 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Gambling in the USA
Zula Casino Kicks Off its Spectacular 1-Year “Zula-versary” with a Month of Events and Promotions
Zula Casino launched its online social casino in the US exactly a year ago delivering more. More games. More rewards. More free-to-play entertainment through a personalized experience. Zula Casino marked its one-year launch by crossing the 1000 casino-game threshold – a milestone that positions it among the top platforms nationwide.
The month-long birthday bash intends to go over the top to give back to its amazing player community that helped make this first year so incredible. With its advent calendar format, players can unlock a special surprise each day ranging from a “Win-a-Vacation” event, a carnival event, free spins and new exclusive games, and a prize pool of over 25 billion Gold Coins (GC) plus 150,000 Sweeps Coins (SC) to be given out throughout the month. Over this period, Zula Casino will run other special events, including surprise happy hours with special coupons, various social media contests, and special giveaways.
“We’re incredibly proud of the player experience we’ve built over the last 12 months. The platform has garnered a substantial and loyal pool of players, and it’s not just because we offer one of the largest game selections from leading global providers, but also the exclusive experiences we’re providing, and the platform’s continued evolution with enhanced promotions, personalization, and seamless user experience,” said Tamar Laypan, Program Manager of Zula Casino.
Zula Casino has added over 1000 games across all categories over the past 12 months, including slots, jackpots, fish, table, plinko, megaways, crash, hold and win, tumble games, and more. These additions include top games like Big Bass Vegas and Fire Stampede, as well as branded exclusives like Gold Gold Gold 5000, supplied by Booming Games, and Sweet Bonanza 1000 by Pragmatic Play. With recent additions, Zula Casino now boasts 25 game providers, including Relax Gaming, Habanero, Evoplay, Pragmatic Play, RubyPlay, Gamzix, Let Us Entertain You Inc., to name a few.
Zula Casino flourished in a tough and highly competitive market, launching its proprietary-integrated platform in September of last year. With an average TrustPilot score of 4.6 and almost 9K reviews, the online social casino is among the highest-rated free-to-play sites in the market.
Zula Casino was also previously shortlisted for the prestigious Global SBC Awards in the category of “Rising Star in Casino”.
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