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Betsson Ab Year End Report, 1 January – 31 December 2020

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Continued growth during the quarter with an EBIT increase of 59 percent

QUARTER OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2020

  • Group revenue was SEK 1,762.5 (1,289.5) million, an increase of 37% with an organic increase of 36%.
  • Casino revenue increased by 33%. Sportsbook revenue increased by 47% and the sportsbook margin was 7.3% (6.8%).
  • Operating income (EBIT) was SEK 317.8 (200.5) million, an increase of 59%, the EBIT margin was 18.0% (15.5%).
  • EBIT adjusted for one-off costs for provisions of losses on payment providers of SEK 44.4 million was SEK 362.2 million,
    equivalent to a margin of 20.6 percent.
  • Operating cash flow was SEK 223.9 (237.8 ) million.
  • Active customers increased by 44% to 989,969 (686,499).

FULL YEAR 2020

  • Group revenue was SEK 6,389.6 (5,173.0) million, an increase of 24% with an organic increase of 20%.
  • Operating income (EBIT) was SEK 1,125.2 (865.0) million, an increase of 30%. The EBIT margin was 17.6% (16.7%).
  • Net income was SEK 990.8 (787.1) million, corresponding to SEK 7.32 (5.69) per share.
  • Operating cash flow was SEK 1,384.4 (1,150.3) million, an increase of 20% compared to the same period last year.
  • The Board of Directors proposes to the AGM that SEK 502.9 (393.6) million, which corresponds to SEK 3.68 (2.88) per share,
    is distributed to shareholders.

CEO COMMENT

“ATH revenues in the fourth quarter with growth in all regions

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“Betsson ended 2020 with yet another strong quarter. Under the extraordinary circumstances that still prevail, online gaming continue to demonstrate its resilience to market fluctuations and Betsson demonstrates good profitability. During the fourth quarter, revenues increased by 37 percent compared to the previous year, with growth in all regions, and the operating profit increased by 59 percent. The increase is driven by both casino and sportsbook with a sportsbook margin that was slightly higher compared with the third quarter this year. We are pleased by the continued strong development in the Nordics, especially in Denmark and Sweden, at large driven by the “pay and play” brand Jalla Casino.

There are several reasons for Betsson’s success. The transition to digital entertainment has been further accelerated during the pandemic, which has benefited us, but in the long run Betsson’s underlying strengths are crucial in creating growth and shareholder value. Our long experience and the strong financial position mean that we can continue to implement our strategy with a focus on growth despite current challenges.

During the first nine months of 2020 Betsson made several acquisitions, which together with licenses obtained in other countries, entailed expansion with new brands to new markets while we continued to develop products and functions in existing markets. During the fourth quarter, Betsson continued on this offensive path. We obtained a license in Argentina and launched the Betsafe brand in Kenya. In December, Betsson obtained a license in Colorado, USA and preparations are now underway to launch our highly competitive Sportsbook there in 2021. There is great interest in our Sportsbook and our ambitions are high to develop the B2B offering as a sportsbook supplier. Our first B2B sportsbook customer ibet was intended to launch in time for the Euro 2020 but had to postpone due to the pandemic. ibet has now had a “soft launch” in the European market and we continue to evaluate additional business opportunities.

The pandemic still holds us all in a tight grip and Betsson’s focus is, as always, on safety and health, for our employees and for society in general.

We still face challenges, but we leave 2020 behind and continue with determination to benefit from our strengths to create a strong global and diversified product portfolio of strong brands and local expertise. The strong financial position enables investments in technology and existing product portfolio. And we are confident in our ambition with a scalable and flexible proprietary technology as well as highly dedicated and talented teams”.

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QiH Group completes C-suite hiring spree with new CFO appointment

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QiH Group has been in the betting and gaming trade press frequently for its exciting yet steady growth the past few months – mainly in scouting and appointing the best-in-class talent from within the industry.

The latest talent acquisition in the iGaming group’s repertoire is finance and industry stalwart Simon Winder, who joins after seven years with Spotlight Sports Group (SSG). Winder, who has an impressive record in finance, including half a decade with the Football Association as well as time in the music and television industry.

As part of the new C-suite layer in the UK side of QiH’s business, Winder will use his growth-oriented financial expertise to support the business’s rapid growth, set out longer-term finance strategies and work with each department to achieve overall P&L goals.

Jamie Walters, CEO and co-founder of QiH Group, said that Winder’s appointment completes the C-level scaling the business set out to achieve at the beginning of FY 2024-2025.

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“We’ve made no secret of the fact that our business is growing fast. FY2023 delivered 75 percent growth in both revenue and profit and 2024 is on track to achieve the same again,” Walters explains. “Simon is an integral part of the formula we need to support this growth and to help take QiH Group into the next phase of our business. Massive thanks to our incredible HR Director, Andrea Talreja, and her incisive and insightful executive search that has brought us the support at C-level that we need to forge ahead.”

Winder, who will take up his post 1 November 2024, said: “After a wonderful and rewarding seven years with SSG, it’s great to be moving to a young company with the reputation for  innovation, growth and compliance that QiH Group has. Having watched the affiliate’s progress from the outside these past four years, it will be extremely fulfilling to be part of the action!”

Winder joins newly appointed CMO David Murphy, CTO Sachin Saxena and COO Andrew Lee in managing the company from the London office, but across both the Skopje and London teams.

* * *

For more information on QiH, Simon or to arrange an interview, please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

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About QiH Group

Founded in 2014, QiH is an innovative and industry-leading digital marketing business in the iGaming industry. With offices in London, UK and Skopje, North Macedonia, we specialise in digital marketing within the iGaming industry in multiple markets around the globe. Our companies include: Digital Adventures, with its suite of iGaming aggregator brands that deliver traffic to the biggest operators in the industry; Wizard Interactive, an affiliate partner for top-tier US-based online casinos looking for high-quality traffic and Tau Marketing Services, a suite of three consumer-facing, multi-geo casino brands run through the Aspire network.

The post QiH Group completes C-suite hiring spree with new CFO appointment appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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VIRGIN BET AND PRESENTING STAR NATALIE PIKE BRING ‘WOMEN’S DAY’ TO DONCASTER RACECOURSE

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Virgin Bet is excited to announce the second iteration of its ‘Women’s Day’ event, which will take place at the Virgin Bet November Handicap on Saturday, 9th November, at Doncaster Racecourse.

 

The day will serve as a platform to celebrate women in racing, making it the latest effort in Virgin Bet’s long line of social impact initiatives to help create a more inclusive environment.

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 Building on the success of the inaugural Women’s Day at Ayr Racecourse last season, this celebration aims to further highlight and honour the invaluable contributions of women in racing.

The event at Doncaster Racecourse is open to everyone, embodying Virgin Bet’s brand mission, ‘A Good Bet’. This campaign emphasises the brand’s dedication to breaking down pre-existing barriers within sports and culture at large.

As part of the day’s proceedings, in addition to enjoying Doncaster’s spectacular race offerings, attendees can attend two panels led by presenter Natalie Pike, with the first starting at 10:45 am in the Exhibition Hall. Combining celebration with insight, these discussions will encourage reflection and spark conversation, connecting racing fans with legendary women transforming horse racing while also addressing diversity in the sport.

Panellists will include:

 

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Panel 1: Women of Horse Racing

  • Sophie Green (Trainee Clerk of the Course, Southwell Racecourse)
  • Charlotte Russel (General Manager, Go Racing In Yorkshire)
  • Rachel Harwood (Executive Director, Doncaster Racecourse)

 

Panel 2: Creative Inclusivity in Racing

  • Dawn Goodfellow (CEO, Racing Welfare)
  • Emma Kay (Founder, WalkSafe)

 

Additionally, as part of Virgin Bet’s raceday sponsorship, a donation will be made to Racing Welfare. Their work ensures the well-being and success of British horseracing’s workforce. Virgin Bet’s support for Racing Welfare highlights the importance of giving back to the community that keeps the industry running.

The Virgin Bet November Handicap marks the beginning of Virgin Bet’s continued partnership with Arena Racing Company (ARC) for a series of key meetings throughout the 2024/25 season. This partnership extends to fellow LiveScore Group brand LiveScore Bet.

Virgin Bet’s Personal Safety Partner, WalkSafe, will also be integrated into the race day. Founded in 2020, WalkSafe was developed to give the public as much information about their surroundings as possible. The app, WalkSafe+, enables users to plan the safest route home, along with a host of additional features to help ensure a safer experience for all.

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Racegoers will be able to learn more about the innovative and free-to-download app over the course of the raceday, and get the chance to speak with its founder, Emma Kay, who strives every day to educate and highlight the importance of safety in all walks of life. Emma will also feature on one of the panels, sharing her insights and experiences as part of the discussions.

This second iteration of Women’s Day, now making its debut at Doncaster, serves as a potential alternative to traditional Ladies’ Day. Virgin Bet, in partnership with Doncaster Racecourse, is proud to continue fostering a celebratory environment, reminding everyone that racing truly welcomes all.

 

Dominic Vye, Marketing Director, Virgin Bet, said:

“Horse racing owes much of its success to the incredible women who contribute so much behind the scenes, and it’s time we celebrate their achievements. At Virgin Bet, as part of our ‘A Good Bet’ brand campaign, we want to make sport more accessible and highlight brilliance, no matter who the subject is, and this initiative is doing exactly that.”

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Presenter and ‘Women’s Day Sponsored by Virgin Bet’ collaborator, Natalie Pike, added:

“It’s been amazing to return and once again be part of this fantastic initiative with the teams at Virgin Bet and Doncaster Racecourse. I hope this year’s event will continue to inspire and uplift the incredible women in horse racing. Creating an inclusive and safe environment for everyone in the sport is so important, and I’m proud to help bring attention to that.”

Rachel Harwood, Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse, continued:

“We are proud to celebrate Women’s Day here at Doncaster Racecourse. This initiative shines a spotlight on the essential role women play in our sport. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to remind everyone that racing is for everyone, and we hope all racegoers feel that sense of inclusivity and belonging.”

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“We’re also delighted to have Virgin Bet’s Personal Safety Partner WalkSafe integrated as part of their sponsorships with us. The experience and safety for all spectators at our racecourses is a priority, so it’s fantastic to see this as part of Virgin Bet’s ‘A Good Bet’ initiatives, which aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”

 

To purchase tickets, please visit: www.tickets.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk

The post VIRGIN BET AND PRESENTING STAR NATALIE PIKE BRING ‘WOMEN’S DAY’ TO DONCASTER RACECOURSE appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Compliance Updates

Tennessee Sports Wagering Council Takes Action Against Illegal Sportsbook

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The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council through its executive director issued $50,000 in fines to Bovada.lv, an unlicensed and therefore illegal sportsbook operating in Tennessee.

Bovada failed to comply with cease and desist letters delivered to addresses in Curaçao, and Council investigators placed wagers through Bovada’s platform on three separate occasions, including as recently as October 16, 2024.

The Sports Gaming Act authorizes the Council to impose a $10,000 fine for the first offense of accepting wagers without a license, which rises to $15,000 for the second offense, and $25,000 for the third offense. Subsequent offenses may lead to the imposition of a $25,000 fine for each occurrence, an occurrence being a single wager accepted in Tennessee.

In the cease and desist letters, the Council ordered Bovada to allow all Tennessee users to withdraw any funds currently held by the unlicensed sportsbook.

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“The Sports Wagering Council recommends that Tennessee users of Bovada withdraw their funds immediately. Our primary role is the protection of the public interest through a safe, regulated environment, and Tennessee sports bettors need to know that just because they can access a sports betting website or app inside Tennessee’s borders does not mean it is licensed to do business here,” Mary Beth Thomas, Executive Director of Tennessee Sports Wagering Council, said.

Legal sportsbook operators provide important bettor protections not found in the illegal market. If an individual wagers with unlicensed sportsbooks, their sensitive financial and personal information may not be protected and could even be shared with criminal enterprises. The bettor’s money could be withheld or disappear without a way to recover it.

The SWC is working closely with its network of law enforcement at the state and federal level to eradicate illegal sportsbooks such as Bovada and others.

Tennessee is the largest “online-only” sports betting market in the US, with more than $4.7 billion wagered in Tennessee last fiscal year through online sportsbooks licensed by the Council.

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