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Better Collective reports organic revenue growth of 19% in Q1
Interim report January 1 – March 31, 2021
Highlights first quarter 2021
- Q1 revenue grew by 86% to 38,836 tEUR (Q1 2020: 20,921 tEUR). Organic revenue growth was 19%. The revenue split was 61% from Publishing and 39% from Paid Media.
- Q1 EBITDA before special items increased 46% to 13,193 tEUR (Q1 2020: 9,045 tEUR). The EBITDA-margin before special items was 34%. EBITDA-margin was 51% in Publishing and 7% in Paid Media. The margin in the Paid Media segment was significantly impacted by the switch from pure CPA to hybrid revenue models at a cost of approx. 2 mEUR. Excluding these impacts, the margin would have been 19%.
- Cash Flow from operations before special items was 16,102 tEUR (Q1 2020: 9,451 tEUR), an increase of 70%. The cash conversion was 121% due to an improvement of debtors and other short debt. End of Q1, capital reserves stood at 50.1 mEUR including cash of 34.8 mEUR and unused bank credit facilities of 15.1 mEUR.
- New Depositing Customers (NDCs) was around 180.000 in the quarter (increase of 54%) and is at an all time high.
- Better Collective has increased its ownership to 90% of the shares in Mindway AI that specialises in software solutions based on artificial intelligence and neuroscience for identifying, preventing and intervening in at-risk and problem gambling.
- Better Collective has strengthened its position in the Swedish sports betting market by acquiring online sports betting media platform, Rekatochklart.com for 3.8 mEUR.
Significant events after the closure of the period
- April revenue reached a record 13.1 mEUR, a growth of 185% vs. 2020, of which 51% was organic growth. Organic growth in the Publishing segment was 87% against a weak comparison due to the significant effect on April 2020 by the halt in sports during the COVID lockdown. In the Paid Media segment, organic growth was 14% against a strong comparison, as the halt in sports meant an increase in casino (predominant in the acquired Atemi Group)
- On May 3, 2021, Better Collective signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in The Action Network, Inc. for 240 mUSD (198 mEUR) on a cash and debt free basis. With the acquisition of Action Network, Better Collective gains clear market leadership within sports betting media in the US and now expects to increase its revenues in the US to more than 100 mUSD by 2022.
- In April, a payment of 1.2 mEUR in cash, and 0.9 mEUR in shares were made to complete the 2020 earn-out payment relating to the acquisition of HLTV.
- Following the AGM on April 26, 2021, Therese Hillman was elected to the Board of Directors. Therese is a Swedish national born in 1980. She is the current CEO of NOD, and was until recently Group CEO of NetEnt, a premium game supplier to online casino operators and listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.
Financial targets 2021
The Board of Directors have decided on targets for the financial year 2021 as announced in the full year report. Following the acquisition of The Action Network and contingent on the closing of the transaction in Q2, 2021, the financial targets for 2021 are updated: Total group revenue is now expected to exceed 180 mEUR (previously more than 160 mEUR). Operational profit is now expected to exceed 55 mEUR (previously more than 50 mEUR). Total group organic growth is now expected to exceed 25% (previously more than 20%). See page 10 of the report for more detail.
Jesper Søgaard, Co-founder & CEO of Better Collective, commented: “Q1 was another strong quarter for us with significant revenue growth and an increase in the number of New Depositing Customers of more than 50%. We have continued to strengthen our global market position with the addition of Swedish sports betting media platform, Rekatochklart, and most recently, US sports betting media market leader, Action Network, while also increasing our ownership of Mindway AI to 90% to further expand our initiatives within responsible gambling. We are very pleased with these accomplishments.“
Hard Rock International
Hard Rock Bet, Unity by Hard Rock Loyalty Programs Come Together for Unprecedented Rewards
Hard Rock International announced that Hard Rock Bet is now fully integrated into Unity by Hard Rock, a one-of-a-kind loyalty program that rewards members for doing the things they love across Hard Rock’s portfolio of more than 200 locations including hotels, casinos, cafes, and Rock Shops around the world.
Hard Rock Bet, Hard Rock International, and Seminole Gaming’s top-rated sports betting and online casino platform, will maintain its free online Loyalty Rewards program, which gives players the opportunity to earn points and one-of-a-kind rewards for their play. With the Unity integration, players will earn Tier Credits for both programs with their online play at Hard Rock Bet and can seamlessly transfer points between the two programs for online and on-property rewards. Upon signing up for Hard Rock Bet, players will automatically be registered for a Unity by Hard Rock account if they aren’t already a member.
The complimentary Unity by Hard Rock global loyalty program offers an array of benefits and services at participating Hard Rock locations where members can earn and redeem Unity Points toward free nights, dining experiences, great merch, and free play. Hard Rock also embarked on a partnership with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises to reward travelers on land, sea and at ports of call with reciprocal benefits through Unity by Hard Rock, Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale and Celebrity Cruises’ Blue Chip Club. Now inclusive of Hard Rock Bet players, members gain exclusive access to offers, promotions, and rewards, as well as discounts to participating Hard Rock properties.
“Integrating Hard Rock Bet into Unity will be a game-changer for guest engagement. This enhancement not only offers a fun, interactive way for guests to earn points when placing bets, but also significantly boosts loyalty. By rewarding guests for their playtime, we create a win-win scenario where guests enjoy an enriched experience, and we foster an introduction to all the amazing verticals in our brand through point redemption opportunities at Hotels, Casinos, Cafes, Rock Shops and entertainment venues,” said Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment & Brand Management at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming.
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Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Golden Nugget Atlantic City Announces Re-opening of Sportsbook with New, Innovative Technology and Expanded Betting Markets
Golden Nugget Atlantic City has announced the re-opening of its Sportsbook on January 29, 2025. Relaunching just in time for the Super Bowl, the revamped Sportsbook introduces state-of-the-art technology with many new features, delivering a premier betting experience for customers to enjoy.
“Perfectly timed for guests to get their bets in for the Super Bowl, we are launching new and improved technology and betting options. Our team is committed to providing an elevated betting atmosphere, and these enhancements are proof of that,” said General Manager Tom Pohlman.
The upgraded Sportsbook will offer an array of new betting capabilities including UFC/MMA, college baseball, college softball, women’s college basketball, men’s college hockey and the Summer and Winter Olympics. Other features include same game parlays, teasers with both traditional or alternate spreads, a wider range of player and team props options, boosted odds, a bet builder to create personalized bets, and the allowance of an early cashout.
Conveniently located off the Main Atrium, the Sportsbook boasts over 50 TVs, five video walls, and numerous self-betting kiosks, making it the perfect spot to watch your favourite event. Beyond betting, guests can also enjoy all your favoirite game day eats and drinks.
Regular hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Customers are also able to place bets 24/7 on kiosks throughout the casino floor.
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Compliance Updates
MGCB Executive Director Applauds Reappointment of Board Member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Governor
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced the reappointment of Troy resident and Board member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. This reappointment reaffirms the governor’s confidence in Lambert-Bounds’ dedication, integrity, and invaluable contribution to the agency’s mission of ensuring a fair and transparent gaming environment.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s decision, noting that Lambert-Bounds’ continued leadership will greatly benefit the agency.
“Board member Lambert-Bounds has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment and insight in regulating Michigan’s gaming industry, and we are thrilled to have her continue as a vital part of our Board. This reappointment is a testament to her unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness,” said Williams.
Reappointed for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2028, Lambert-Bounds is the president and co-owner of Ignite Social Media LLC, and the chief operating officer and co-owner of its sister company, Carusele Media. She also serves on the executive boards of the Sphinx Organization, International Women’s Forum, and the Michigan Partnership for Equity and Opportunity.
The reappointment is Lambert-Bounds’ second four-year term of serving on the MGCB, representing Independents, for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2028. She previously served from July 22, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2024, and succeeded Barbara Smith, whose term expired Dec. 31, 2020.
The MGCB is responsible for implementing, administering, and enforcing the provisions of the law related to the licensure, regulation, and operations of the three authorized Detroit casinos — MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. The agency also licenses and regulates fantasy contests, regulates pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming (millionaire parties), and audits tribal gaming compact agreements for the state’s 12 federally recognized tribes.
The Board comprises five Michigan residents appointed by the Governor, with one member designated by the Governor as the chairperson. Under the Michigan Gaming Control & Revenue Act, no more than three members may belong to the same political party.
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