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Aspire Global: Interim Report Second Quarter 2021

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ALL-TIME HIGH REVENUES AND EBITDA IN Q2 2021

SECOND QUARTER

  • Revenues increased by 27.7% to €55.8 million (43.7).
  • EBITDA increased by 40.1% to €9.9 million (7.1).
  • The EBITDA margin increased to 17.7% (16.1%).
  • EBIT increased by 37.5% to €7.8 million (5.7).
  • Earnings after tax increased 53.7% to €6.9 million (4.5).
  • Earnings per share increased 56% to €0.14 (0.09).

SIX MONTHS

  • Revenues increased by 34.2% to €103.9 million (77.4).
  • EBITDA increased by 50.3% to €18.4 million (12.3).
  • The EBITDA margin increased to 17.8% (15.8%).
  • EBIT increased by 49.3% to €14.3 million (9.6).
  • Earnings after tax increased 84.9% to €13.0 million (7.0).
  • Earnings per share increased 93% to €0.27 (0.14).

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE QUARTER AND AFTER THE END OF THE QUARTER

  • Revenues increased 27.7% from Q2 2020 driven by strong development in all segments and the acquisition of BtoBet, a leading sportsbook provider, in September 2020.
  • Organic growth of 21.6% from Q2 2020.
  • B2B revenues grew 24.4% from Q2 2020 with organic growth of 16.2%.
  • Significant progress in sub-segments Aggregation and Games – Pariplay and Sports – BtoBet.
  • Good progress in the US with deals covering game aggregation and proprietary games.
  • Platform and managed services deal with Ireland’s biggest land-based casino group.
  • Three deals covering Aspire Global’s complete offering for the launch of new brands in Europe and Latin America.
  • First brand live with BtoBet’s sportsbook on Aspire Global’s platform.
  • New license for games in Greece. Aspire Global now operates in 30 regulated markets.
  • Sports deals signed with, among all, esports operator Luckbox.
  • BuyWin, a new innovative tool, which addresses the new German regulation, was launched in July. BuyWin also gives a higher return to player and access to a wider range of content.

 

CEO COMMENTS

“WE ARE CONFIDENT TO REACH OUR 2021 FINANCIAL TARGETS”

Aspire Global reports its sixth consecutive quarter with solid growth. We made significant progress in the quarter by growing our business with both existing as well as new partners in the US, Europe, Latin America and Africa. Taking into account our strong business momentum and deal flow, we are confident to reach our 2021 financial targets.

Revenues increased by 27.7% from Q2 2020 to an all-time high €55.8 million, with organic growth of 21.6%. Growth was particularly strong in the UK and Ireland as well as in region rest of world which reflects our successful expansion in the Americas as well as the consolidation of BtoBet. It is especially gratifying to note the strong organic growth taking into account that Q2 2020 was positively impacted by the pandemic.

EBITDA increased by 40.1% to record high €9.9 million and the EBITDA margin improved to from 16.1% to 17.7%. The increased profitability is driven by strong topline growth, impressive performance in BtoBet and Pariplay, acquired in 2020 and 2019, respectively, as well as our continuous focus on cost control.

KEY WINS FOR OUR PLATFORM OFFERING

Our recent contract wins with new partners, covering Aspire Global’s complete iGaming offering, show that we are in the forefront of the industry. In June, we signed a deal with Stake.com for its upcoming launch of a new brand in the UK. Stake.com is an international, fast-growing casino and betting site with more than 30 billion bets every year. We are happy to support Stake.com with our complete offering in launching its new casino and betting site stake.co.uk in the large UK market. In April, we signed the deal with Luckster.com, a new multi-vertical brand founded by industry veterans, for its upcoming launch in Europe and Latin America. Two weeks ago, we signed an agreement with JNS Gaming which we will support in building a new, global casino and sports brand.

A key growth segment to us is landbased casinos that want to go online. We are proud to partner with Funfair Casino, Ireland’s biggest land-based casino group, and to support in taking their business online.

SUCCESS FOR BTOBET

Just shortly after our acquisition of BtoBet last fall, BtoBet announced a deal with Betfair in Colombia. Betfair launched its sportsbook in Q1 2021 and we can now see a satisfying development in deposits which demonstrates BtoBet’s capabilities. This mutually rewarding collaboration can open up for other opportunities and is a good case study of how Aspire Global approaches tier 1 operators.

Esports is a quickly growing segment and we are excited to team up with the award-winning esports operator Luckbox. BtoBet will be providing Luckbox with its cutting-edge sportsbook in European and Latin American countries. This will enable Luckbox to build an entirely bespoke player journey, customizing the sportsbook experience to its liking and providing players with a unique customer experience.

BtoBet’s proprietary sportsbook is a key competitive advantage when talking to new as well as existing partners. In the quarter, we initiated the first projects where partner brands will replace their existing sports solution with the BtoBet sportsbook and mid-August the first brand went live with BtoBet’s sportsbook on our platform. We expect the shift of partner brands to the BtoBet proprietary platform to positively impact revenues and margins throughout 2021.

SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN THE US

Our expansion plans for the US market are running according to plan. Since early August, we have Quincy Raven in place as the Managing Director of Aspire Global’s US operations. The US iGaming market is growing at an impressive rate, and we want to be at forefront of the developments. Quincy has vast experience and will focus on accelerating sales and setting up the relevant operations in order to make sure Aspire Global can establish a significant presence in the US.

In May, Pariplay signed a deal with Amelco that will integrate Pariplay’s premium Fusion platform into its US offering. This partnership will boost both parties’ US operations across multiple states. In April, Pariplay signed a deal with the platform provider GAN to provide its games across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

GROWTH IN NEW MARKETS

Aspire Global today operates in 30 regulated markets spanning Europe, the Americas and Africa. Our objective is to continue our growth in regulated markets, both with existing and new partners. We have a strong focus on gaining more certifications and licenses mainly in Europe and the Americas. In the Americas, we focus especially on the US and Brazil. In Europe we see a huge potential for our sportsbook. The introduction of our sportsbook offering has just started in the UK and we have certification processes ongoing in other key European markets. In June, Pariplay was granted a Greek suitability license and the license allows us to enter the Greek market for the first time.

NEW INNOVATIVE FEATURES

To stay at the forefront of the industry development, innovation is important to us. In order to meet the new requirements in the German market, we launched BuyWin in July. BuyWin addresses the new German regulation by a unique bet contribution on transactions, enabling operators to offer all the games German players are used to, at the standard, high RTP of 95-96%. The innovative tool delivers better player acquisition opportunities due to the higher RTP and wider range of gaming content. AspireEngage, our new CRM tool, was launched earlier this year and is a key contributor to the strong growth.

VALUE CREATING ACQUISITIONS

In Q2 2021, Pariplay reported revenue growth of over 72% and BtoBet of more than 105% with good profitability. These two acquisitions have significantly contributed to Aspire Global’s strong performance and have been essential in positioning Aspire Global as the powerhouse for iGaming operators. It is satisfying to see that Aspire Global has so clearly demonstrated its ability to make value creating acquisitions.

STRONG B2C GROWTH

Also in this quarter, the B2C segment demonstrated strong revenue growth. In March 2021, we initiated a review of the role of the B2C segment within the Group structure and we expect to finalize the review during the fall. The review will assist us to better assess our options to further accelerate its growth. Such a move could help improve Aspire Global’s overall margins and EBITDA and potentially support us in accelerating new B2B initiatives and enter fresh markets.

OUTLOOK

Aspire Global has consistently demonstrated its ability to execute its growth strategy and create value. We see tremendous growth opportunities by expanding with existing partners, gaining new partners and entering new markets. Aspire Global’s financial targets for 2021 are €200 million in revenue and €32 million in EBITDA which implies an EBITDA margin of 16%. Taking into account our strong business momentum and deal activity, we are confident that Aspire Global will reach its 2021 financial targets.

Tsachi Maimon, CEO

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Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – July 21-27

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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

ALT Sports Data, the global leader in engagement solutions and official data for emerging sports, has appointed Neale Deeley as SVP of Sportsbook. Deeley brings over two decades of industry experience and a proven track record of driving innovation and commercial growth in sports wagering. In his new role, Deeley will lead the company’s global sports betting strategy, spearheading market expansion, deepening operator partnerships and accelerating the monetization of emerging sports through regulated betting markets. He will work closely with sportsbooks and gaming partners to build scalable betting products that delivers unique fan engagement opportunities and new revenue streams across ASD’s portfolio of exclusive sports properties.

SEGG Media Corporation, a leading technology company transforming the global intersection of sports, entertainment and gaming, has selected IBN, a multifaceted financial news and publishing company serving private and public entities, to spearhead its corporate communications efforts. SEGG Media aims to deliver immersive, real-time experiences through next-generation technology that redefines how audiences interact with their favorite content and communities. Following a full-scale corporate transformation and rebrand, the company now operates across three high-growth verticals: Sports.com, Entertainment and Lottery.com.

Partnerships

Amusnet Brasil has announced the official go live of its partnership with Cactus Gaming, a B2B platform serving some of the leading operators in the Brazilian market. With this integration, the game provider adds 25 new operators to its distribution network, further expanding its reach through a structure aligned with the regulated market. With operations now underway, Cactus clients gain access to a robust portfolio and features that enhance the end-user experience. Among the featured games now live are the fun and dynamic Coin Gobbler, the immersive Cavemen and Dinosaurs, and titles that have proven their success in multiple markets, such as Rise of Ra, Cocktail Dice and 7 & Crystals.

TaDa Gaming has signed a new partnership with EveryMatrix for further exposure in the North American iGaming market through its B2B aggregator platform SlotMatrix. Powered by EveryMatrix, SlotMatrix offers effortless integration of premium content across global platforms for boosted revenue and game offering. Following its parent company’s 2022 signing with BetMGM, the leading iGaming operator in the US, SlotMatrix has built a solid reputation with BetMGM players who will now be able to access TaDa content, beginning with latest Triluck release, 3 Coins Treasure, across the states of Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Mission Media AI, a next-generation cross-platform distribution and monetization company, has announced a strategic partnership with VsiN. The partnership strengthens Mission Media’s growing footprint in the sports space and unlocks new revenue opportunities for VsiN across their multitude of consumer touch points, including 8 regional sports networks, YouTube TV, SiriusXM channel 158, more than 20 weekly podcasts, streaming audio station, website and an app available for mobile and connected devices like iOS, Roku, Fire TV, Samsung, Google Play and LG. VsiN delivers real-time, actionable sports betting content from some of the most respected and trusted voices in the industry. Mission Media AI will scale VsiN’s monetization strategy, enabling premium access for advertisers looking to reach an engaged, data-driven audience.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – July 21-27 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Sportradar Launches AI-Driven “Bettor Sense” to Support Responsible Gambling

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Brazilian operator BETesporte is first to adopt AI-powered solution

Sportradar Group AG has launched Bettor Sense, a personalized, proactive, and data-driven approach to user protection. BETesporte will be the first operator to implement the solution, reinforcing its commitment to safer and more responsible practices in Brazil’s newly regulated betting market.

Bettor Sense is an AI-powered solution that detects early signs of gambling-related risk and enables personalized interventions to protect end users. Developed with proprietary technology and grounded in behavioral research, Bettor Sense allows operators to act quickly and efficiently, promoting responsible gambling and strengthening brand reputation. Fully compliant with regulatory standards, Bettor Sense provides a critical tool for operators aiming to meet rising expectations around end user protection.

In addition to implementing Bettor Sense, BETesporte has also joined Sportradar’s Integrity Exchange, a global information-sharing network that enables betting operators to report suspicious betting activity directly to Sportradar’s Integrity Services division. This collaboration strengthens the industry’s collective ability to fight match-fixing and betting-related corruption through enhanced transparency and cooperation.

Tom Mace – SVP, Integrity & Regulatory Services, Product & Strategy at Sportradar, said: “This partnership with BETesporte marks an important milestone for Sportradar’s ongoing mission to help shape secure and sustainable sports betting and iGaming industries. BETesporte is taking a proactive step in embracing responsible gaming as a core part of its business. We are confident this will be the first of many partnerships, as the market increasingly recognizes the value of using data and technology to protect end users and strengthen compliance.

Marcos Pereira – CEO of BETesporte said: “BETesporte is fully committed to transparency and security across all its operations. The partnership with Sportradar, through the integration of Bettor Sense and the Integrity Exchange, reinforces our dedication to fostering a responsible and ethical betting environment in line with regulatory standards. Sportradar’s advanced technology enables us to anticipate and prevent risky behavior, ensuring our bettors have the best possible experience with complete safety. We will continue working tirelessly to protect the integrity of sport and the trust of our users, which remains our top priority.”

The post Sportradar Launches AI-Driven “Bettor Sense” to Support Responsible Gambling appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Make-A-Wish International Expands Presence in Gaming to Enable Future Wishes

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Raptor PR, the specialist B2B communications agency for games, media, and tech brands, has been appointed by Make-A-Wish® International to lead strategic communications for its games industry fundraising initiatives. The global nonprofit, known for granting life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, is partnering with Raptor PR to amplify its presence across the games sector and unlock new opportunities for engagement, awareness, and impact.

As part of this new partnership, Raptor PR will deploy a strategic communications campaign to support Make-A-Wish International’s growing charitable gaming program, with a focus on elevating brand awareness for its games industry activities, amplifying wish stories, and forging partnerships for the nonprofit across the global games industry.

Raptor PR is partnering with Make-A-Wish International on a pro bono basis, providing strategic consultancy and go-to-market services to elevate global brand visibility. The campaign will focus on high-impact thought leadership, authoritative media commentary, speaker engagement, and news announcements designed to drive awareness, advocacy, and support.

April Stallings, Charitable Gaming and Creators Community Manager at Make-A-Wish International, commented: “Many of our wish children use gaming as a lifeline to stay connected during their illness.  We want the games industry to become more aware of how they can help grant wishes and why we need them – and that requires the kind of expertise we know Raptor PR can provide.  Raptor PR brings deep expertise in gaming and strategic communications making them a natural partner to help us achieve our global mission. Team Raptor’s deep network across the games industry will be vital in opening doors, sparking partnerships, and scaling our impact. Together, we’re not just telling stories, we’re mobilising the games industry to become a more intentional force for good, enabling more children around the world to experience the life-changing power of a wish, when they need it most.”

Rana Rahman, Founder and CEO at Raptor PR, added: “When I met April Stallings from Make-A-Wish at Gamescom last year, I was deeply moved by the real-world impact the charity delivers. That moment inspired me to get involved with Raptor PR, and now, through our strategic communications support, we’re helping Make-A-Wish scale its message and reach across the global games industry. Our goal is to spark a broader movement, encouraging the games industry to embrace its potential as a force for good and give back in meaningful, sustained ways.”

In 2024, the Make-A-Wish International network granted more than 16,000 wishes for children living with critical illnesses. Both April Stallings and Rana Rahman will be attending this year’s gamescom conference in Cologne from the 18-22nd of August 2025.

The post Make-A-Wish International Expands Presence in Gaming to Enable Future Wishes appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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