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Aspire Global: Interim Report First Quarter 2022
RECORD HIGH REVENUES OF €46.3 MILLION IN Q1 2022
- Revenues increased by 31.7% to €46.3 million (35.2).
- EBITDA increased by 18.7 % to €8.2 million (6.9).
- The EBITDA margin amounted to 17.8% (19.7%).
- EBIT increased by 13.6% to € 5.6 million (4.9).
- Earnings after tax increased by 4.7% to €4.8 million (4.5).
- Earnings per share amounted to €0.10 (0.10)
*B2C as discontinued operations in Q1 2021 and based on net royalties during Q1 2022.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE QUARTER AND AFTER THE END OF THE QUARTER
- GLI-19 certification received for launch of Aspire Global’s broad offering in the US and Canada.
- The complete offering licensed in the Netherlands.
- Key platform and managed services deals with BoyleSports for the Netherlands, with ITSP for Germany and with esports operator WIN Group.
- Pariplay gained license in Ontario and provisional license in Michigan.
- Pariplay signed multi-state deal with US operator Golden Nugget and agreement to supply its content to Alberta Gaming.
- Aspire Global awarded sports betting license in Denmark.
UPDATE ON THE PUBLIC TENDER OFFER MADE BY NEOGAMES
- On 17 January 2022, a public tender offer was made by NeoGames to the shareholders of Aspire Global to tender all their shares in the Company to NeoGames. An offer document regarding the Offer was published on 26 April 2022. The acceptance period for the Offer commenced on 27 April 2022 and ends on 25 May 2022. The expected settlement date is around 14 June 2022.
KEY FIGURES
CEO COMMENTS
“ASPIRE GLOBAL HAS CLEARLY ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A LEADING IGAMING SUPPLIER IN REGULATED MARKETS”
We have a continued strong business momentum and the quarterly performance once again demonstrates the strengths of our offering and the capabilities of our highly motivated team. Aspire Global has set new records in the quarter with revenues of €46.3 million and EBITDA of €8.2 million. I´m especially proud to see the progress we have made in the quarter in North America as well as in regulated European markets by adding tier 1-operators to our client list and being awarded additional certifications. Aspire Global has clearly established itself as a leading iGaming supplier in regulated markets.
Today, after the divestment of the B2C segment in December 2021, Aspire Global is a clearly focused B2B company. It should be noted, that the numbers we provide in this report have been calculated on a discontinued basis and the divested B2C operation is reported as a B2B partner and also based on proforma basis for the comparison period according to the agreed commercial terms. We hope this transparency will help to increase the understanding of the development of our B2B operation.
STRONG COMBINATION WITH NEOGAMES
A key event in the quarter is of course the offer by NeoGames to Aspire Global’s shareholders. Aspire Global’s entire operations will form a new iGaming division within NeoGames. Together, our companies will generate significant long-term value by creating synergies and capitalizing on the key strengths of the entities by positioning them for expansion in both new and existing markets. We look forward to being a part of NeoGames and I’m very excited about our promising growth opportunities in this new strong business combination.
With a revenue growth of 31.7% in the quarter, driven by the strong business momentum, we have further strengthened our market position. In the quarter, Aspire Global has made significant progress in key targeted markets by signing partnership agreements with tier 1 operators and entering new regulated markets. This is a confirmation that our growth strategy is effective.
With a total of five deals signed for our Core platform (PAM) in the period, we have gained clear proof that new tier 1 operators are choosing Aspire Global’s full suite of products covering the PAM, games, sports and managed services. Our complete offering is now licensed in the Netherlands and already in the first quarter, we signed three deals with tier 1 operators for their Dutch rollout. The two other turnkey platform deals relate to the newly regulated German market and the overall .com-market.
READY FOR BROAD NORTH AMERICAN LAUNCH
Aspire Global has also made key progress in North America by obtaining the Gaming Labs International certification standard, GLI, for our offering. This enables us to launch our platform, sportsbook and managed services to the US and Canadian markets. We are now in a strong position to establish Aspire Global as a leading iGaming provider also in North America.
It is worth mentioning that Aspire Global is already established in North America through Pariplay, the leading content and aggregator provider, whose games are licensed in Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia and Ontario. Pariplay has recently signed a number of deals in the US with operators or distributors such as Rush Street Interactive (RSI), Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc., PlayUp Group, Amelco, BetMGM and GAN. Pariplay is live with BetMGM as of March 2022 and excited by the opportunities the two parties have identified.
Pariplay will also together with NeoPollard Interactive LLC offer a wealth of gaming content on Play Alberta, the only regulated gambling website in Canadian Alberta. In total, Pariplay signed 17 new customers in the quarter, among all with operators in our targeted markets in North America and Latin America, an impressive advancement. Pariplay reported revenue growth of 39.0% in the quarter.
BtoBet, our proprietary sportsbook provider, also made significant progress in the quarter by being awarded certification in Denmark along with the GLI-certification for the North American market. In the quarter, BtoBet reported revenue growth of 88.3% and five new brands were launched on BtoBet’s sportsbook platform.
SAFEGUARDING OUR EMPLOYEES IN UKRAINE
With 118 employees in Kiev in Ukraine, the war has come very close to us. Our Ukrainian employees have all been part of our team for a long time and we have fortunately been able to ensure their and their families’ safety. In the quarter, we chose to terminate our contract with the National Russian Lottery’s operator Sports Lotteries LLC. The contract was announced in October 2020 and the termination have had immediate effect.
NEXT STEPS
Aspire Global was introduced on Nasdaq First North Growth Market in July 2017 and the offer by NeoGames proves the value the company has created over these four and half years. NeoGames’ bid of SEK 111 per share means that Aspire Global’s share has increased by 270% since the introduction on Nasdaq First North Growth Market. The offer by NeoGames, a technology-driven provider of end-to-end iLottery solutions, is a natural step for Aspire Global and a strategic fit.
Aspire Global is today clearly positioned as a leading iGaming supplier in regulated markets. As part of the NeoGame’s Group, Aspire Global will continue to take advantage of its key strengths. Beside the cutting-edge, technology advanced offering, and skilled teams, Aspire Global’s foremost asset is the long-term commitment to its partners. On top of our agenda is always the success of our partners and our ability to support in the fulfilment of their potential. Through our strong partnerships with leading operators and distributors, we will continue to build long-term value.
Tsachi Maimon, CEO.
FreezeNova
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Early Signs
“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:
Exhaustion and Irritability
Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.
Gaming Obsession
If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.
Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests
A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.
Emotional Volatility
Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.
Physical Strain
Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.
Neglecting Basic Needs
If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.
Teamwork and Setting Boundaries
“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.
Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.
Open Communication
Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”
Latest News
Week 51/2024 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
PG Soft has released its epic samurai saga, Geisha’s Revenge. Set among Japan’s opulent teahouses, the game follows leading light Ayane on her quest to seek justice for her family by the ruthless samurai. Geisha’s Revenge is a video slot presented within a framework that has five reels, the first of which has five rows and the next four have six rows.
3…2…1… Get ready for blastoff in Wild Moonsters, the latest intergalactic slot adventure from in-demand studio, Silverback Gaming. Players go on a cosmic thrill tide as they navigate a hexagon game grid to create stellar clusters of 4+ matching symbols to form wins. They also need to keep their eyes out for the Wild symbol, which shoots excitement, and big win potential, into the stratosphere.
TaDa Gaming has released its latest slot game, Lucky Jaguar. With three rows, three reels and five fixed play lines, this fast gameplay slot delivers wild bonuses and multiplier bonuses alongside the TaDa Extra Bets and Lock and Respin features. The wealth of the Aztec empire is waiting in Lucky Jaguar in both the main game and the bonus game, which can trigger randomly at any time to deliver the Lock and Respin feature.
ICONIC21, the in-demand provider of live content, continues to push boundaries with the addition of slots to its growing game portfolio. The provider’s slot games will combine classic mechanics, engaging narratives and fun characters offering players an interactive experience throughout. The first slot titles to go live will be Solar Sands, Vitamin Joy, Tortuga Fortune and Juicy Coins: Hold & Win with ICONIC21 planning to launch one slot per month in 2025. The slots are high volatility ones, with max wins ranging from x300 to x36,000. Wild & Scatter Symbols, Hold & Win, Bonus Rounds, Multipliers and Free Spins ensure the games have a fluid, entertaining gameplay.
BGaming takes the concept of the ever-popular premium rubber duck stores and swings open the doors to its own slot version in Lucky Ducky X-Mas Edition. This quacky festive title features the popular MergeUp™(patent pending) mechanic with nine levels, Free Spins with multipliers up to x128, and both the Buy Bonus and Chance x2 buttons.
Evoplay has launched Sea of Wealth, an underwater adventure combining engaging visuals and innovative features. The game features a 3×3 reel layout with symbols inspired by marine life and hidden treasures. Poseidon serves as the Wild symbol, while his Trident activates the Bonus Game when paired with Bonus symbols. With Trident Magic, Poseidon’s Trident collects values from Bonus symbols, while Trident Shot can trigger a transformation of random symbols on reels 1 or 3 into Bonus symbols, increasing the likelihood of activating the Bonus Game.
Nolimit City returns to the most profitable sweatshop in the business in Outsourced: Payday. Workers have been replaced by claws who never call in sick! This Labs-branded slot takes the Outsourced theme to the next level. This is yet another experimental game that changes the way players enjoy Nolimit City’s slots.
Battle the beast and claim untold riches in Jolly Roger Wild Kraken! This high-seas pirate expedition takes players deep into the Kraken’s lair, where treasures await those brave enough to face the fury of the legendary Wild Kraken. Play’n GO’s latest release brings back Captain Red Roger in an all-new nautical escapade. Having braved countless dangers in search of treasure, Roger now sets his sights on Kraken Deeps – a perilous archipelago shrouded in mystery and riches.
PopOK Gaming announced the launch of Papai Noel da Fortuna, the latest holiday-themed slot game. Just in time for the season of joy, this exciting release captures the magic of Christmas and New Year with festive fun, dazzling rewards, and immersive gameplay. Step into a winter wonderland where Santa Claus himself takes center stage, filling the reels with sparkling ornaments, golden bells, and overflowing gift bags. With Papai Noel da Fortuna, every spin is a celebration of holiday cheer and fortune.
ELA Games, a modern and trailblazing game development studio, announces the release of its latest game, Wealth of Legends. The slot aims to attract players of various audiences with its unique format, exciting graphics and captivating features. The 5×5 game pays all ways, giving players plenty of opportunities to win during the base game, keeping the playing experience engaging. Landing a coin symbol in the special zone triggers the Hold & Win feature, which begins three free re-spins. Collect special jackpot coins for a lucrative win!
The post Week 51/2024 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Stakelogic Secures License to the newly regulated Danish market
Industry-leading provider secures license to provide slots and live content in Denmark
Award-winning casino content provider Stakelogic has obtained a license from the Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, to provide its gaming content in Denmark.
The license will allow Stakelogic to bring its premium portfolio of online casino slots and live dealer content to the Danish market, including recent releases like Fire and Gold Cluster Breaker, Super Wheel Game Show, Trident of Legends, and The Watcher.
Stakelogic is able to partner up with leading Danish operators, establishing itself as a must-have provider in the country. The move further highlights Stakelogic’s commitment to strengthening its position in the European market and exploring new and exciting regulated markets.
The license also further cements the company’s presence in the Scandinavian markets, having secured a license from the Swedish authority, Spelinspektionen, in 2023 and establishing itself as a popular provider among Swedish players.
Denmark is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets, with a strong focus on customer care and responsible gambling. Stakelogic is proud to have met all the requirements needed to obtain the license, highlighting its commitment to providing players with the best and safest gaming experiences.
Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO at Stakelogic, said: “Denmark is one of the fastest growing markets in Europe, and we are proud to have achieved a license to the newly regulated market.
We are grateful to Spillemyndigheden for their support in us and we are excited to take our next steps into the market.”
The post Stakelogic Secures License to the newly regulated Danish market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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