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Gambling in the USA

Gambling.com Group Q4 Revenue Rises 52% to a Quarterly Record $32.5 Million

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on

  • Generates Q4 Net Income of $6.4 Million and a 54% Increase in Adjusted EBITDA to $10.6 Million
  • 2023 Full Year Revenue Increased 42% to $108.7 Million; Net Income Rose to $18.3 Million and Adjusted EBITDA Grew 53% to $36.7 Million
  • Enters into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Freebets.com and Related Assets in a Highly Accretive Transaction
  • Introduces 2024 Guidance for Revenue of $129 – $133 Million and Adjusted EBITDA of $44 – $48 Million

Gambling.com Group Limited (Nasdaq: GAMB) (“Gambling.com Group” or the “Company”), a leading provider of digital marketing services for the global online gambling industry, today reported record financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023. The Company also announced a definitive agreement to acquire Freebets.com and related assets in a transaction that is expected to be immediately accretive to the Company’s financial results upon closing. In addition, the Company introduced 2024 revenue and Adjusted EBITDA guidance as detailed below.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 vs. Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Highlights
(USD in thousands, except per share data, unaudited)

Three Months Ended December 31,

Change

Year ended December 31,

Change

2023

2022

%

2023

2022

%

Revenue

32,530

21,349

52

%

108,652

76,507

42

%

Net income (loss) for the period attributable to shareholders (1)

   6,374

  (4,409

)

245

%

18,260

   2,390

664

%

Net income (loss) per share attributable to shareholders, diluted (1)

     0.16

    (0.12

)

233

%

     0.47

     0.06

683

%

Net income margin (1)

20

%

(21

) %

17

%

3

%

Adjusted net income for the period attributable to shareholders (1)(2)

   6,808

      613

1011

%

26,302

14,195

85

%

Adjusted net income per share attributable to shareholders, diluted (1)(2)

     0.18

     0.02

800

%

     0.68

     0.37

84

%

Adjusted EBITDA (1)(2)

10,572

   6,855

54

%

36,715

24,069

53

%

Adjusted EBITDA Margin (1)(2)

32

%

32

%

34

%

31

%

Cash flows (used in) generated by operating activities

   6,962

   6,188

13

%

17,910

18,755

(5

)%

Free Cash Flow (2)

     (118

)

      364

(132

) %

16,185

   9,467

71

%

__________

(1) For the three months ended December 31, 2023, Net income and Net income per share include, and Adjusted net income and Adjusted net income per share exclude, adjustments related to the Company’s 2022 acquisitions of RotoWire and BonusFinder of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per share. Similarly, these adjustments totaled $4.4 million, or $0.13 per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Net income and Net income per share include, and Adjusted net income and Adjusted net income per share exclude, adjustments related to the Company’s 2022 acquisitions of RotoWire and BonusFinder of $7.7 million, or $0.21 per share. Similarly, these adjustments totaled $11.2 million, or $0.31 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2022. See “Supplemental Information – Non-IFRS Financial Measures” and the tables at the end of this release for an explanation of the adjustments.
(2) Represents a non-IFRS measure. See “Supplemental Information – Non-IFRS Financial Measures” and the tables at the end of this release for reconciliations to the comparable IFRS numbers.

Charles Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Gambling.com Group, commented, “Our fourth quarter results extended our strong record of delivering high top-line growth and attractive margins. With consistent execution over the years, and especially over the past four years in North America, we have established one of the strongest and highest-growth performance marketing businesses in the online gambling industry. Our operating momentum continued throughout 2023 and the undeniable power of our capital efficient business is on full display in our full year results which include a 42% increase in revenue to $108.7 million, a 53% rise in Adjusted EBITDA to $36.7 million and 71% growth in Free Cash Flow to $16.2 million.

“Our fourth quarter and full year North American revenue increased 103% and 69%, respectively. Growth was driven by new state launches, strong increases in ‘same-state’ sales and our blossoming media partnership initiatives. We are confident in our ability to continue growing our North American market share this year and we will also benefit from the recent launch of online sports betting in our home state of North Carolina, where we are off to a strong start since the market launched on March 11th.

“Gambling.com Group is positioned for continued revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow growth in 2024 and beyond across all of our markets. As significant shareholders, the founders and senior management of Gambling.com Group remain fully aligned with all owners and we are steadfastly committed to enhancing shareholder value.”

Enters into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Freebets.com and Related Assets

Gambling.com Group also announced today that it will expand its presence across the United Kingdom and other European markets through a definitive agreement to acquire Freebets.com and related assets. Closing is expected at the beginning of April, subject to customary closing conditions. Gambling.com Group anticipates that these assets will produce revenue of approximately $10.0 million and incremental Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $5.0 million during the nine months from April to December 2024.

The Company will acquire these assets for a total consideration of between $37.5 million and $42.5 million, consisting of $20.0 million paid on closing, $10.0 million paid on the six-month anniversary of closing and between $7.5 million and $12.5 million to be paid on the one-year anniversary of the closing subject to the revenue performance of the assets during the remainder of 2024. Gambling.com Group expects to fund the purchase price from existing cash on hand, borrowings under the recently announced credit facility and future cash flow.

“This acquisition will provide us with another big brand and assets that complement our existing website portfolio in a number of our key-focus markets, enabling us to drive further growth which is both high margin and highly accretive,” said Charles Gillespie. “By operating these assets on our technology platform, we expect to unlock their full potential. We are confident that this latest acquisition will create incremental shareholder value in the same way we have done with previous acquisitions.”

Fourth Quarter 2023 and Recent Business Highlights

  • Grew North American revenue 103% to $20.3 million
  • Delivered more than 159,000 new depositing customers (“NDCs”)
  • Strong contribution from Kentucky following launch in late September
  • Acquired European casino domains and related assets for $6.4 million
  • Repurchased 205,727 shares for an average price of $9.70
  • Won the iGB Casino Affiliate of the Year Award
  • Launched operations in our home state of North Carolina on March 11th
  • Secured new $50 million credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
  • Entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Freebets.com and related assets

Elias Mark, Chief Financial Officer of Gambling.com Group, added, “The strong value we create for our online gambling operator partners is evident in the 56% increase in the number of NDCs we sent to them in 2023. Consistent with our capital efficient DNA, nearly all of our revenue growth in 2023 was organic(1) which we again converted into Free Cash Flow at a very high percentage. We are positioned to further our operating momentum in 2024 as the mid-points of our revenue and Adjusted EBITDA outlook reflect growth of 21% and 25%, respectively.”

(1) Organic growth refers to the percentage change in revenue during a period compared to the same period in the previous year. Organic growth is adjusted to exclude revenue from businesses acquired during the preceding 12 months.

2024 Outlook

The Company announced its 2024 guidance as follows:

Low

Midpoint

High

FY 2023

Revenue (millions)

129

131

133

108.7

Adjusted EBITDA (millions)

44

46

48

36.7

The Company introduces full year 2024 guidance for revenue of $129 million to $133 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $44 million to $48 million.

The Company’s guidance assumes:

  • Following the launch of sports betting in North Carolina on March 11th, no additional North American markets coming online over the balance of 2024
  • No benefit from any new acquisitions, apart from approximately $10 million in revenue and $5 million in incremental Adjusted EBITDA related to the acquisition of Freebets.com and related assets as described above
  • An average EUR/USD exchange rate of 1.09 throughout 2024

Conference Call Details

Date/Time:

Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. ET

Webcast:

webcast-eqs.com/gamb20240314/en

U.S. Toll-Free Dial In:

877-407-0890

International Dial In:

1 201-389-0918

To access, please dial in approximately 10 minutes before the start of the call. An archived webcast of the conference call will also be available in the News & Events section of the Company’s website at gambling.com/corporate/investors/news-events. Information contained on the Company’s website is not incorporated into this press release.

About Gambling.com Group Limited

Gambling.com Group Limited (Nasdaq: GAMB) (the “Group”) is a multi-award-winning performance marketing company and a leading provider of digital marketing services active in the online gambling industry. Founded in 2006, the Group has offices globally, primarily operating in the United States and Ireland. Through its proprietary technology platform, the Group publishes a portfolio of premier branded websites including Gambling.com, Bookies.com, Casinos.com and RotoWire.com. Gambling.com Group owns and operates more than 50 websites in seven languages across 15 national markets covering all aspects of the online gambling industry, including iGaming and sports betting, and the fantasy sports industry.

Use of Non-IFRS Measures

This press release contains certain non-IFRS financial measures, such as Adjusted Net Income, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Free Cash Flow, and related ratios. See “Supplemental Information – Non-IFRS Financial Measures” and the tables at the end of this release for an explanation of the adjustments and reconciliations to the comparable IFRS numbers.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements relating to our expectation of continued growth in the North American market and other established markets, benefits from the recent launch of online sports betting in North Carolina, our ability to scale and optimize our media partnerships, whether the acquisition of Freebets.com and related assets is immediately accretive and creates additional shareholder value, the 2024 revenue of Freebets.com and related assets, the funding of the purchase price and whether the customary closing conditions of the acquisition of Freebets.com and related assets will be met, the expected continuation to benefit from near- and long-term opportunities to deliver profitable organic growth, whether our ability to leverage revenue drivers with our business model will continue to increase shareholder value, availability of additional, accretive acquisition opportunities, and our 2024 outlook, are all forward-looking statements. These statements represent our opinions, expectations, beliefs, intentions, estimates or strategies regarding the future, which may not be realized. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “expect,” “predict,” “potential,” “could,” “will,” “would,” “ongoing,” “future” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are based largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies, changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially and/or significantly different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statement. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are discussed under “Item 3. Key Information – Risk Factors” in Gambling.com Group’s annual report filed on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 23, 2023, and Gambling.com Group’s other filings with the SEC as such factors may be updated from time to time. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Gambling.com Group disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
(USD in thousands, except per share amounts)

The following table details the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 in the Company’s reporting currency and constant currency.

Reporting Currency

Constant Currency

Reporting Currency

Constant Currency

Three Months Ended December 31,

Change

Change

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

Change

Change

2023

2022

%

%

2023

2022

%

%

Revenue

32,530

21,349

52

%

45

%

108,652

76,507

42

%

38

%

Cost of sales

(5,089

)

(629

)

709

%

668

%

(9,112

)

(2,959

)

208

%

198

%

Gross profit

27,441

20,720

32

%

26

%

99,540

73,548

35

%

31

%

Sales and marketing expenses

(9,687

)

(9,401

)

3

%

(2

(35,331

)

(33,740

)

5

%

1

%

Technology expenses

(3,058

)

(2,208

)

39

%

31

%

(10,287

)

(6,764

)

52

%

47

%

General and administrative expenses

(6,994

)

(5,201

)

34

%

28

%

(24,291

)

(19,519

)

24

%

21

%

Movements in credit losses allowance

468

102

359

%

337

%

(914

)

(796

)

15

%

11

%

Fair value movement on contingent consideration

—

(4,317

)

(100

) %

(100

) %

(6,939

)

(10,852

)

(36

) %

(38

) %

Operating profit

8,170

(305

)

2779

%

(2637

) %

21,778

1,877

1060

%

1023

%

Finance income

620

—

100

%

100

%

634

2,322

(73

) %

(74

) %

Finance expenses

(2,577

)

(4,434

)

42

%

(45

) %

(2,271

)

(1,299

)

75

%

69

%

Income before tax

6,215

(4,739

)

231

%

(224

) %

20,141

2,900

595

%

572

%

Income tax (charge) credit

159

330

(52

) %

(54

) %

(1,881

)

(510

)

269

%

257

%

Net income for the period attributable to shareholders

6,374

(4,409

)

245

%

(237

) %

18,260

2,390

664

%

640

%

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Exchange differences on translating foreign currencies

4,953

9,095

(46

) %

(48

) %

2,868

(4,793

)

(160

) %

(158

) %

Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period attributable to shareholders

11,327

4,686

142

%

(129

) %

21,128

(2,403

)

979

%

952

%

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)
(USD in thousands)

DECEMBER
31,

2023

DECEMBER
31,

2022

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Property and equipment

908

714

Right-of-use assets

1,460

1,818

Intangible assets

98,000

88,521

Deferred compensation cost

—

29

Deferred tax asset

7,134

5,832

Total non-current assets

107,502

96,914

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

21,938

12,222

Inventories

—

75

Cash and cash equivalents

25,429

29,664

Total current assets

47,367

41,961

Total assets

154,869

138,875

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Equity

Share capital

—

—

Capital reserve

74,166

63,723

Treasury shares

(3,107

)

(348

)

Share options and warrants reserve

7,414

4,411

Foreign exchange translation deficit

(4,207

)

(7,075

)

Retained earnings

44,658

26,398

Total equity

118,924

87,109

Non-current liabilities

Other payables

—

290

Deferred consideration

—

4,774

Contingent consideration

—

11,297

Lease liability

1,190

1,518

Deferred tax liability

2,008

2,179

Total non-current liabilities

3,198

20,058

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

10,793

6,342

Deferred income

2,207

1,692

Deferred consideration

18,811

2,800

Contingent consideration

—

19,378

Other liability

308

226

Lease liability

533

554

Income tax payable

95

716

Total current liabilities

32,747

31,708

Total liabilities

35,945

51,766

Total equity and liabilities

154,869

138,875

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(USD in thousands)

Three Months Ended December
31,

Year ended
December 31,

2023

2022

2023

2022

Cash flow from operating activities

Income before tax

6,215

(4,739

)

20,141

2,900

Finance cost / (income), net

1,957

4,434

1,637

(1,023

)

Adjustments for non-cash items:

Depreciation and amortization

568

1,401

2,088

6,959

Movements in credit loss allowance

(468

)

(102

)

914

796

Fair value movement on contingent consideration

—

4,317

6,939

10,852

Share-based payment expense

817

814

3,607

3,214

Warrants repurchased

—

—

—

(800

)

Income tax paid

(2,063

)

(628

)

(3,826

)

(1,444

)

Payment of contingent consideration

—

—

(4,621

)

—

Payment of deferred consideration

—

—

(2,897

)

—

Cash flows from operating activities before changes in working capital

7,026

5,497

23,982

21,454

Changes in working capital

Trade and other receivables

(3,260

)

(907

)

(10,387

)

(5,838

)

Trade and other payables

3,196

1,673

4,240

3,214

Inventories

—

(75

)

75

(75

)

Cash flows (used in ) generated by operating activities

6,962

6,188

17,910

18,755

Cash flows from investing activities

Acquisition of property and equipment

(157

)

—

(451

)

(330

)

Acquisition of intangible assets

(6,924

)

(5,824

)

(8,792

)

(8,958

)

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

—

—

—

(23,411

)

Interest received from bank deposits

90

—

259

—

Payment of deferred consideration

—

—

(4,933

)

—

Payment of contingent consideration

—

—

(5,557

)

—

Cash flows used in investing activities

(6,991

)

(5,824

)

(19,474

)

(32,699

)

Cash flows from financing activities

Exercise of share options

—

—

106

—

Treasury shares acquired

(1,813

)

(348

)

(2,572

)

(348

)

Repayment of borrowings

—

(6,000

)

—

(6,000

)

Interest payment attributable to third party borrowings

—

(99

)

—

(458

)

Interest payment attributable to deferred consideration settled

—

—

(110

)

—

Principal paid on lease liability

(98

)

(75

)

(402

)

(315

)

Interest paid on lease liability

(38

)

(47

)

(165

)

(189

)

Cash flows used in financing activities

(1,949

)

(6,569

)

(3,143

)

(7,310

)

Net movement in cash and cash equivalents

(1,978

)

(6,205

)

(4,707

)

(21,254

)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

26,884

35,092

29,664

51,047

Net foreign exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents

522

777

472

(129

)

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

25,429

29,664

25,429

29,664

Earnings Per Share

Below is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share as presented in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period specified, stated in USD thousands, except per share amounts (unaudited):

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Reporting
Currency
Change

Constant
Currency
Change

Year Ended December
31,

Reporting
Currency
Change

Constant
Currency
Change

2023

2022

%

%

2023

2022

%

%

Net income for the period attributable to shareholders

6,374

(4,409

)

245

%

(237

) %

18,260

2,390

664

%

640

%

Weighted-average number of ordinary shares, basic

37,403,888

36,467,299

3

%

3

%

37,083,262

35,828,204

4

%

4

%

Net income per share attributable to shareholders, basic

0.17

(0.12

)

242

%

(231

) %

0.49

0.07

600

%

600

%

Net income for the period attributable to shareholders

6,374

(4,409

)

245

%

(237

) %

18,260

2,390

664

%

640

%

Weighted-average number of ordinary shares, diluted

38,879,038

37,289,010

4

%

4

%

38,542,166

38,212,108

1

%

1

%

Net income per share attributable to shareholders, diluted

0.16

(0.12

)

233

%

(233

) %

0.47

0.06

683

%

683

%

Supplemental Information

Rounding

We have made rounding adjustments to some of the figures included in the discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto. Accordingly, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that preceded them.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

Management uses several financial measures, both IFRS and non-IFRS financial measures in analyzing and assessing the overall performance of the business and for making operational decisions.

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share

Adjusted net income is a non-IFRS financial measure defined as net income attributable to equity holders excluding the fair value gain or loss related to contingent consideration, unwinding of deferred consideration, and certain employee bonuses related to acquisitions. Adjusted net income per diluted share is a non-IFRS financial measure defined as adjusted net income attributable to equity holders divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

We believe adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share are useful to our management as a measure of comparative performance from period to period as these measures remove the effect of the fair value gain or loss related to the contingent consideration, unwinding of deferred consideration, and certain employee bonuses, all associated with our acquisitions, during the limited period where these items are incurred. We expect to incur expenses related to the unwinding of deferred consideration and employee bonuses until April 2024. See Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a description of the contingent and deferred considerations associated with our acquisitions.

Below is a reconciliation to Adjusted net income attributable to equity holders and Adjusted net income per share, diluted from net income for the period attributable to the equity holders and net income per share attributed to ordinary shareholders, diluted as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and for the period specified stated in the Company’s reporting currency and constant currency (unaudited):

Reporting Currency

Constant
Currency

Reporting Currency

Constant
Currency

Three months ended
December 31,

Change

Change

Year ended December
31,

Change

Change

2023

2022

%

%

2023

2022

%

%

Revenue

32,530

21,349

52

%

45

%

108,652

76,507

42

%

38

%

Net income (loss) for the period attributable to shareholders

6,374

(4,409

)

245

%

(237

) %

18,260

2,390

664

%

640

%

Net income margin

20

%

(21

) %

17

%

3

%

Net income (loss) for the period attributable to shareholders

6,374

(4,409

)

245

%

(237

) %

18,260

2,390

664

%

640

%

Fair value movement on contingent consideration (1)

—

4,317

(100

) %

(100

) %

6,939

10,852

(36

) %

(38

) %

Unwinding of deferred consideration (1)

309

77

301

%

277

%

735

325

126

%

119

%

Employees’ bonuses related to acquisition(1)

125

628

(80

) %

(81

) %

368

628

(41

) %

(43

) %

Adjusted net income for the period attributable to shareholders

6,808

613

1011

%

939

%

26,302

14,195

85

%

79

%

Net income per share attributable to shareholders, basic

0.17

-0.12

242

%

(231

) %

0.49

0.07

600

%

600

%

Effect of adjustments for fair value movements on contingent consideration, basic

0.00

0.12

(100

) %

(100

) %

0.19

0.30

(37

) %

(39

) %

Effect of adjustments for unwinding on deferred consideration, basic

0.01

0.01

—

%

—

%

0.02

0.01

100

%

100

%

Effect of adjustments for bonuses related to acquisition, basic

0.00

0.01

—

%

—

%

0.01

0.02

(50

) %

(50

) %

Adjusted net income per share attributable to shareholders, basic

0.18

0.02

800

%

800

%

0.71

0.40

78

%

73

%

Net income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders, diluted

0.16

-0.12

233

%

(233

) %

0.47

0.06

683

%

683

%

Adjusted net income per share attributable to shareholders, diluted

0.18

0.02

800

%

800

%

0.68

0.37

84

%

79

%

__________

(1) There is no tax impact from fair value movement on contingent consideration, unwinding of deferred consideration or employee bonuses related to acquisition.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure defined as earnings excluding interest, income tax (charge) credit, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure defined as EBITDA adjusted to exclude the effect of non-recurring items, significant non-cash items, share-based payment expense, foreign exchange gains (losses), fair value of contingent consideration, and other items that our board of directors believes do not reflect the underlying performance of the business, including acquisition related expenses, such as acquisition related costs and bonuses. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is a non-IFRS measure defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.

We believe Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are useful to our management team as a measure of comparative operating performance from period to period as those measures remove the effect of items not directly resulting from our core operations including effects that are generated by differences in capital structure, depreciation, tax effects and non-recurring events.

While we use Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin as tools to enhance our understanding of certain aspects of our financial performance, we do not believe that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are substitutes for, or superior to, the information provided by IFRS results. As such, the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any measure prepared in accordance with IFRS. The primary limitations associated with the use of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin as compared to IFRS results are that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin as we define them may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in our industry and that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin may exclude financial information that some investors may consider important in evaluating our performance.

Below is a reconciliation to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA from net income for the period attributable to shareholders as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and for the period specified (unaudited):

Reporting Currency

Constant
Currency

Reporting Currency

Constant
Currency

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Change

Change

Year ended
December 31,

Change

Change

2023

2022

%

%

2023

2022

%

%

(USD in thousands)

(USD in thousands)

Net income (loss) for the period attributable to shareholders

6,374

(4,409

)

(245

) %

(237

) %

18,260

2,390

664

%

640

%

Add back (deduct):

Interest expenses on borrowings and lease liability

38

150

(75

) %

(76

) %

165

646

(74

) %

(75

) %

Income tax charge

(159

)

(330

)

(52

) %

(52

) %

1,881

510

269

%

257

%

Depreciation expense

63

43

47

%

41

%

246

190

29

%

26

%

Amortization expense

505

1,358

(63

) %

(65

) %

1,842

6,769

(73

) %

(74

) %

EBITDA

6,821

(3,188

)

(314

) %

(303

) %

22,394

10,505

113

%

106

%

Share-based payment expense

997

814

22

%

16

%

3,787

3,214

18

%

14

%

Fair value movement on contingent consideration

—

4,317

(100

) %

(100

) %

6,939

10,852

(36

) %

(38

) %

Unwinding of deferred consideration

309

77

301

%

281

%

735

325

126

%

119

%

Foreign currency translation losses (gains), net

1,699

4,293

(60

) %

(62

) %

923

(2,097

)

(144

) %

(143

) %

Interest income from bank deposits

(90

)

—

100

%

100

%

(259

)

—

100

%

100

%

Other finance results

1

(86

)

(101

) %

(101

) %

73

103

(29

) %

(31

) %

Secondary offering related costs

—

—

100

%

—

%

733

—

100

%

100

%

Acquisition related costs (1)

508

—

100

%

100

%

821

539

52

%

47

%

Employees’ bonuses related to acquisition

125

628

(80

) %

100

%

368

628

(41

) %

(43

) %

Employee bonuses related to the public offerings

201

—

100

%

100

%

201

—

100

%

100

%

Adjusted EBITDA

10,572

6,855

54

%

47

%

36,715

24,069

53

%

48

%

__________

(1) The acquisition costs are related to historical and potential business combinations of the Group.

Below is the Adjusted EBITDA Margin calculation for the period specified stated in the Company’s reporting currency and constant currency (unaudited):

Reporting Currency

Constant
Currency

Reporting Currency

Constant
Currency

Three Months Ended December 31,

Change

Change

Year ended December
31,

Change

Change

2023

2022

%

%

2023

2022

%

%

(USD in thousands,
except margin)

(in thousands USD, except margin)

Revenue

32,530

21,349

52

%

45

%

108,652

76,507

42

%

38

%

Adjusted EBITDA

10,572

6,855

54

%

47

%

36,715

24,069

53

%

48

%

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

32

%

32

%

34

%

31

%

In regard to forward looking non-IFRS guidance, we are not able to reconcile the forward-looking non-IFRS Adjusted EBITDA measure to the closest corresponding IFRS measure without unreasonable efforts because we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of certain significant items including, but not limited to, fair value movements, share-based payments for future awards, acquisition-related expenses and certain financing and tax items.

Free Cash Flow

Free Cash Flow is a non-IFRS liquidity financial measure defined as cash flow from operating activities adjusted for payments related to contingent and deferred consideration included within operating cash flow less capital expenditures.

We believe Free Cash Flow is useful to our management team as a measure of financial performance as it measures our ability to generate additional cash from our operations. While we use Free Cash Flow as a tool to enhance our understanding of certain aspects of our financial performance, we do not believe that Free Cash Flow is a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided by IFRS metrics. As such, the presentation of Free Cash Flow is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any measure prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The primary limitation associated with the use of Free Cash Flow as compared to IFRS metrics is that Free Cash Flow does not represent residual cash flows available for discretionary expenditures because the measure does not deduct the payments required for debt service and other obligations or payments made for business acquisitions. Free Cash Flow as we define it also may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in the online gambling affiliate industry.

Below is a reconciliation to Free Cash Flow from cash flows generated by operating activities as presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the period specified in the Company’s reporting currency (unaudited):

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Change

Year ended December
31,

Change

2023

2022

%

2023

2022

%

(in thousands USD, unaudited)

(USD in thousands, unaudited)

Cash flows generated by operating activities

6,962

6,188

13

%

17,910

18,755

(5

)

Adjustment for items presented in operating activities:

Payment of contingent consideration

—

—

—

%

4,621

—

100

%

Payment of deferred consideration

—

—

—

%

2,897

—

100

%

Adjustment for items presenting in investing activities:

Capital Expenditures (1)

(7,081

)

(5,824

)

22

%

(9,243

)

(9,288

)

—

%

Free Cash Flow

(118

)

364

(132

) %

16,185

9,467

71

%

__________

(1) Capital expenditures are defined as the acquisition of property and equipment and the acquisition of intangible assets, and excludes cash flows related to business combinations.

 

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Gambling in the USA

Detroit Casinos Report $109.44M in April Revenue

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The three Detroit casinos reported $109.44 million in monthly aggregate revenue (AGR) for the month of April 2024, of which $107.87 million was generated from table games and slots, and $1.57 million from retail sports betting.

The April market shares were:

  • MGM, 46%
  • MotorCity, 30%
  • Hollywood Casino at Greektown, 24%

Monthly Table Games, Slot Revenue, and Taxes

The casinos’ revenue for table games and slots for the month of April 2024 decreased 1.6% when compared to the same month last year. April’s monthly revenue was 11.8% lower when compared to the previous month, March 2024. From Jan. 1 through April 30, the Detroit casinos’ table games and slots revenue decreased by 1.6% compared to the same period last year.

The casinos’ monthly gaming revenue results were mixed compared to April of last year:

  • MGM, down 0.7% to $49.86 million
  • MotorCity, down 4.5% to $32.68 million
  • Hollywood Casino at Greektown, up 0.6% to $25.33 million

In April 2024, the three Detroit casinos paid $8.74 million in gaming taxes to the State of Michigan. They paid $8.88 million for the same month last year. The casinos also reported submitting $12.8 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit in April.

Monthly Retail Sports Betting Revenue and Taxes

The three Detroit casinos reported $15.28 million in total retail sports betting handle, and total gross receipts were $1.57 million for the month of April. Retail sports betting qualified adjusted gross receipts (QAGR) were up by $1.5 million in April when compared to the same month last year. Compared to March 2024, April QAGR was down by 1.7%.

April QAGR by casino was:

  • MGM: $475,492
  • MotorCity: $516,812
  • Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $578,131

During April, the casinos paid $59,362 in gaming taxes to the state and reported submitting $72,554 in wagering taxes to the City of Detroit based on their retail sports betting revenue.

Fantasy Contests

For March 2024, fantasy contest operators reported total adjusted revenues of $494,162 and paid taxes of $41,510.

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Gambling in the USA

CogniPlay Launches New Social Casino Platform

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CogniPlay has today announced the official launch of their new software product, which aims to provide a robust online sweepstakes or social gaming platform to their clients.The system is designed to be modular, allowing customers to tailor their brand and offering to what they believe will give them optimal performance.

The rise of sweepstake casinos in the US is continuing to gather pace and many companies from real money gaming are investigating the business model and the potentially lucrative revenue opportunity. With no standout platform solution currently on the market, CogniPlay looks to serve clients a full white label style solution with every detail taken care of. Brands like Chumba and Pulsz are already seeing tremendous success and CogniPlay gives an extremely efficient route to market for potential new sweepstake casino owners.

The CogniPlay system has several key integrations which help to deliver the product, including games integrations with the likes of Pragmatic Play, BetSoft, Mascot Gaming and many more, giving them 100s of games for their clients. There are other integration options for their customers to pick from too, including affiliate programme software, CRM platforms and associated products, KYC, ID verification, Geo-IP systems, Gamification, and customer support.

They also have a very long and extensive development pipeline which will see the product offering develop at pace, giving clients an extensive list of options and USPs, and of course giving players a great user experience as a result.

As well as the platform itself the CogniPlay team, due to their considerable experience, also offer a whole host of managed services, with almost a menu that clients can choose from to fill any gaps in their own skillsets or experience.

It is also this experience that CogniPlay hopes to utilise to great effect to provide industry-leading client management to build successful relationships and partnerships with their clients. CogniPlay’s Chief Executive Officer Allan Turner said, “We are very proud to take the CogniPlay product to market and are excited that people who want to start a new social or sweeps brand can get in touch with us to see what we can do for them, or in fact established brands that are unhappy with their existing provider.

Our underlying principles are that we want to provide the most flexible platform in the space, to enable our clients to create the product they want to have, not for us to dictate the product to them. The two other main areas of focus are that we want to be the most future-proof product on the market with plans for any regulatory or legal changes that may arise in the future, and that we have all the right safeguards in place to ensure that we look after both our clients and players with our responsible gaming setup.

This of course means having the right tech and processes in the key areas of KYC, Geo-IP tech, anti-money laundering, fraud, risk assessment and ID verification.”

 

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Gambling in the USA

XSOLLA RELEASES QUARTERLY ​ INSIGHTS REPORT ON THE FUTURE OF GAMING AND GAME DEVELOPMENT: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF SPRING 2024 METRICS AND UPCOMING TRENDS

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Key trends include the fast-growing mobile gaming segment, the impact of recent regulations, the integration of blockchain and AI, and the investments in equity and inclusion across the gaming industry.

Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, published the Spring 2024 edition of “The Xsolla Report: The State of Play” today. Launched on the heels of the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2024, this extensive report provides invaluable insights into the emerging trends and pivotal shifts impacting the gaming industry in the short and long term. ​ It sets the stage to significantly shape the future of mobile gaming, deepen academic connections within the gaming ecosystem, and redefine investment patterns.

In an era where mobile gaming commanded a 49% share of the global market in 2023, this edition of “The State of Play” sheds light on the evolving landscape of mobile gaming. The report navigates through the advancements in global compliance and regulation, including the Digital Markets Act in Europe’s new player engagement strategies, offering a glimpse into the potential future of mobile gaming monetization and distribution. It discusses the impact of cross-platform play and the importance of innovative monetization models, providing actionable insights for developers and industry stakeholders.

“The State of Play” emphasizes the importance of academia in the growth and diversification of the gaming industry. It explores how educational programs and initiatives develop talent and promote diversity and inclusivity within the gaming community. This edition underlines the symbiotic relationship between the gaming industry and academic institutions, highlighting programs that significantly impact students and the industry.

Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Xsolla, comments: “As we introduce the latest edition of ‘The State of Play,’ we’re not merely sharing industry insights but advocating for a transformative vision: Equal Access for Everyone. This initiative goes beyond our commitment to innovation and growth within the gaming industry. It’s about breaking down barriers to ensure that every developer, regardless of company size, has the opportunity to showcase their creativity and reach a global audience. Our focus is on providing platforms and tools that foster creative opportunities, international exposure, and the development of unique projects, ensuring that the future of gaming is accessible to all. We aim to empower every player and developer worldwide, ensuring the gaming landscape is as diverse and dynamic as its community.”

The report offers an in-depth analysis of the gaming industry’s current investment climate, including funding trends, mergers, and acquisitions. It outlines the shifts in investment patterns, from the heights of the pandemic-induced boom to a more measured approach in 2024. “The State of Play” provides a roadmap for navigating the industry’s financial aspects, offering insights into strategic investment opportunities and forecasting future trends.

Featuring expert commentary from industry voices like:

  • Mukul Aurora, Co-founder of Appsoleut Games;
  • Mariusz Gasiewski, CEO of Mobile Gaming and Apps Lead at Google;
  • Karla Reyes, Founder and Studio Director,

Anima Interactive, the Xsolla Report: The State of Play is now available for complimentary download. To secure your copy and gain invaluable insights into the gaming industry, visit our website.

 

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