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Twin River Announces Preliminary Second Quarter Results Of Operations

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Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc. announced preliminary estimates of operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. Twin River has not yet finalized its accounting for this period, and its June 30, 2019 consolidated financial statements are not expected to be available until after Twin River’s modified Dutch auction tender offer (“Offer”) is completed. Twin River expects to release its final results of operations for the second quarter during the second full week of August. Twin River also announced that it has extended the Expiration Time for its Offer to 11:59 p.m.New York City time, on Friday, July 26, 2019, unless further extended or earlier terminated by Twin River.

This press release is being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 8-K, which will be incorporated into the Schedule TO and amend the Offer to Purchase to the extent set forth herein. All of Twin River’s SEC filings are also available on Twin River’s website (www.twinriverwwholdings.com).  American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, the depositary for the Offer, has advised Twin River that as of 5:00 p.m.New York City time, on July 19, 2019, 15,088,536 Shares had been validly tendered pursuant to the Offer and not withdrawn. Twin River Shareholders who have already tendered their Shares do not have to re-tender their Shares or take any other action as a result of the extension of the Expiration Time of the Offer.

Twin River’s actual results of operations for the second quarter remain subject to the completion of its financial accounting closing process, which includes review by its management, audit committee and external auditors. During the financial closing process, Twin River may identify items that require Twin River to make adjustments to the preliminary estimates of its operating results set forth below. As a result, Twin River’s actual operating results could be outside of the ranges set forth below and such differences could be material. Additionally, the estimates of Twin River’s net revenue, net income and Adjusted EBITDA set forth below are forward-looking statements based solely on information available to Twin River as of the date of this release and may differ materially from its actual operating results. Therefore, Shareholders should not place undue reliance on these preliminary estimates.

Twin River’s preliminary estimates for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and actual results for the comparable period in 2018 are as follows:

Quarter Ended

(in millions)

June 30, 2019 
Estimated Range

June 30, 2018 
Actual

Net revenue

$146.5 – $148.5

$110.8

Net income

$15.8 – $18.4

$20.3

Adjusted EBITDA

$46.0 – $49.0

$44.3

The Rhode Island operations are estimated between $82.5 million and $83.5 million of net revenue and between $37.1 million and $39.1 million of Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. The Biloxi and Dover operations are estimated between $31.9 million and $32.3 million and $30.0 million and $30.5 million of net revenue, respectively, and $8.8 million and $9.8 million and $4.7 million and $5.7 million of Adjusted EBITDA, respectively, for the same period.

In remarking on the preliminarily estimated results for the quarter, George Papanier, President and CEO commented, “We are quite pleased with the Company’s results in the quarter. Our Rhode Island operations performed well despite some quarterly softness in the New England gaming markets generally. Financial performance at Dover during our first full quarter of ownership exceeded our already high expectation due to our initial integration and optimization efforts and yet we still anticipate substantial physical and operating changes to be implemented. At Hard Rock Biloxi, we were pleased to see another quarter of solid performance as our operations there are stable and performing well.  At the Corporate level, we continue investing in order to prepare for more growth as evidenced by our recently announced acquisitions. Somewhat higher corporate costs in the second quarter reflect that investment.”

In speaking more in depth about the Rhode Island operations in the context of recent impacts of new competition, Mr. Papanier further commented, “Our mitigation strategy toward new regional competition is also proving itself in the early going, as the overall effect of new competition in Boston in late June is generally in-line with our expectations. A distinct part of our rationale in building the Tiverton Casino & Hotel was aimed at anticipated competition. The ramping of Tiverton is proceeding according to plan, and the new facility has showed marked resilience since the new competition opened. We are seeing some impact at our Twin River Casino Hotel where table games have decreased somewhat, while the impact on slots has been less than expected so far. Although the New England gaming markets performed solidly through the first quarter of this year, we did see some softness beginning early in the second quarter prior to the opening of the new Boston competition, and extending through the end of the quarter. We attribute some of this softness to a challenging comparable period in 2018 as pent up demand in the second quarter of 2018 resulted from poor weather in the prior quarter. A decrease in the amount of tax return dollars as a result of the prior year federal tax legislation may also have played a role in the current quarter.”

Mr. Papanier added, “Our strategy of accretive growth and diversification continues to resonate with success. In 2014, we acquired the Hard Rock Biloxi at an approximate 10x multiple.  We are pleased to report that, even with additional competition in that market since the acquisition, our cash flow growth has resulted in a current ownership multiple below 7x.  Further, we acquired the Newport Grand in 2016 and were able to utilize that gaming license in constructing the Tiverton property, which continues its positive ramp even with new regional competition. Finally, we acquired Dover Downs earlier this year, so the second quarter is our first full quarter of ownership.  Again, this property is ramping its operations and financial performance faster than expected and, with our numerous implemented and planned changes and upgrades to both the marketing plan and customer experience, we expect to further improve upon this upward trajectory.”

Mr. Papanier concluded, “We look forward to providing more commentary about our second quarter results and strategic vision on our second quarter earnings call in August.”

The preliminary estimates of Twin River’s financial results included in this release have been prepared by, and are the responsibility of, its management. Twin River’s independent registered public accountants, Deloitte & Touche LLP, have not audited, reviewed or performed any procedures with respect to such preliminary estimates of Twin River’s operating results. The information presented herein should not be considered a substitute for the financial information to be filed with the SEC in Twin River’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the June 30, 2019 quarter. Twin River has no intention or obligation to update the preliminary estimates of its operating results set forth below prior to filing that Form 10-Q.

Reconciliation of GAAP Measure to Non-GAAP Measure

To supplement the financial information presented on a generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) basis, Twin River has included in this press release Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, which excludes certain items listed below.  The preliminary reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to its comparable GAAP financial measure, net income, is presented in the table below. The presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. Twin River believes that presenting this non-GAAP financial measure aids in making period-to-period comparisons and is a meaningful indication of its actual operating performance. Twin River’s management utilizes and plans to utilize this non-GAAP financial information to compare Twin River’s operating performance to comparable periods and to internally prepared projections. Twin River’s non-GAAP financial measure may not be the same as or comparable to similar non-GAAP measures presented by other companies.  All line items for June 30, 2019 are preliminary estimates.

Reconciliation of Preliminary Estimated Net Income to
Preliminary Estimated Adjusted EBITDA at Midpoint (unaudited)

Quarter Ended

(in millions)

June 30, 
2019 at 
Midpoint

June 30, 
2018 
Actual(1)

Net income

$

17.1

$

20.3

Interest expense, net of interest income

9.2

5.1

Provision for income taxes

6.2

6.1

Depreciation and amortization

8.3

5.1

Non-operating income

(0.2)

Loss on extinguishment and modification of debt

1.5

Merger and going public expenses

1.5

0.7

Share-based compensation

1.6

6.0

Non-recurring litigation expenses, net of insurance proceeds

0.5

0.4

Pension audit payment

(0.5)

Acquisition costs

0.8

Expansion and pre-opening expenses

0.5

Professional and advisory fees associated with capital return program

1.7

Other

(0.2)

0.2

Adjusted EBITDA

$

47.5

$

44.3

(1) Amounts may not subtotal due to rounding.

Reconciliation of Preliminary Estimated Net Income to Preliminary Estimated
Adjusted EBITDA for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2019 at Midpoint (unaudited)

(in millions)

Rhode 
Island

Dover

Biloxi

Other

Total

Net income

$

21.5

$

1.3

$

4.5

$

(10.2)

$

17.1

Interest expense, net of interest income

1.0

0.1

8.1

9.2

Provision for income taxes

8.0

0.5

1.2

(3.5)

6.2

Depreciation and amortization

4.6

1.3

2.3

0.1

8.3

Non-operating income

(0.2)

(0.2)

Loss on extinguishment and modification of debt

1.0

0.5

1.5

Merger and going public expenses

0.9

0.6

1.5

Share-based compensation

1.6

1.6

Non-recurring litigation expenses, net of insurance proceeds

0.3

0.2

0.5

Pension audit payment

(0.5)

(0.5)

Acquisition costs

0.8

0.8

Credit Agreement amendment

(0.2)

(0.2)

Professional and advisory fees associated with capital return 
program

1.7

1.7

Allocation of corporate costs

2.5

1.1

1.0

(4.6)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

38.1

$

5.2

$

9.3

$

(5.1)

$

47.5

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA
for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

(in millions)

Rhode 
Island

Biloxi

Other

Total

Net income

$

24.1

$

4.5

$

(8.3)

$

20.3

Interest expense, net of interest income

2.0

3.1

5.1

Provision for income taxes

6.7

1.4

(2.1)

6.0

Depreciation and amortization

2.8

2.3

5.1

Merger and going public expenses

0.7

0.7

Share-based compensation

6.0

6.0

Non-recurring litigation expenses, net of insurance 
proceeds

0.4

0.4

Legal & financial expenses for strategic review

0.1

0.1

Storm related repair expense, net of insurance 
recoveries

0.1

0.1

Expansion and pre-opening expenses

0.5

0.5

Allocation of corporate costs

2.1

1.0

(3.1)

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

38.1

9.3

(3.1)

44.3

 (1) Amounts may not subtotal due to rounding.

General Information

Twin River’s board of directors authorized the Offer, but none of the members of the board of directors, Twin River, the dealer manager, the information agent or the depositary or any of their affiliates has made, and they are not making, any recommendation to Shareholders as to whether Shareholders should tender or refrain from tendering their Shares or as to the price or prices at which Shareholders may choose to tender their Shares. Twin River has not authorized any person to make any such recommendation. Shareholders must make their own decision as to whether to tender their Shares and, if so, how many Shares to tender and the price or prices (if any) at which they will tender their Shares. In doing so, Shareholders should read carefully the information in, or incorporated by reference in, the Offer to Purchase and in the letter of transmittal, including the purpose and effects of the Offer. Shareholders are urged to discuss their decision with their own tax, financial and legal advisors.

Moelis & Company LLC is acting as the dealer manager for the Offer. MacKenzie Partners, Inc. is serving as the information agent and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC is acting as the depositary. The Offer to Purchase, the related letter of transmittal and the other Offer materials have been filed with the SEC. Shareholders should read these materials carefully because they contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the Offer. Requests for documents may be directed to MacKenzie Partners, Inc. at (800) 322-2885 (toll free) or tender [email protected] Questions regarding the Offer may be directed to Moelis & Company LLC at (800) 346-8848 (toll free).

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security. No offer, solicitation or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Offer is only being made pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase. Terms used in this press release with initial capital letters that are defined in the Offer materials are used as so defined.

 

About Twin River:

Twin River owns and manages four casinos, two casinos in Rhode Island, one in Mississippi and one in Delaware, as well as a Colorado horse race track that has 13 authorized OTB licenses.  Properties include Twin River Casino Hotel (Lincoln, RI), Tiverton Casino Hotel (Tiverton, RI), Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Biloxi, MS), Dover Downs Hotel & Casino (Dover, DE) and Arapahoe Park racetrack (Aurora, CO).  Its casinos range in size from 1,000 slots and 32 table games facilities to properties with over 4,100 slots, approximately 125 table games, and 48 stadium gaming positions, along with hotel and resort amenities.  Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “TRWH.”

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking” statements as that term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than historical facts, including future financial and operating results and the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, legal, economic and regulatory conditions are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are sometimes identified by words  like “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “endeavor,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “overestimate,” “underestimate,” “believe,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “continue,” “target” or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include, among others, (1) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the acquisition of Dover Downs and other proposed transactions; (2) uncertainty of the expected financial performance of the Company, including the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of its acquisitions; (3) the Company’s ability to implement its business strategy; (4) the risk that stockholder litigation may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and/or liability; (5) evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes; (6) changes in general economic and/or industry specific conditions; (7) the effects of competition that exists in the gaming industry; (8) actions by third parties, including government agencies; (9) the risk that the proposed transactions may not be completed on the terms or in the time frame expected, or at all; and (10) other risk factors as detailed under Part I. Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2019. The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this communication. TRWH does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or development, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.

 

Source: Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

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Gambling in the USA

INFRONT BETTOR EXPANDS NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RUSH STREET INTERACTIVE AGREEMENT

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Key Partnership Across RSI Brands BetRivers and RushBet Includes Access to Infront’s Official ITF Data and Streams from 2025.

Infront Bettor, Infront’s betting-focused division, has successfully secured a strategic partnership with Rush Street Interactive Inc NYSE RSI (“RSI”), one of the leading operators in the Americas and the online operator of BetRivers in North America and RushBet in Latin America.

The new agreement covers Infront’s extensive portfolio, including access to the official fast path data of all International Tennis Federation ITF events, exclusively distributed by Infront Bettor from 2025. Official feed data directly from the umpire’s chair will be made available for over 58,000 matches from the Men’s and Women’s World Tennis Tour, the Billie Jean King Cup, and the Davis Cup. The corresponding video streams will also be distributed for a large portion of these matches.

The deal also covers Infront’s wider streaming portfolio from more than 40 global rights holders across soccer, basketball, and ice hockey. This includes top European soccer competitions such as France’s Ligue 1 Uber Eats from the 2024/25 season and premium ice hockey tournaments such as the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.

Diogo Almeida, Head of Sales, Infront Bettor said: “Our venture into the US betting landscape marks a significant milestone for the bold plans we have for Infront Bettor, and partnering with a key player, like RSI, in the industry is obviously the best way to significantly bolster our presence in this rapidly expanding market. It also ensures that fans have unmatched access to top-tier global sports events, which will be perfectly complemented with 24/7 betting opportunities through our partnership with the ITF.”

Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive, said: “This partnership is a pivotal step for us in enhancing our offering to make sure we have premium and round-the-clock coverage for our customers. We are also very proud to continue to deliver the ITF to our bettors through next year, offering an enhanced tennis package that will see us consume more events than ever before. We know Infront has plans to offer a more immersive tennis betting experience, adding supplementary betting markets through collecting level 2 and level 3 data, and we look forward to seeing these come to life next year.”

For more information, visit infront.sport.

 

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Gambling in the USA

BETTING HERO REVS UP COLLABORATION WITH NASCAR TO ENHANCE BETTING EXPERIENCE FOR RACING FANS

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Betting Hero Research Uncovers Potential For Regional Betting Growth in the Sport.

Betting Hero, the leading customer acquisition, retention, and development partner for U.S. sportsbooks, has embarked on a consumer research collaboration with NASCAR to help the respective companies and their shared sportsbook operator clients better understand and serve North Carolina NASCAR fans with premium betting experiences.

Laying the foundation for continued fan engagement and future acquisition campaigns, Betting Hero has completed a research study, comprised of qualified bettors in the Tar Heel State to uncover their engagement preferences for NASCAR as both sports fans and bettors.

The study, which took place both online and in person in April 2024, shows a significant demand for NASCAR as a betting product in North Carolina. Respondents are almost three times more likely to bet on the sport than in previously surveyed states.

NASCAR ranked behind only the NFL, NBA, and MLB in betting activity by the study respondents, with 70% stating that they’ve watched a race for the first time because they’ve placed a bet on it.

“Having worked closely with NASCAR to educate its fans on the betting options available to them for several years, we have long believed in the opportunity to both attract new fans to the sport and better engage existing fans through thoughtfully curated betting experiences,” said Jai Maw, Co-Founder and President of Batting Hero. 

Maw continued, ”As is shown in the North Carolina study conducted by our in-house consumer research division, there is a clear correlation between most fans’ enjoyment or engagement in a sporting event and their betting activity overall. However, NASCAR fans have to work a little harder than fans of other major sports to find their betting preferences due to less available markets and prop betting options on average. Those that can find their preferred betting markets could also be more likely to remain loyal to their sportsbook of choice than fans of other sports where available markets are somewhat commoditized.”

As a market audience, 86% of North Carolinians see betting as a true complement to sporting enjoyment. They’re also loyal and active bettors, with over half of respondents having downloaded three gambling apps and almost 90% still using their primary sportsbook after registration.

Significantly, certain sportsbooks surveyed showed a disproportionately high level of NASCAR betting activity compared to brand awareness in the target group, which could suggest that having a strong NASCAR betting offering is more important than other factors in the registration decision process.

“NASCAR has extremely passionate fans and we see sports betting as another way they can engage with sport,” said Joe Solosky, Managing Director of Sports Betting at NASCAR. “We are excited, but not surprised, to see the success of NASCAR as an offering through the launch of sports betting in the industry’s backyard of North Carolina and are continuing to better improve the NASCAR betting product to give fans more options to responsibly engage with action on the track. The study discovered that 70 percent of respondents watched a race for the first time because they placed a bet on it, and it shows that our efforts in the space can attract new fans as well.”

North Carolina has quickly risen to the top tier of states for NASCAR betting volume, ranking among the top three states in its first two months since launch. Across the 20 states that were live in March and April of 2023, NASCAR’s handle has seen a substantial 15% year-over-year growth. In states like Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Mississippi, NASCAR’s handle has surged by at least 50% compared to the previous year. Even more impressively, in Nevada and New York, NASCAR’s handle has doubled year over year, indicating a significant increase in interest and betting activity in these regions.

Resident Culture Bar & Kitchen will be hosting a NASCAR post-party on Saturday, May 25th, for the Xfinity race the weekend of the Coke 600 and a Race Watch party for the Cup Series Coke 600 on Sunday, May 26th. Betting Hero‘s team of experts will be in attendance to help answer any sports betting-related questions for fans and patrons while ensuring all enjoy their experience betting on NASCAR responsibly.

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eSports

CAPCOM’S STREET FIGHTERTM 6 GOING TO COLLEGE THIS FALL

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College conference Street Fighter 6 champions will punch their ticket to the national Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC) & May Madness in 2025

 

  • CSMG will create and operate College Street FighterTM Tour in North America for the 2024-25 academic year
  • College conference Street Fighter 6 champions will punch their ticket to the national Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC) & May Madness in 2025
Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG) announced today during the kick-off of its Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC) Texas presented by McDonald’s that it has joined forces with Capcom to launch the College Street FighterTM Tour during its 2024-25 academic year with the finalists competing at CECC Texas in 2025 throughout its May Madness event. Street FighterTM 6  will join Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Overwatch 2®, Rocket League, and VALORANT as part of the official game titles for CECC.
“We are immensely excited to welcome Capcom into the CECC family and provide a path to glory for student athletes to showcase their skills in Street Fighter 6,” said Michael Schreck, Chief Executive Officer for CSMG. “In our fourth year of building May Madness, we continue to listen to our players, coaches and fans on how to make our event more inclusive, and the partnership with Street Fighter 6 is a resounding success.”
“The Street Fighter franchise is a multi-generational and global game series, so it’s important for us to continue to grow that fandom at the collegiate level,” said Michael Larson, Head of Esports at Capcom USA. “CECC continues to set the standard for competition and community, so it’s a natural format for expansion, and we’re eager for College Street Fighter Tour competitors across North America to show off their skills and join us in Texas next year.”
”The vision for the College Street Fighter Tour is a publisher backed esports series that integrates into the existing infrastructure of The Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup, a bracket style event series that takes place every year and has been coined May Madness. The path to championship includes invitational bids to national and regional level conferences as well as official CECC qualifiers held regionally,” said Angela Bernhard Thomas, Chief Esports Officer for CSMG’s ESPORTSU.
Every college or university from a 2-year or 4-year institution can participate through their conference or through select qualifiers. Wim Stocks will serve as the Commissioner of the College Street Fighter Tour and bring his 20 years of experience in college esports to create a dynamic and engaging format of competitive gaming.
“Since the launch of Street Fighter 6 in June of ’23, it is clear the rich legacy of Street Fighter is stronger than ever and helping lift the fighting game community to still greater heights,” said Stocks. “Having a structure now for a national collegiate competitive series, league, and events, Capcom and ESPORTSU are building a phenomenal ecosystem and mechanism for developing up and coming Street Fighter 6 competitors.”
More details on the College Street Fighter Tour will be shared later this year.
CSMG welcomes 84 teams (up from 64 in 2023) this weekend from a record breaking 19 conference champions to the largest scholastic esports festival globally. They will compete at Esports Stadium Arlington on May 3-5 for the chance to hoist one of the coveted trophies. Fans can watch the CECC Texas on ESPORTSU’s Twitch channel at https://www.twitch.tv/esportsu.
CECC Texas 2023 was also recently awarded LAN Event of the Year during the inaugural Scholars Awards in Las Vegas, which are produced in partnership with the Esports Awards.
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