Canada
BRAGG GAMING GROUP REPORTS RECORD THIRD QUARTER RESULTS AS REVENUE RISES 62.3% TO €20.9 MILLION (USD $20.9 MILLION)
Bragg Gaming Group, a global B2B gaming technology and content provider, today reported record financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022. The Company also provided an update on its strategic growth initiatives, reiterated its full year 2022 revenue and Adjusted EBITDA guidance and established initial growth targets for 2023 revenue and Adjusted EBITDA.
Summary of 3Q22 Financial and Operational Highlights
| Euros (millions)(1) | 3Q22 | 3Q21 | Change | |||||
| Revenue | € | 20.9 | € | 12.9 | 62.3 | % | ||
| Gross profit | € | 10.4 | € | 6.6 | 58.0 | % | ||
| Gross profit margin | 50.0 | % | 51.4 | % | -137 | bps | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA(2) | € | 2.2 | € | 1.5 | 51.6 | % | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 10.7 | % | 11.5 | % | -76 | bps | ||
| Wagering revenue | € | 4.6 | B | € | 3.2 | B | 42.4 | % |
- Bragg’s reporting currency is Euros. The exchange rate provided is US$1.00 = €1.00. Due to fluctuating currency exchange rates, this reference rate is provided for convenience only.
- Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS For important information on the Company’s non-IFRS measures, see “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” below.
Chief Executive Officer Commentary
“Our record third quarter results reflect significant year-over-year revenue, gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA growth highlighting our progress in providing value-added content and services to a growing global base of customers across regulated iGaming markets, including in North America,” said Yaniv Sherman, Chief Executive Officer for Bragg. “In the third quarter of 2022, we generated third quarter records for revenue of
€20.9 million (USD $20.9 million), gross profit of €10.4 million (USD $10.4 million), gross profit margin of 50.0%, and Adjusted EBITDA of €2.2 million (USD $2.2 million). Our operating momentum has been consistent throughout the year as for the first nine months of 2022 revenue, gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA have improved significantly, compared to the same period in 2021.
“We continue to make steady progress on our strategic initiatives, including the development of new proprietary content, securing exclusive distribution agreements for popular third-party content and expanding our customer base and the number of markets we serve, including the Dutch market where we have established a leading position following our launch with multiple operators since the market opened. We have also integrated the Wild Streak Gaming and Spin Games acquisitions, established two new in-house game studios, and adjusted other areas throughout the organization to further streamline our operations and better position Bragg to scale as a global business.
“As a content-led business, we are focused on accelerating the number of proprietary games we develop and growing the number of exclusive third-party games from leading studios, such as Sega Sammy Creation, Bluberi and Bally’s Interactive’s Gaming Arts and King Show Games studios, we can offer our customers. Our library of proprietary and exclusive third-party games has grown consistently throughout 2022 and that growth will accelerate in 2023 and beyond. We also continue to further differentiate our content library through new exclusive iGaming content distribution agreements with leading third-party game development studios. Our expanding library of proprietary and exclusive third-party content will serve us well as we deploy these new games over our newer tech stack with customers in markets we already serve, as well as when we enter new markets, particularly in North America.”
Mr. Sherman concluded, “Our positive Adjusted EBITDA, combined with capital we raised in the third quarter positions us to continue to invest to drive further growth. Reflecting our strong performance through the first nine months of the year and our expectations for consistent operating execution in the fourth quarter, we are reiterating our guidance for 2022 full year revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. Looking ahead, we expect our consistent execution against our strategy and growth initiatives will drive further revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth in 2023. Our expectation that we will continue to deliver top-line and Adjusted EBITDA growth in what is currently a highly dynamic and volatile environment is a testament to our team members ability to execute on our focused strategies, which positions us well to deliver near- and long-term shareholder value.”
Third Quarter 2022 and Recent Business Highlights
- Since July 1, 2022, Bragg’s new Remote Game Server (“RGS”), powered by the Oryx tech stack, has gone live in Connecticut and Ontario as well as in Michigan where the Company’s new proprietary, US-focused content is live with three major iGaming operators.
- In September, Bragg raised net proceeds of USD $8.4 million of growth capital through an investment by Lind Global Fund II LP in the form of a USD $8.7 million convertible debt security which has a face value of USD $10.0 million.
- In September, the Company entered into an iGaming content development partnership with Bally’s Interactive (formally Gamesys), pursuant to which Bally’s Interactive online brands such as Virgin Casino, JackpotJoy and Vera&John will launch content from Bragg’s proprietary slots studios along with a range of exclusive proprietary and third-party titles from Bragg’s existing and future portfolio. Bragg will also distribute titles on an exclusive basis via its RGS from a select number of Bally’s Interactive’s third-party partner studios, marking a new and exclusive distribution channel for iGaming content from certain developers including Gaming Arts and King Show Games.
- In October, Bragg entered into an agreement with Sega Sammy Creation (“SSC”) for the exclusive rights to distribute select titles from SSC’s popular content portfolio to iGaming operators in the U.S., U.K. and other global markets.
Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results and other Key Metrics Highlights
- Revenue increased by 3% to €20.9 million (USD $20.9 million) compared to €12.9 million (USD$12.9 million) in 3Q21.
- Wagering revenue generated by customers of €4.6 billion (USD $4.6 billion) increased from €3.2 billion (USD $3.2 billion) in Wagering revenue in 3Q22 reflects a change in product mix towards turn-key customers (Player Account Management or PAM), managed services and proprietary content, resulting in improved gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA.
- Gross profit increased 58% to €10.4 million (USD $10.4 million) from €6.6 million (USD $6.6 million) in 3Q21, representing a gross profit margin of 50.0%.
- Net loss for the period was €2.0 million (USD $2.0 million), an improvement from a net loss of €2.5 million (USD $2.5 million) in 3Q21, primarily due to higher gross profit that was offset by an increase in IT and hosting costs, professional fees, transnational and exceptional costs, sales and marketing expense and higher depreciation and amortization.
- Adjusted EBITDA was €2.2 million (USD $2.2 million), an increase of 6% compared to €1.5 million (USD $1.5 million) in 3Q21, representing an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.7%.
- Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2022 was €17.2 million (USD $17.2 million) which reflects in part the €8.3million (USD $8.4 million) in net proceeds from the convertible debt security issued in September.
Full Year 2022 Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Guidance
Reflecting its expectation for continued steady operating performance in 4Q22, Bragg reiterated its outlook for 2022 full year expected revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of €76-80 million (USD $76-80 million) and €10-11 million (USD $10-11 million), respectively. The midpoints of the 2022 revenue and Adjusted EBITDA guidance ranges represent growth of 34% and 46%, respectively, over the reported full year 2021 revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. Bragg also provided an initial expectation for 2023 full year revenue growth of low double- digit percentage and for 2023 full year Adjusted EBITDA growth of at least 20%.
BetVictor Canada has launched its new out-of-home advertising campaign across the streets of Toronto to promote NBA legend Tracy McGrady as its Safer Gambling Ambassador.
Two mobile digital trucks strategically targeting high-traffic areas near Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, and major sporting events will provide prime audience exposure for the campaign, scheduled around Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Blue Jays home games.
To further enhance the campaign’s reach, BetVictor Canada has partnered with Clear Media Group to leverage digital taxi tops across Toronto, providing city-wide exposure with 100 taxis displaying key brand messaging. These digital taxi tops will run during peak evening hours (5:00pm – 9:00pm) on select dates until April 5th, 2025.
The campaign coincides with Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide grassroots campaign held each March that seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
BetVictor Canada offers an array of tools and services to help its Canadian customers bet and play safely and responsibly, across a host of sports betting markets and online casino games.
Mark Harper, Head of Emerging Markets at BV Group, said: “BetVictor is delighted to be participating in the National Council of Problem Gambling campaign in March, to help increase public awareness of problem gambling and the need to promote prevention, treatment and recovery services.
“In using our Safer Gambling Ambassador, Tracy McGrady, to raise awareness about BetVictor’s safer gambling tools such as loss limits, time alerts and product restrictions we are dedicated to ensuring all players have a safe gambling experience. #PGAM2025.”
Canada
AGCO issues $110,000 in penalties to BetMGM Canada for offering cash to induce new gambling customers
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has served BetMGM Canada Inc. with an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) of $110,000 for violations of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
In two separate incidents in 2024, BetMGM engaged marketing companies who offered cash to members of the public in return for opening new BetMGM accounts. The marketing activities occurred in public forums, such as a major national trade conference. Under AGCO’s Standards, operators are responsible for the conduct of their third-party suppliers who are contracted to support the operator’s Ontario gaming business, and must require their third-parties to meet Ontario laws, regulations and standards (Standard 1.19).
Ontario is one of the first jurisdictions in the world to establish and enforce rules that strictly limit high-risk inducement advertising and marketing in the online gambling industry. Registered iGaming operators are prohibited from offering gambling inducements, bonuses and credits as part of their broad public advertising and marketing activities (Standard 2.05). These Standards exist to protect Ontarians from predatory advertising and promotional marketing practices in order to limit the risk of gambling-related harm.
A registered operator served with an OMP by the AGCO has the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
QUOTE
“Responsible gambling safeguards and the protection of Ontarians on registered gaming sites is among our key priorities. The AGCO monitors the activities of all registered operators and their third-party suppliers to ensure they are meeting our high standards and we continue to take strong action to ensure they operate within the public interest.”
Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar – AGCO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BetMGM Canada Inc. failed to comply with the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. Specifically, the licensee failed to comply with the following provisions of the Standards:
- 1.19 Operators are responsible for the actions of third parties with whom they contract for the provision of any aspect of the Operator’s business related to gaming in Ontario and must require the third party to conduct themselves in so far as they carry out activities on behalf of the operator as if they were bound by the same laws, regulations, and standards.
- 2.05 Advertising and marketing materials that communicate gambling inducements, bonuses and credits are prohibited, except on an operator’s gaming site and through direct advertising and marketing, after receiving active player consent.
Contrary to the Standards, BetMGM Canada Inc. and/or their affiliates allegedly engaged in the following activities:
| a) | On or about January 13 and 14, 2024, BetMGM representatives were alleged to have attended the National Franchise Show and were offering $100 in cash to new players for opening a new account and depositing $15. |
| b) | On or about March 11, 2024, BetMGM acknowledged that its marketing affiliate “Above the Street” had engaged in prohibited inducement marketing. The conduct resulted in 377 player sign-ups and $127,180.00 in commissions to “Above the Street”. |
| c) | On or about April 13, 2024, another BetMGM marketing affiliate “Maple Leaf Marketing” engaged in prohibited inducements and marketing to induce on-site activations and acquire new players. The conduct resulted in 94 player sign-ups and about $34,000.00 in commissions paid to “Maple Leaf Marketing”. |
BCLC’s new “What’s played here stays here” campaign is issuing an important reminder to British Columbians who choose to gamble – specifically that all net profit its operations generate stays in B.C. to help fund critical services like education, health care and community programs.
The campaign also reinforces that all other gambling websites operating in B.C. are illegal and take away funds from critical community programs and services.
“Across B.C. and Canada, we’ve seen incredible groundswell around the importance of buying and supporting local, and that’s no different for British Columbians who choose gambling for their entertainment. We want our B.C. players to know they can find a world-class gambling experience in their own backyard, whether it’s at one of our 33 casinos, 3,400 lottery retailers, or online at PlayNow.com, and that the proceeds from their play with BCLC make a positive impact at home in their community,” Pat Davis, President and CEO of BCLC, said.
Along with illegal online gambling websites, BCLC also competes with Washington State and Las Vegas casinos, all of which aggressively market to B.C. residents.
“BCLC continues to raise awareness that these gambling options do not support B.C.’s economy and take away funds from vital provincial and community-based programs and services. In a time when British Columbians are standing united, we want to reinforce that playing together with BCLC helps make B.C. even better,” Pat Davis added.
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