Canada
BRAGG GAMING GROUP REPORTS RECORD SECOND QUARTER RESULTS AS REVENUE RISES 34.2% TO €20.8 MILLION (USD $21.3 MILLION)
New Customers, Rollout of New Proprietary Games and Market Expansion in Europe and North America Driving Consistent Revenue Growth
Gross Profit Rises 65.5% to Quarterly Record €11.6 Million (USD $11.9 Million); Gross Profit Margin Increases 1,060 Basis Points Year-over-Year and by 410 Basis Points from Q1 2022 to Quarterly Record 55.9%
Adjusted EBITDA Improves 62.9% Year-over-Year to €3.1 Million (USD $3.2 Million)
Raises Full Year 2022 Guidance for Revenue of €76-80 million (USD $78-82 Million) and Adjusted EBITDA of €10-11 million (USD $10-11 Million)
Bragg Gaming Group, a global B2B gaming technology and content provider, today reported record financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022. The Company also provided an update on its strategic growth initiatives and raised its full year 2022 revenue and Adjusted EBITDA guidance.
Summary of Q2 2022 Financial and Operational Highlights
Euros (millions)(1) | 2Q22 | 2Q21 | Change |
Revenue | €20.8 | €15.5 | 34.2% |
Gross profit | €11.6 | €7.0 | 65.5% |
Gross profit margin | 55.9% | 45.3% | 1060bps |
Adjusted EBITDA(2) | €3.1 | €1.9 | 62.9% |
Adjusted EBITDA margin | 14.9% | 12.3% | 260bps |
Wagering revenue | €4.2B | €3.8B | 9.0% |
- Bragg’s reporting currency is Euros. The exchange rate provided for U.S. dollars is 1.023. Due to fluctuating currency exchange, this rate is provided for convenience only.
- Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure. For important information on the Company’s non-IFRS measures, see “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” below.
Chief Executive Officer Commentary
“Our strong second quarter results include significant year-over-year growth, as well as quarterly-sequential improvements for revenue, gross profit, gross profit margin and Adjusted EBITDA,” said Yaniv Sherman, Chief Executive Officer for Bragg Gaming Group. “In the 2022 second quarter, we generated quarterly records for revenue of EUR €20.8 million (USD $21.3 million), gross profit of EUR €11.6 million (USD $11.9 million), gross profit margin of 55.9%, and Adjusted EBITDA of EUR €3.1 million (USD $3.2 million). Our operating momentum highlights our continued success in serving a growing base of customers in an expanding number of regulated global iGaming markets, with turnkey iGaming solutions that power their businesses, including proprietary and exclusive third-party content.
“Following the completion in June of our acquisition of Spin Games, Bragg possesses the product development capabilities, industry expertise and licensed footprint across Europe and North America to achieve further and consistent progress on our content and market expansion growth initiatives. Our content development and distribution efforts, led by our four in-house game studios, are focused on leveraging proprietary design, game mechanics and math capabilities to develop games that address local player preferences across European and North American markets. We expect to release approximately 22 proprietary games this year representing a 120% increase from 2021, with our game development roadmap poised to accelerate our new game releases next year and beyond. In addition, we will supplement our internal game development efforts with agreements for Bragg to exclusively distribute games from established popular third-party studios. We expect our execution against our content development and distribution strategy will result in a higher level of desirable ‘real estate’ allocation on leading iGaming operators’ sites, leading to higher player engagement that drives further top-line growth and margin improvement.
“The North American iGaming market continues to grow. We expect to leverage our expertise and differentiated product and technology advantages to drive consistent growth with leading operators in these markets. This includes content localization and customization that addresses popular online and land-based themes.”
Mr. Sherman concluded, “Reflecting our strong performance through the first half of the year and our ongoing business momentum, we are raising our guidance for 2022 full year revenue and Adjusted EBITDA to new ranges of EUR €76-80 million (USD $78-82 million) and EUR €10-11 million (USD $10-11 million), respectively. As demonstrated by our operating results to-date in 2022, our success with these efforts is driving strong top-line growth and margin improvement, highlighting our ability to deliver near- and long-term shareholder value.”
Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results and other Key Metrics Highlights
- Revenue increased by 34.2% to EUR €20.8 million (USD $21.3 million) compared to EUR €15.5 million (USD $15.9 million) in 2Q21.
- Wagering revenue generated by customers of €EUR 4.2 billion (USD $4.3 billion) increased from EUR €3.8 billion (USD $3.9 billion) in 2Q21. Wagering revenue in 2Q22 reflects a change in product mix towards PAM, managed services and proprietary content, resulting in improved gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA.
- Gross profit increased 65.5% to EUR €11.6 million (USD $11.9 million) from EUR €7.0 million (USD $7.2 million) in 2Q21, reflecting higher revenue and a 1,060 basis point year-over-year margin improvement to a quarterly record 55.9%.
- The margin expansion is primarily the result of the continued shift towards a higher proportion of revenues from iGaming and turnkey services, which have lower associated cost of sales when compared to games and content. The higher mix of iGaming revenues includes an increase in revenues from proprietary games which have no cost of sales.
- Net income for the period was EUR €0.1 million (USD $0.1 million), an improvement from net loss of EUR €2.3 million (USD $2.4 million) in 2Q21, primarily due to higher gross profit and lower professional fees and transactional costs, partially offset by an incremental increase in employee costs, sales and marketing expense, and higher depreciation and amortization.
- Adjusted EBITDA was EUR €3.1 million (USD $3.2 million), an increase of 62.9% compared to EUR €1.9 million (USD $1.9 million) in 2Q21. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 260 basis points to 14.9%, reflecting the Company’s increased scale and an improvement in the product mix of iGaming and turnkey services. Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased by 40 basis points on a quarterly sequential basis.
- Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2022 was EUR €11.0 million (USD $11.3 million) which reflects the EUR €9.0 million (USD $9.2 million) paid in the quarter for the acquisition of Spin Games.
Raises Full Year 2022 Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Guidance
Bragg today raised its outlook for 2022 full year expected revenue and Adjusted EBITDA to new ranges of EUR €76-80 million (USD $78-82 million) and EUR €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. The higher 2022 Adjusted EBITDA outlook includes the impact of continued investments in the business focused on driving further top-line growth. Bragg’s prior guidance for the 2022 full year was for revenue of EUR €68-72 million (USD $70-74 million) and Adjusted EBITDA of EUR €9.5-10.5 million (USD $9.7-10.7 million).
Canada
IAGR announces Toronto as host city for 2025 conference
Hot on the heels of its most attended conference in history, the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) is excited to announce that its 2025 conference will take place in Toronto, Canada, from October 20 to 23, 2025.
The event will be held in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) at the Westin Harbour Castle, offering stunning waterfront views and a premier, downtown Toronto location.
‘Fresh off the success of our Rome conference, we’re thrilled to continue the momentum with next year’s event in Toronto,’ said Ben Haden, IAGR President.
‘The IAGR 2025 conference promises to be another unparalleled opportunity for our global community to come together, collaborate and shape the future of gaming regulation. We’re looking forward to working with AGCO to bring it all together.’
AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr, added, ‘We’re excited to welcome IAGR and its members to Toronto. This partnership provides a great opportunity to share Ontario’s innovative regulatory practices and foster meaningful discussions that drive positive change in the industry.’
Stay tuned for registration details early next year.
Canada
ESE Entertainment Completes Acquisition of Gaming Production Company, Bombee Americas
ESE Entertainment Inc., a gaming company that provides a range of services to leading video game developers and publishers, has announced that it has acquired Bombee Global Entertainment Ltd. (Bombee Americas), the North American arm of Bombee Event Production AB, (Bombee), a global production company specialized in live production, special effects, broadcast, and event management for the gaming sector.
Bombee has successfully collaborated with ESE to bring its premier event production services and world class customer service to North America and beyond. The North American arm of Bombee, Bombee Americas, will continue to grow and scale in this new organizational structure under ESE, while maintaining its entire team and global support.
Konrad Wasiela, CEO of ESE, said: “Today marks the next stage of ESE—a 2.0 version of our company. With the acquisition of Bombee Americas, we are not only solidifying our presence in North America but also paving the way for growth and innovation in the gaming industry. This is a major step, positioning us to deliver even greater value to our partners and elevate the gaming experience for our clients globally. We’re thrilled about the opportunities ahead and the exceptional talent joining our team.”
Transaction Terms
The Acquisition was completed by way of a share purchase agreement (the SPA) among the Company, Bombee Americas, and the shareholders of Bombee Americas (the Vendors). Pursuant to the SPA, ESE acquired all of the outstanding shares of Bombee Americas in exchange for: (i) $750,000 in cash paid on closing, (ii) $375,000 in cash to be paid six (6) months following closing, subject to customary adjustments based on the working capital of Bombee Americas on closing, (iii) $375,000 in cash to be paid twelve (12) months following closing, and (iv) 30,000,000 common shares of ESE (the Consideration Shares), issued at a deemed issue price of $0.10 per share.
In connection with the Acquisition, the founders of Bombee Americas have signed three-year service agreements and will continue to run the business following the closing, along with the rest of the personnel of Bombee Americas who will remain in place, ensuring a smooth transition of operations. As part of the Acquisition, the Company has acquired the liabilities of Bombee Americas, mainly consisting of customary current obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business for Bombee Americas, which are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s operations or financial position.
No finder’s fees were paid or payable in conjunction with the Acquisition.
The Acquisition was an arm’s length transaction within the meaning of the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the Exchange) and constituted an “Expedited Acquisition” in accordance with Exchange Policy 5.3 – Acquisitions and Dispositions of Non-Cash Assets. The Acquisition remains subject to the final approval of the Exchange.
Canada
Suspected Digital Fraud Coming from Canada Up Nearly 11% Since H1 2023, Reveals New TransUnion Analysis
In the first half (H1) of 2024, Canada saw a significant increase in suspected Digital Fraud attempts, with nearly 5.74% of all attempted digital transactions where the consumer was located in Canada involving suspected Digital Fraud, revealed a new TransUnion® (NYSE: TRU) analysis. This is nearly an 11% year-over-year (YoY) rate increase from H1 2023, and TransUnion also documented an 11% increase in the volume of suspected Digital Fraud from Canada during this period, despite a less than a one percent (0.7%) YoY increase in the volume of transactions.
According to a recent TransUnion survey,1 more than half (54%) of Canadians said they were recently targeted by email, phone call or text message fraud attempts. Phishing was the most common scheme type (45%), followed by smishing (42%) and vishing (39%).
The increasing use of digital transactions, combined with rising suspected Digital Fraud attempts are also impacting businesses as they potentially face revenue losses and increased operational costs due to fraud. According to a TransUnion business survey for the H2 2024 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud report, 200 Canadian business leaders said their companies lost approximately 6% of equivalent revenue – representing $78 billion – over the past year due to fraud. The most prominent causes of fraud loss cited by them were:
- Scam/Authorized fraud (31%): Dishonest scheme intended to trick a person into giving up something of value (e.g., account access, money, information)
- Account takeover (19%): Unauthorized individuals taking over someone’s online account (e.g., bank, social media, email) without their permission
- Synthetic identity fraud (18%): Use of a combination of personal information to fabricate a person or entity to commit a dishonest act for financial or personal gain
TransUnion also found that suspected Digital Fraud attempts – where the consumer was transacting in Canada and targeted businesses globally – increased on average by 10.5% YoY in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023 and impacted all industries.
Top Three Industries Globally with Highest Rate of Suspected Digital Fraud Attempts Coming from Canada in H1 2024
- Gambling (online sports betting, poker, etc.) – 9.6%
- Retail – 9.2%
- Government – 7.7%
Top Three Industries Globally with Highest YoY Increase (H1 2024 vs H1 2023) in the Rate of Suspected Digital Fraud Attempts Coming from Canada
- Logistics – 172.9%
- Gambling – 79.3%
- Video gaming – 67.8%
“Protecting customers and their businesses from fraud is essential to enabling safe and tailored consumer experiences. These findings reveal that despite the good-faith efforts that are being undertaken by companies to identify and prevent fraud to date, fraudsters continue to evolve and it’s vital that fraud prevention methods keep up with the changing times,” said Patrick Boudreau, head of identity management and fraud solutions at TransUnion Canada.
“Businesses that aren’t already doing so should ensure that they are taking advantage of fraud prevention technologies such as identity verification, IP intelligence, device reputation and synthetic identity detection as critical components of their fraud prevention programs,” he added.
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