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Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) selects The Unit to drive social media and fan engagement
The Unit, a leader in nearshore product development for sports betting and igaming, has announced its latest innovative partnership via an ongoing social media sponsorship agreement with Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), the professional wrestling promotion which is currently the subject of the popular Netflix docuseries, Wrestlers.
Under the terms of the partnership, The Unit will help design and develop a range of intuitive customer-engagement tools – e.g. free-to-play (F2P) games – for OVW’s loyal and growing fanbase which will power upcoming social media campaigns and inform OVW’s social strategy.
The breakthrough deal provides another high-profile example of The Unit’s adaptable expertise and digital skill sets which are successfully operating at the intersection of sports, media, betting and igaming companies. Its recent work has featured varied projects with familiar names such as Sky Sports News Ireland and Dundalk FC closer to its home base. This growing scope, outside its foundational betting roots, into the wider entertainment industry underscores The Unit’s ability to connect with more mainstream audiences and responsibly educate and introduce them to the value and highly-social nature of, for example, fan engagement products and strategies.
For its part, fresh from securing a second season of its Netflix series, OVW is looking to capitalize on a thriving community of new and existing fans via an innovative portfolio of high-class digital assets which will drive fan engagement and online dwell-time, as it bids to recapture its status as the natural habitat and training ground for pro wrestling, affording its fans a first glimpse of the sport’s emerging stars via compelling physical storytelling.
The Unit has built a reputation as a world-class service provider for the sports betting and igaming sector across global markets over the past six years, working to both niche and expansive remits from its growing group of international clients. The team continues to specialise in developing products across a range of industry domains, including Sports, Casino, F2P and Gamification Platforms.
Al Snow, Co-Owner and Head Trainer at OVW, said: “We’ve spent years growing OVW into something special and my goal was always to make us a worldwide brand. This partnership with The Unit is the next step in that process. Partnering with an organization that has the global reach and respect of The Unit will only continue to grow our momentum and push us further into the global mainstream! We’re excited to get rolling with this new relationship with the heavyweight champion of software development!”
Bryan Kennison, Lead Commentator for OVW, commented: “It’s a very exciting time at OVW and I’m thrilled for us to be partnering with The Unit! OVW thrives off passion and creativity, which The Unit has in spades! There’s no telling what’s next for this new unbeatable tag team!”
David Reilly, Head of Social Media and Content at The Unit, added: “As Al Snow said himself: OVW develops the best superstars, The Unit develops the best software. And I’m certainly not about to argue with a former professional wrestling legend! Will thrilled to have secured this social media sponsorship. It’s the platform for an ongoing working relationship that can help both partners showcase our skills and creativity to best effect.
“We’re always on the lookout for opportunities that align with our vision of innovation and creativity. This decision was naturally influenced by watching the Netflix series Wrestlers, just witnessing the dedication, creativity, and sheer talent at OVW was a real eye-opener.
“In a world where sports sponsorships often lack depth and imagination, partnering with OVW feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s about more than just putting our name out there; it’s about supporting a team that embodies passion and shares our values around innovation and social engagement.
“The series showed us the heart and soul behind OVW, and we’re thrilled to align with a team that has such an authentic story. Bryan, Al and the team at OVW with their extraordinary dedication, have been pivotal in shaping this vision. We’re here to be a part of something truly unique and inspiring. We believe that this partnership will set a new standard for what sports sponsorships can be – full of creativity, substance, and real connection.”
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Bragg Gaming Group Announces Record Third Quarter 2024 Revenue of Eur 26.2 Million (USD 29.3 Million)
Bragg Gaming Group, a global B2B content-driven iGaming technology provider, reported record revenue for the third quarter of 2024.
Summary of 3Q24 Financial and Operational Highlights
Euros (millions)(1) | 3Q24 | 3Q23 | Change |
Revenue | € 26.2 | € 22.6 | 15.9 % |
Gross profit | € 14.0 | € 11.9 | 18.1 % |
Gross profit margin | 53.5 % | 52.5 % | 99 bps |
Adjusted EBITDA(2) | € 4.1 | € 3.8 | 7.1 % |
Adjusted EBITDA margin | 15.6 % | 16.9 % | (129) bps |
Operating Income (Loss) | € (0.4) | € (2.1) | (81.0) % |
(1) Bragg’s reporting currency is Euros. The exchange rate provided is EUR 1.00 = USD 1.12. Due to fluctuating currency exchange rates, this reference rate is provided for convenience only.
(2) “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
Matevž Mazij, Chief Executive Officer for Bragg, commented, “The third quarter marked another period of strong growth and record results for Bragg. Revenue grew 16% year-over-year, gross profit increased 18%, and Adjusted EBITDA rose 7%. In the U.S., strong third quarter revenue gains from content distribution helped drive a 40% global increase in proprietary online content revenue year-over-year.
“Additionally, we announced today that the Board of Directors has unanimously decided to conclude its review of strategic alternatives for Bragg. After extensive evaluation and deliberation, the Board determined that the ongoing execution of the Company’s strategic plan is the best way to maximize value for shareholders at this time.
“Since stepping in as Chairman 16 months ago and then as CEO 14 months ago, we’ve transformed our executive team, restructured commercial operations, and sharpened our sales strategy with a targeted, jurisdictional approach. These decisive actions position us to drive growth and capture market opportunities with greater precision and impact. Under new leadership, we’ve built a strong pipeline of tier 1 opportunities across key markets and key products, positioning Bragg for accelerated top- and bottom-line growth.
“With the strategic review process now complete, Bragg is now fully focused on commercialization and unlocking profitable growth, without the need for significant new investment in product development. Our decade-long investments in technology and talent, combined with a robust leadership team, have built a scalable platform that uniquely positions us for aggressive growth in 2025 and beyond. With significant operating leverage now within reach, we’re poised for an exciting, high-growth, and profitable future.”
Third Quarter 2024 and Recent Business Highlights
- Launched its newest games and Remote Gaming Server (RGS) technology with Caesars Digital in Pennsylvania and Ontario. The launch marked the expansion of Bragg’s existing partnership with Caesars Digital, following earlier launches in New Jersey and Michigan respectively, doubling the number of states/provinces in which Bragg content is offered on Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino.
- Launched its newest games and RGS technology with FanDuel in New Jersey, adding to its existing distribution with the leading North American operator in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Ontario
- Post-quarter end, the Company additionally launched its newest games and RGS technology with bet365 in New Jersey, following on from its second quarter launch in Pennsylvania, and an earlier launch in Ontario with the major global iGaming operator
- Launched HardRockCasino.nl in the Dutch market, supplying its cutting-edge player account management (PAM) software to the brand. The agreement is Bragg’s 6th PAM customer in the Netherlands, reinforcing Bragg’s status as the leading technology and content supplier in the Dutch market
- Launched the Kambi sportsbook on 711.nl, adding an additional revenue-generating product stream to a key PAM customer in the Netherlands
- Management is pleased to announce the appointment of Robbie Bressler to CFO of Bragg, effective immediately. Robbie had been serving as Bragg’s interim CFO since July 1, 2024.
Additional September 30, 2024 Key Financial Metrics
- For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, Cash flow generated from operations was EUR 8.4 million (USD 9.4 million), compared to EUR 6.2 million (USD 6.9 million) for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023.
- Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024 was EUR 11.6 million (USD 13.0 million) and net working capital, excluding deferred consideration, loans payable, and convertible debt, was EUR 11.3 million (USD 12.7 million)
Strategic Alternatives Process Concluded
The Bragg Board announced the strategic alternatives process in March 2024 with the formation of a Special Committee, comprised solely of independent members of the Board. The Committee, together with its advisors Oakvale Capital LLP and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, evaluated a wide range of strategic alternatives for maximizing shareholder value including a potential sale or merger of the Company. Bragg solicited interest from a significant number of potential counterparties and received multiple non-binding proposals.
After careful consideration, the Board, on recommendation from the special committee, unanimously determined that none of the proposals received reflect the Company’s intrinsic value or current and projected financial performance, and therefore elected to conclude its review and disband the Special Committee.
Don Robertson, independent Board member and Chair of the Special Committee, said, “After a comprehensive and exhaustive process, the Committee recommended, and the Board unanimously agreed, that continuing to execute Bragg’s strategic plan as an independent public company is the best approach for maximizing shareholder value. Although the process has now concluded, Bragg’s Board will continue to be open to and consider all opportunities for enhancing shareholder value.”
“Over the past year, our financial performance, cashflow generation and revenue outlook have significantly improved. We remain extremely confident about our business plan, operating strategy, and financial prospects” said Matevž Mazij, Chairman and CEO of Bragg.
Reiterates Full Year 2024 Guidance and 2025 Outlook
Bragg reiterates its 2024 full year revenue guidance range of EUR 102.0-109.0 million (USD 114.2-122.1 million) and its full year Adjusted EBITDA range of EUR 15.2-18.5 million (USD 17.0-20.7 million), noting that the Company is currently tracking to the lower end of guidance.
Bragg is actively advancing a robust pipeline of opportunities that is anticipated to drive strong momentum as we enter 2025. The outlook for 2025 remains positive, with expectations of sustained double-digit top line growth, expanding bottom line margins, and increased operational leverage, further strengthening Bragg’s position in the market. The preceding guidance and outlook constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a number of risks.
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BetMGM and Vegas Golden Knights Announce Multi-Year Partnership Extension
BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, announced an extension of its partnership with the Vegas Golden Knights through the 2026-27 season. As part of the agreement, BetMGM will continue as an Official Betting Partner of the Vegas Golden Knights with prominent signage on the Knight Tron and throughout T-Mobile Arena as well as co-branded content and exclusive promotions. The partnership also features multiple fan engagement opportunities including watch parties and Toshiba Plaza activations.
“BetMGM is proud to continue our partnership with the Vegas Golden Knights, giving us the opportunity to create memorable moments alongside one of the world’s most passionate hockey fan bases. Las Vegas is BetMGM’s hometown and an integral part of our DNA, so the Golden Knights are a natural fit for our brand.” – Matt Prevost – BetMGM, Chief Revenue Officer.
Throughout the season, BetMGM will host watch parties featuring team mascots at various MGM Resorts destinations. The operator also will plan activations in Toshiba Plaza during select Golden Knights home games where fans can begin the BetMGM mobile app registration process for the chance to win prizes.
“BetMGM is a long-standing partner with the Golden Knights and a brand synonymous with this great city,” said Vegas Golden Knights President and CEO Kerry Bubolz. “We look forward to continue working together on events and activations that we know entertain our fans.”
Lance Evans, SVP Sports and Sponsorships, MGM Resorts, said, “The Vegas Golden Knights play a core role in the Las Vegas sports and entertainment experience and it’s a privilege to welcome both local and visiting fans to our properties before, during and after games. Together with BetMGM, we look forward to co-hosting events that will allow guests to engage with their favorite teams in new and exciting ways.”
BetMGM users can take advantage of the robust offering of prop markets for Golden Knights games this season, frequent in-app odds boosts and the interactive same game parlay betting feature. New BetMGM customers who download the BetMGM app and verify at one of BetMGM’s nine retail sportsbooks within walking distance of T-Mobile Arena will receive a first bet offer of up to $250 paid back in bonus bets if their first bet loses (offer only available in Nevada; bonus bets are non-withdrawable and expire in seven days.) Through the recently launched single account and wallet app upgrade, BetMGM users who sign up in Nevada and reside in other BetMGM U.S. mobile markets can continue to wager upon returning home.
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EVERI STOCKHOLDERS APPROVE ACQUISITION BY APOLLO FUNDS
Everi Holdings Inc., a premier provider of land-based and digital casino gaming content and products, financial technology, player loyalty solutions, and bingo, announced that its stockholders have voted at a special meeting of Everi stockholders to approve the pending simultaneous acquisition of Everi and the Gaming & Digital business of International Game Technology PLC by a newly formed holding company owned by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. through a merger. As previously announced, pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, Everi stockholders will receive $14.25 per share in cash for every share of Everi common stock they own immediately prior to the effective time of the merger.
At the Special Meeting, approximately 99.88% of the shares voted were voted in favor of the merger, which represented approximately 71.48% of the total outstanding shares of Everi common stock as of October 3, 2024, the record date for the Special Meeting.
“We are pleased that our stockholders supported our transaction with the Apollo Funds,” said Michael Rumbolz, chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. “We now shift our focus to the important next steps toward completing the transaction and maximizing value for Everi stockholders.”
Assuming timely satisfaction of necessary closing conditions, the proposed transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2025.
The final voting results on the proposals voted on at the Special Meeting will be set forth in a Form 8-K filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
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