Canada
Rivalry Reports First Quarter 2024 Results, Expands Into Crypto Segment Through Rivalry Token
Rivalry Corp. (the “Company” or “Rivalry”) (TSXV: RVLY) (OTCQX: RVLCF) (FSE: 9VK), the leading sportsbook and iGaming operator for Gen Z, today announced financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. The Company also announced Rivalry Token, a native cryptocurrency token that will act as a nexus between Rivalry, Web3, and gamblers. All dollar figures are quoted in Canadian dollars.
“Our first quarter results saw a return to growth with sequential increases in betting handle, gross gaming revenue, and net revenue,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “We are also very encouraged by the improvement to net revenue margin experienced in the quarter, hitting an all-time record, proving our strategy is delivering results, and representing a meaningful improvement as compared to the average levels experienced throughout 2023. Additionally, interest in our original casino content continues to build, unlocking B2B revenue opportunities that we are keen to detail more fully in the near future.”
“Today we also announced a decisive move to more deeply tap into the significant global crypto gambling market through Rivalry Token. This represents a meaningful strategic step for Rivalry, complementing our existing approach which focuses on a generation that grew up immersed in gaming and internet culture, and now extending that reach to the crypto community. The Venn diagram of Gen Z, gamblers, gamers, and crypto enthusiasts or crypto curious has an extremely high degree of overlap that we are uniquely positioned to access.”
“Alongside this announcement, we have also released an overhaul of our homepage, a more fulsome crypto wallet experience, and adjusted the onboarding experience for new users to materially reduce friction while maintaining compliance. Together, this represents a meaningful effort to access a higher value crypto gambling cohort, adding more depth and reach to Rivalry’s global network. This comes at an opportune time, as momentum in crypto gambling has been building amongst our target audience and they’ve been gravitating towards it. By expanding our product offering into this segment, it positions us to compete and win as we innovate product and gain access to this higher value customer cohort.”
First Quarter 2024 Highlights
Betting handle for Q1 2024 was $94.7 million, increasing by $9.6 million, or 11% as compared to Q4 2023.
Gross gaming revenue (“GGR”)2 was $7.7 million in Q1 2024, up $1.3 million, or 20% from $6.4 million in Q4 2023.
Net revenue3 was $4.5 million in Q1 2024, increasing by $1.5 million, or 51% from $3.0 million in Q4 2023. As a percentage of GGR, the Q1 2024 net revenue margin of 58.5% was the highest in Company history, and compares to 45.4% in FY 2023. As a percentage of betting handle, the net revenue margin of 4.7% was the highest of the past five quarters. The improvements reflect ongoing initiatives to increase margins through innovation and adjustments to the product offering.
The Casino segment continues to be a strong contributor, generating 59% of betting handle and 19% of GGR in the quarter. Segment results reflect the ongoing expansion of Rivalry’s casino product line, including the original game Cash & Dash released in the second half of 2023.
Net loss was $5.2 million in Q1 2024, the Company’s narrowest net loss of the last four quarters.
The Company had $9.4 million of cash as at March 31, 2024.4
Rivalry released a basketball same-game-parlay product coinciding with the 2024 NBA playoffs, building on the Company’s growing traditional sports vertical. This has supported both acquisition efforts and net revenue margin enhancement.
The Company also released pre-made-parlays, driving meaningful customer interest and improving sportsbook hold.
Rivalry released shareable bet slips during the quarter, introducing a social feature to increase user acquisition and community engagement.
Rivalry continues to explore interest in licensing its first-party casino games, accelerating the advancement of its B2B vertical.
The Company is updating its profitability guidance from the first half of 2024 to by the end of 2024.
Rivalry Token
Rivalry has today revealed Rivalry Token, a native crypto token on the blockchain to add increased functionality, economics, and user experiences across the Company’s product suite, continuing Rivalry’s track record of innovation in online betting. The launch of Rivalry Token, anticipated to arrive in H2 2024, represents one of several forthcoming initiatives to position Rivalry in the crypto gambling market and better serve its core audience of under-30 bettors.
“Online gambling is the latest web-based consumer category being increasingly disrupted by blockchain technologies with greater speed, access, and functionality than their legacy counterparts,” Salz added. “Tech-savvy bettors are leading a behavioral shift towards more experiential and crypto-enabled gambling experiences that are taking wallet share from incumbents at an accelerated rate.”
“Rivalry is well-positioned to access the growth opportunity in crypto with a proven product set, a brand entrenched in internet culture, and a captive audience of digitally native users that are driving this economic renaissance. The launch of Rivalry Token, alongside a broader expansion into cryptocurrencies, strengthens our product-market fit among an under-30 audience and positions us competitively to capture a meaningful share of this fast-growing and highly valuable segment of the market.”
Rivalry Token will be a utility token integrated within Rivalry’s product suite – from sportsbook to casino and more – with built-in properties to enhance the customer experience from end-to-end. This introduces a dynamic relationship where every sports wager and casino spin, win or lose, is rewarded with a decentralized asset that delivers meaningful real money utility for the player. The Company expects its token will drive an increase in player engagement, loyalty, and advocacy by establishing more positive economic alignment between itself and users.
Rivalry has today launched a pre-farming campaign called PLAY-2-EARN, where users can begin accumulating interim token points through site activity and eventually social media which will be converted into Rivalry Tokens later this year.
Following the official launch, Rivalry Token will be available for players to use on Rivalry in all of the Company’s active markets excluding Ontario and Australia.
The Company will release more information about Rivalry Token throughout the coming months, including commercial partners, token economics, and more.
Investor Conference Call
Management will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday, May 30, 2024 to discuss the Company’s first quarter 2024 financial results and its expansion into the cryptocurrency space.
Canada
BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity
BetConstruct, a global pioneer in iGaming and sports betting solutions, has announced a significant milestone in the gaming industry. Through its affiliate entity, BetConstruct has become the first iGaming company authorized to facilitate the issuance of both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licenses. This remarkable achievement was made possible by obtaining a direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation in Canada.
The Tobique First Nation, renowned for its innovative and forward-thinking regulatory approach, has entrusted BetConstruct’s affiliate entity with the authority to oversee applications and facilitate the issuance of licenses from its jurisdiction. This partnership underscores shared values of innovation, transparency, and a commitment to responsible gaming practices.
This historic development places BetConstruct at the forefront of the Canadian iGaming market, redefining the opportunities available to gaming operators. By leveraging its affiliate entity’s licensing capabilities, BetConstruct empowers businesses to navigate a streamlined and transparent regulatory environment, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
“At BetConstruct, we’ve always strived to push the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming. This landmark achievement with the Tobique First Nation reflects our unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for our partners while upholding the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in gaming,” said Vigen Badalyan, Co-Founder of BetConstruct.
The issuance of dual licenses under the watchful eye of BetConstruct’s affiliate not only highlights BetConstruct’s commitment to supporting its partners but also reinforces the company’s role as a trusted leader in the global iGaming landscape.
This milestone signals a new era for regulated iGaming, as BetConstruct takes bold steps to establish a robust ecosystem for operators and consumers alike. With its direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation, BetConstruct is setting a new standard for innovation, consumer protection, and sustainable growth in Canada and beyond.
Canada
Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Announce Closing of the Acquisition of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria
Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Ltd. announced that PDG has closed the previously announced acquisitions of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria from Great Canadian, in historic transactions for both parties. PDG is a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation (the “Nation”) and is dedicated to realizing the economic potential of the Nation.
The transactions, originally announced on June 24, 2024, for Casino Nanaimo and September 10, 2024, for Elements Casino Victoria, have received all required approvals from the regulatory authorities.
“We are thrilled to have completed these transactions. An incredible amount of work has been undertaken by our corporate team, our on-site teams at both properties, and PDG to achieve this successful closing. I am grateful for their efforts, as well as everyone at the B.C. Lottery Corporation and the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch, who were thoughtful, diligent, and thorough in facilitating these closings,” said Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian.
“We look forward to working closely with PDG during the transition period to support the continued successful operation of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria,” Anfinson added.
“We celebrate the closing of our two casino acquisitions and our continued progress toward building a strong Snuneymuxw economy. For decades, Snuneymuxw leadership has worked tirelessly toward this moment, recognizing the connection between a strong economy, self-determination, and the foundation of nationhood. Today, we honour the achievements of those who came before us by securing businesses that will strengthen our Nation for generations to come. Thank you to the PDG and Great Canadian teams for your exceptional work. We look forward to a rewarding partnership with the B.C. Lottery Corporation, driving economic growth for the Nation and Province,” said Chief Mike Wyse.
Erralyn Joseph, President of PDG, said: “This measured acquisition marks an important milestone for PDG as we continue growing a corporate enterprise that reinvests directly into the prosperity of our Nation. With a strong operating plan focused on risk mitigation and yielding sizable returns, PDG continues to generate sustainable wealth for Snuneymuxw. With every step we are realizing our socio-economic potential and influence at a local, national, and global level. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to share this news and remain committed to advancing economic growth in support of all residents connected to Snuneymuxw territory.”
“Acquiring these assets marks a pivotal shift for Snuneymuxw and Vancouver Island. This transition will fuel the Island’s economy, strengthening the Snuneymuxw Nation and ensuring the benefits stay local,” said Ian Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of PDG.
Canada
Ottawa Black Bears Announce Partnership Deal with PowerPlay
The Ottawa Black Bears announced an extensive partnership agreement with PowerPlay Online Sportsbook and Casino that will see the company’s logo featured on the club’s home and away jerseys.
In addition to the jersey partnership, PowerPlay will also have branding elements inside the goal crease, behind the bench, on the LED display ring, and along the rinkboards for Black Bears home games at Canadian Tire Centre. As part of the deal, PowerPlay also becomes the exclusive sportsbook and online casino partner for the Ottawa Black Bears.
“We are thrilled to have PowerPlay on board for our inaugural season with such a comprehensive partnership agreement. Their investment with the Black Bears represents a foundational agreement for our lacrosse club. And we’re proud to wear their logo alongside ours as we launch our franchise,” said Chelsea McDermott, Vice President of Business Operations for the Ottawa Black Bears.
“We are excited to bring PowerPlay’s bold, community-driven spirit to Ottawa-Gatineau, partnering with the Black Bears as they establish themselves as a force in lacrosse. This partnership celebrates a sport deeply tied to Canada’s heritage and competitive energy. Together, we’ll ignite passion, energize fans, and deliver excitement all season long,” said Thomas Vermeulen, Marketing Director for PowerPlay.
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