Betsson’s second quarter featured continued good growth with all-time high revenue and further investments to support our expansion. The Group’s organic growth was 13 percent, mainly driven by Latin America and the CEECA region (Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia), where we see long-term growth potential as these markets still have a low share of online gaming.

Group revenue was EUR 186.3 (172.8) million, an increase of 8%. Organic increase of 13%.

Casino revenue increased by 1%. Sportsbook revenue increased by 22% and the sportsbook margin was 8.3% (8.5%). EBITDA was EUR 39.3 (46.6) million, a decrease of 16%. The EBITDA margin was 21.1% (27.0%). Operating income (EBIT) was EUR 29.2 (37.8) million, a decrease of 23%. The EBIT margin was 15.7% (21.9%).

The sportsbook business showed a strong development in the quarter – gross turnover increased by 20 percent and the margin was 8.3 (8.5) percent – leading to all-time high revenue. Some of the football World Cup qualifiers in June ended in particularly favourable outcomes for Betsson and contributed positively to the margin in the quarter. Casino gross turnover also reached a new quarterly all-time high, while revenue came in at the second-best level ever. 

Betsson’s strategy is based on diversified revenues from existing and new markets, and in June Betsson became majority owner of the local gaming operator Betbonanza in Nigeria. Since last year, the regulated market in Germany is marked by a low level of channelisation, due to extensive restrictions, high taxes, and an unclear licensing process. During the quarter, a decision was taken to only apply for one online casino license in Germany. On the sports side, Betsson continues to offer betting on horses through the Racebets brand and has a sportsbook license which is currently not operated.

The B2B initiatives continue according to plan, and discussions are currently being held with several potential sportsbook customers in both North America and other parts of the world. The Group’s ownership in the technology platform provider Strive, focused on North America, increased from 35 to 40 percent during the quarter. Strive provides a new, purpose-built and modern US iGaming platform, i.e. Player Account Management system (PAM), which supports Betsson’s US strategy.

Operating income (EBIT) amounted to 29.2 (37.8) MEUR, corresponding to an EBIT margin of 15.7 (21.9) percent. The cost increase compared to last year was driven by the general expansion while the change in geographic mix, with a higher revenue share from Latin America and no revenue from the Netherlands, led to a lower realised margin.

Betsson’s commitment to football continues. After eleven years of waiting, AC Milan once again were crowned Italian champions and we share the fans’ great joy in recapturing the scudetto. In May, the sponsorship with AC Milan was renewed, which means that Betsson now also becomes exclusive sponsor for the club in Latin America. The region is important for the club with millions of fans and the history of stars like Kaká and Ronaldinho. Further, similarly to last summer Betsson is a proud sponsor of Copa America Femenina 2022, which is the Latin American equivalent of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and takes place during July. The interest in women’s football is growing strongly and the previous championship had more than 20 million TV viewers.