Revenue Growth Across All Segments
Light & Wonder has delivered another stellar quarter, marking its ninth consecutive period of double-digit revenue growth. The gaming technology giant reported a 12% year-over-year increase in consolidated revenue, reaching $817 million in Q3 2024.
Gaming Division Leads Performance
The company’s gaming segment emerged as the primary growth driver, with revenue surging 15% to $537 million. This impressive performance was largely attributed to a 38% increase in gaming machine sales and robust North American operations. The success of new cabinet models, including Cosmic and Kascada, has helped expand the North American premium installed base by 7% to 33,151 units.
Digital Gaming Continues to Thrive
In the digital realm, Light & Wonder’s SciPlay division continued its upward trajectory, posting a 5% revenue increase to $206 million. The growth was fueled by strong player engagement in social casino gaming and successful direct-to-consumer initiatives. Similarly, the iGaming segment grew 6% to $74 million, processing $22.8 billion in wagers during the quarter.
Strong Financial Management and Challenges
The company demonstrated strong financial management during Q3, repurchasing approximately 400,000 shares and returning $44 million to shareholders. Its debt leverage ratio improved to 2.9x, down from 3.1x at the end of 2023, while maintaining a healthy liquidity position with $347 million in cash and equivalents.
A notable challenge during the quarter involved legal action regarding Light & Wonder’s Dragon Train-themed games. Following a preliminary injunction from a US District Court, the company swiftly replaced approximately 95% of affected units with alternative games from its extensive portfolio. The company maintains that this situation will have minimal impact on its projected 2025 EBITDA target of $1.4 billion.
Leadership Outlook
CFO Oliver Chow expressed confidence in the company’s strategic direction: “We stay highly convicted to our strategy and roadmap as we reaffirm our 2025 $1.4bn consolidated AEBITDA target and look to remain a compounder of growth for years to come.”
CEO Matt Wilson reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s commitment to innovation and cross-platform strategy. As Light & Wonder continues its evolution as a leading global gaming technology solutions provider, its focus remains on developing innovative content and products while maintaining strong financial performance across all business segments.
ComeOn Group, a notable force in the iGaming industry, has significantly bolstered its position within Ontario’s regulated gaming landscape. Following the recent acquisition of the necessary sportsbook permits, the company is set to double its sportsbook operations in the upcoming years, marking a pivotal expansion of its already thriving online casino platform.
Expansion and Regulatory Compliance
ComeOn Group initially penetrated the Ontario market in April 2022, obtaining a gambling license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This license permitted the company to offer online casino games to local players, complemented by its innovative streaming product, WeSpin. The integration of a sportsbook further diversifies its offerings, aligning with the company’s global strategy to enhance its sportsbook operations.
Ontario’s gaming market, with a projected revenue of C$6.7 billion in 2023, represents a lucrative opportunity for international operators. Anticipated to see a 29% revenue increase by 2029, with an immediate 20% growth expected in 2024, the market’s potential is vast. ComeOn’s latest move reflects a strategic effort to leverage this growth and augment user engagement in a competitive environment.
CEO’s Vision for the Future
Juergen Reutter, CEO of ComeOn Group, expressed his excitement about the expansion: “We are thrilled about the opportunities this development presents. As a casino-led operator, expanding into sportsbook operations is crucial for our strategy to double our business volume in the next few years. We aim to provide a unique sportsbook entertainment experience, powered by our cutting-edge in-house technology.”
Technological Innovation and Localized Offerings
Central to ComeOn’s strategy is its proprietary sportsbook platform, enhanced by an expert risk management and trading team. This in-house technology enables the company to offer a safe, engaging, and highly entertaining betting experience. Tailoring its technology to meet local market demands ensures that Ontario players enjoy a personalized and unique gaming experience.
Expansion and Investment in Technology
In a recent development, ComeOn has inaugurated a new hub in Graz, Austria, focused on sportsbook, technology, and risk management operations. This move, as reported by SBC News, is part of a broader strategy to centralize its technological efforts, thereby boosting the scalability and efficiency of its sportsbook solutions across various markets.
Additionally, ComeOn’s recent membership in NOGA, the Dutch gambling trade body, following their licensing in the Netherlands, underscores its commitment to expanding its European footprint alongside its Canadian ventures.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
The Ontario market’s robust growth trajectory and ComeOn’s strategic initiatives are set to reshape the local iGaming landscape. By integrating advanced technology with a focus on safe and innovative gaming experiences, ComeOn Group is poised to not only meet but exceed player expectations in Ontario.
As ComeOn Group continues to advance its sportsbook and casino offerings, it remains committed to setting industry standards in safety, entertainment, and customer satisfaction in the ever-evolving world of online gaming.
A Major Transaction Announced
On 12 November 2024, Aristocrat Leisure confirmed a binding agreement to divest its Plarium Global mobile gaming division to the Stockholm-based gaming conglomerate Modern Times Group (MTG) for a consideration of up to $820 million. This deal includes an upfront payment of $620 million, with an additional earn-out of up to $200 million contingent on Plarium meeting specific financial milestones from 2025 to 2028.
Financial Details and Future Incentives
MTG will initially pay $620 million, reserving $20 million of this amount until 2026. The potential $200 million additional payout is tied to Plarium’s revenue performance in 2028 and the success of its flagship game, RAID: Shadow Legends, in 2025. This acquisition is part of Aristocrat’s broader strategy review aimed at concentrating on key growth areas such as land-based and real-money gaming, along with its social casino ventures.
Plarium’s Impact and Aristocrat’s Strategic Focus
Since being acquired by Aristocrat in October 2017, Plarium has been pivotal in developing popular free-to-play mobile and PC games, amassing over 500 million registered users globally. Its game portfolio includes notable titles like Mech Arena and Vikings: War of Clans. Proceeds from the sale will support Aristocrat’s long-term growth initiatives and improve its financial metrics.
Regulatory and Closing Details
The completion of this transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, with an expected finalization in the first half of 2025. For the fiscal year ending 30 September 2024, Plarium contributed roughly $615 million in revenue and $137 million in adjusted EBITDA to Aristocrat’s Pixel United segment.
MTG’s Strategic Advantages from the Acquisition
MTG expects this acquisition to boost its position significantly in the mid-core gaming market, enhancing its existing casual game offerings. Leveraging Plarium’s advanced technology, marketing acumen, and monetization strategies is anticipated to elevate MTG’s overall performance and support its strategic growth trajectory.
Aristocrat’s Continued Focus on Core Strengths
Trevor Croker, CEO of Aristocrat, stated that this sale follows a strategic review initiated in May 2024, focusing on refining its portfolio towards regulated gaming and social slots. The integration of Plarium’s strategic capabilities into Aristocrat’s operations has been beneficial, particularly in areas like digital marketing and user acquisition.
Ongoing Review and Financial Projections
Alongside this sale, Aristocrat continues its review of other casual gaming assets, including Big Fish Games, acquired in January 2018 for $900 million from Churchill Downs Incorporated. The company plans to recognize a $110 million goodwill impairment charge related to Big Fish Games in its FY24 financial statements, excluding the Big Fish Social Casino assets, which continue to perform strongly.
Aristocrat remains committed to optimizing shareholder value as it refines its portfolio and will release its FY24 financial results on 13 November.
Enhancing the Gaming Landscape in South Africa
Booming Games, a renowned gaming studio, has broadened its footprint in Africa through a strategic content integration agreement with Hollywoodbets. This collaboration is set to enhance the availability of Booming Games’ comprehensive slot game catalog on Hollywoodbets’ online casino platform, specifically targeting the South African market.
Strategic Partnership for Market Expansion
Solomon Godwin, the Africa Head for Booming Games, emphasized the significance of the South African market, highlighting its robust potential for growth. “Partnering with Hollywoodbets, a leading operator, significantly amplifies our reach and aligns with our ambitions to expand in the region,” Godwin remarked. He praised Hollywoodbets as a top-tier partner that is integral to supporting Booming Games’ expansion objectives within Africa.
Diverse Slot Offerings
The partnership will introduce a variety of popular and new slot games to South African players, including titles like Ronaldinho Spin, Burning Classics, Gold Gold Gold 5000, TNT Bonanza 2, and Cash Pig. These games are part of Booming Games’ efforts to provide engaging and diverse gaming experiences. The collaboration also features exclusive launches of new slots, showcasing the innovative capabilities of Booming Games.
Optimistic Outlook from Hollywoodbets
Wayde Dorkin, the Head of Product at Hollywoodbets, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “Aligning with such an innovative slot provider as Booming Games is thrilling. We are eager to bring their groundbreaking content exclusively to our customers in South Africa,” Dorkin stated. He anticipates a positive reception from customers eager to experience Booming Games’ cutting-edge slot content.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
In addition to its African market pursuits, Booming Games is also making strides in Latin America, particularly with a focus on Brazil’s regulated gambling market. Frederik Niehusen, Chief Commercial Officer at Booming Games, celebrated the full certification achieved in Brazil. “This certification marks a significant milestone in our strategy to fortify our presence in emerging markets,” Niehusen commented, expressing optimism about the future growth and the delivery of exceptional gaming experiences across Brazil.
The partnership between Booming Games and Hollywoodbets signifies a pivotal development in adapting to and thriving within the dynamic and fast-evolving regulated iGaming markets globally. Both companies are poised to leverage their strengths, promising a fruitful collaboration that could redefine the gaming landscape in South Africa and beyond.
Colorado voters have overwhelmingly supported Proposition JJ, a landmark initiative that channels the full revenue from sports betting taxes into critical water-related projects. The measure passed with an impressive 76% approval, lifting a prior cap on state-retained sports betting revenue and allowing Colorado to retain every dollar collected.
Background on Proposition JJ and Colorado’s Sports Betting Revenue
Since legalizing sports betting through Proposition DD in 2019, Colorado has imposed a 10% tax on sportsbook revenues. Although the tax has brought in close to $80 million since 2020, any revenue beyond a $29 million cap was previously returned to betting operators. With the approval of Proposition JJ, Colorado can now invest this entire revenue stream into pressing water needs across the state.
“This is a pivotal day for Colorado’s water future,” said State Senator Dylan Roberts, co-sponsor of the measure. “The people of Colorado have made it clear they believe in supporting water projects that benefit us all.”
Projected Funding for Water Projects
Without Proposition JJ, projected sports betting revenues would have resulted in a surplus of $1.2 million in 2024-25 and $2.5 million the following year. Now, with no cap in place, Colorado can direct these funds to essential projects focused on water storage, habitat protection, and conservation.
The Colorado Water Conservation Board estimates a need for $3.85 billion over the next 30 years to support these initiatives, leaving a $1.5 billion funding gap. Proposition JJ aims to bridge some of this gap, allowing more flexibility to meet immediate water conservation needs.
“This additional funding is crucial, though it won’t meet all demands,” said Cole Bedford, Chief Operating Officer at the Colorado Water Conservation Board. “Our grant program is extremely competitive, often leaving valuable projects unfunded.”
Widespread Support and Impact on Local Projects
Water providers across Colorado, including Denver Water and the Colorado River Water Conservation District, have expressed strong support for the measure. For southwestern Colorado, new funds could expedite several ready-to-launch projects, according to Steve Wolff, General Manager of the Southwestern Water Conservation District.
In the Arkansas River Basin, this funding could also support large-scale initiatives, such as the $1.4 billion Arkansas Valley Conduit, which aims to deliver drinking water to numerous communities east of Pueblo.
Revenue Boosts from Colorado’s Growing Sports Betting Market
Sports betting in Colorado continues to surge, particularly during high-demand seasons like football. In September 2024, sportsbooks reported a record $563 million in wagers, with football and parlays accounting for a significant portion. This marked a 10% increase in bets from the previous year, underscoring the growing demand and promising further resources for Colorado’s water projects.
Colorado’s decision to harness sports betting revenue for water conservation highlights a pragmatic approach to funding critical infrastructure. Proposition JJ represents a step forward in securing Colorado’s water future through the state’s evolving betting industry.
