This week, the European Parliament hosted an important gathering organized by the European Lotteries (EL) to discuss the protection of minors in the digital gambling environment. The event saw EU policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders converge to discuss the implementation of enhanced digital safeguards aimed at protecting younger audiences.
Key Discussions and Statements
The discussions, held on 5 February 2025, focused on the dual nature of digital technologies—while they offer numerous benefits, they also pose significant risks to minors, including mental health issues and exposure to potentially harmful and addictive content. MEP Tomislav Sokol (EPP, Croatia) emphasized the importance of upcoming EU policies: “The Parliament’s forthcoming report on the protection of minors online is pivotal in shaping strategies that ensure the safety and well-being of our youth in the digital realm.”
Adding to the conversation, MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski (EPP, Poland), Vice-Chair of the Culture and Education Committee, stated, “We are committed to the safety of young people and believe that robust age verification processes and responsible marketing are essential to effectively safeguard our minors.”
Regulatory Focus and Legislative Advances
The event highlighted several key aspects of regulatory measures, particularly emphasizing the role of the Digital Services Act (DSA) in ensuring platform accountability. The upcoming Digital Fairness Act (DFA) is also anticipated to address issues related to deceptive design patterns and addictive digital features. The European Lotteries are advocating for the integration of educational initiatives with technical solutions to better protect minors from gambling-related harms.
Overview of EU Gambling Regulations
The regulatory landscape for gambling within the EU remains diverse, with no centralized legislation overseeing the member states. Each country manages its own regulations, aligning with the general provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which includes fundamental aspects like responsible gambling, privacy protection, and prevention of underage gambling.
For example, France operates under three regulatory bodies overseeing various forms of gambling, while Germany has implemented stringent laws, including a recent ban on most online betting sites. The Netherlands, on the other hand, has opened up its market to foreign investors following the adoption of the Remote Gambling Bill.
Reflections on National Versus EU-Wide Regulation
The landscape of EU gambling regulation showcases a mix of national autonomy and EU-wide directives. While the freedom for each member state to tailor its gambling laws offers flexibility, it also introduces challenges such as regulatory divergence and potential exposure of citizens to inconsistent protections across borders. This situation displays the complex interplay between national interests and the need for harmonized EU policies in the digital age.
Overview of Financial Results
Betsson AB, a Malta-based company with Swedish origins, has reported its most successful financial year. The company demonstrated substantial growth across key sectors, including its online casino and sportsbook operations. The company’s revenue saw a 17% increase, totaling €1.106 billion (£925.84m), with an organic growth rate of 41%.
Pontus Lindwall, the CEO of Betsson, stated, “This year marks the highest achievement in Betsson’s history, enhancing our global leadership in the gaming and betting industry.”
Financial Highlights
The company’s EBITDA for the fiscal year 2024 reached €316 million (£263.56m), marking a 20% increase from the previous year. Operating income also rose by 22%, amounting to €256.7 million (£214.11m). Net income improved by 6% year-on-year, culminating in €183.7 million (£153.23m), with earnings per share increasing slightly from €1.29 to €1.32.
Casino revenues increased significantly, totaling €795.4 million (£663.56m), an 18% increase over the prior year. The sportsbook sector also reported growth, with revenues climbing by 14% to €303.4 million (£253.15m). Betsson’s customer base remained robust, with 1.3 million active customers by the end of December 2024.
Dividend and Future Outlook
Betsson’s Board of Directors proposed an increase in the regular dividend to €0.657 per share, up from €0.645, along with a special dividend of €0.10 per share.
Lindwall expressed optimism about 2025, emphasizing ongoing strategic investments in Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia (CEECA), which have significantly contributed to Betsson’s growth. He highlighted the company’s focus on offering the top gaming experience and maintaining strong market positions through proprietary technology and strategic sponsorships.
Regional Developments and Strategic Focus
Jesper Svensson, CEO of Betsson, in a recent interview with iGB, discussed the company’s strategic focus on Spanish-speaking markets in Latin America over Brazil, given the nascent stage of the Brazilian market. Despite this, Svensson acknowledged the long-term potential in Brazil, emphasizing a gradual approach to investment there.
The company reported a revenue increase of 16.8% over the previous year, with the fourth quarter showing a 46.8% increase in Latin American revenues due to strong performances in Argentina, Colombia, and Peru. Svensson confirmed continued investment in these regions but indicated a cautious approach to Brazil, waiting for a more developed regulatory environment.
M&A and Expansion Strategy
Svensson also noted that mergers and acquisitions are integral to Betsson’s growth strategy, with the company historically acquiring a new entity each year. He emphasized that this approach allows Betsson to effectively enter new markets and continue its growth trajectory into 2025.
In conclusion, Betsson AB is poised to maintain its momentum with a strong focus on growth in core markets and strategic regions, leveraging its established market presence and strategic acquisitions.
Overview of Annual Performance
Evolution Gaming, a powerhouse in live casino solutions, capped off 2024 with impressive financial results, showcasing significant growth across key financial metrics. The company’s strategic initiatives and focus on operational efficiency drove a 23.1% surge in total operating revenues, reaching over €2.2 billion for the year. This performance highlights Evolution’s solid command over the iGaming sector and its ability to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for live casino experiences.
Quarterly Insights
The fourth quarter of 2024 was particularly strong for Evolution, with operating revenues jumping 31.5% to €625.3 million. This period also saw net revenues climb by 12.3%, indicating sustained profitability and market prowess. The end-of-year earnings reflect a well-executed strategy, despite a backdrop of operational challenges including cyber threats and market volatilities.
Financial Health and Forward-Looking Plans
Evolution’s EBITDA mirrored its revenue trend, with a 23.2% increase for the year, maintaining a robust margin of over 70%. The company’s profit also saw a noteworthy rise, topping €1.24 billion, up from €1.07 billion in the previous year. With earnings per share climbing from €5.01 to €5.94, shareholders have a strong outlook for future dividends and share repurchases, underscored by a proposed dividend of €2.80 per share for 2024.
Challenges and Adaptations
2024 was not without its challenges; Evolution faced sabotage at its Georgian studio and cyber-attacks in Asia. These issues prompted strategic shifts and adaptations, particularly with a renewed focus on regulated markets and technical safeguards. The CEO, Martin Carlesund, expressed a continued commitment to growth and market share expansion, despite these hurdles.
Regulatory and Market Developments
Evolution’s response to an evolving regulatory landscape demonstrates its agility and proactive approach. With more countries framing national regulations for online casinos, Evolution sees this as an opportunity to attract new users and solidify its market presence. The company’s licensing across various markets positions it well to leverage these regulatory changes for sustained growth.
Innovations and Roadmap for 2025
Looking ahead, Evolution is poised for further expansion with new studios planned in Brazil and the Philippines, reflecting a strategic investment in global markets. The company’s product roadmap for 2025 is filled with promising releases, including games with innovative mechanics aimed at a global audience, highlighting Evolution’s role as a trendsetter in the gaming industry.
Concluding Thoughts
Evolution Gaming’s performance in 2024 is a testament to its leadership in the online casino sector and its ability to navigate market complexities with finesse. As the company looks to 2025, its focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and market expansion is expected to drive further success, cementing its position as a dominant force in the iGaming landscape.
Habanero, a renowned provider of premium slots and table games, has successfully obtained a supplier licence to operate in Greece’s booming online casino market. This strategic move allows the company to offer its full range of proprietary slot content to Greek players and establishes new partnerships with local online casino operators.
A Vibrant Market Awaits
Greece’s online gaming sector is poised for significant growth, with market projections estimating a rise to nearly $1.9 billion by 2029. Habanero’s entry into this market is timely, as the company looks to capitalize on a regulated environment that promises substantial expansion opportunities.
Game Portfolio Expansion
With the licence in hand, Greek casino enthusiasts will soon enjoy a variety of Habanero’s top-tier games, including popular titles like Hot Hot Fruit, Mystic Fortune Deluxe, and Zeus Deluxe. The recent release, Hyper Hues—a slot set in outer space offering 50 paylines and a maximum win worth 3,116 times the player’s wager—will also be available to the Greek audience.
Building on Global Success
This Greek licence marks another milestone following Habanero’s recent entries into Brazil and Peru, emphasizing the company’s commitment to broadening its global footprint in regulated markets. “Getting our Greek licence is another exciting milestone for us as we look to expand our reach into this vibrant market in 2025,” said Arcangelo Lonoce, Head of Business Development at Habanero.
Further News on Habanero’s Expansion
In related news, Habanero is enhacing its presence across several European territories through a collaboration with SkillOnNet, a major operator of over 40 online casino brands. Games like Hot Hot Fruit, Santa’s Village, and Zeus Deluxe will soon feature across SkillOnNet platforms such as PlayOJO, LuckyNiki, and Spin Genie.
SkillOnNet’s expansion into new markets continues to bring diverse gaming portfolios to a wide audience, demonstrated by their recent introduction of Slingo’s games in Spain and Peter & Sons’ games in Ontario. “Habanero is a truly global company, and we’re delighted to showcase its games to new audiences,” noted Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet.
As Habanero continues to extend its reach, partnerships like these are pivotal in navigating the complex landscape of global online gambling, ensuring the brand remains a key player in the industry’s expansive growth. “Going live with SkillOnNet represents the next chapter in our growth story,” added Lonoce, highlighting the potential of these new ventures.
Kambi Group PLC, a Malta-based provider of sports betting technology, has officially gained approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission to operate in the state. The decision, made on January 30, 2025, grants Kambi a Manufacturer & Distributor License as well as an Information Services License, allowing it to offer its sportsbook platform on a business-to-business (B2B) basis.
Nevada, known for its stringent regulatory standards, represents a major opportunity for Kambi, which has been steadily expanding across the U.S. sports betting market since 2018.
Partnership with Bally’s Lake Tahoe Marks Initial Entry
Kambi’s first Nevada partnership will be with Bally’s Lake Tahoe, where the company plans to conduct a field trial of its retail sportsbook solution. While this marks the company’s official debut in the state, there are no immediate plans for expansion into Las Vegas. However, discussions have taken place regarding potential developments at the former Tropicana casino site, which could become home to a Major League Baseball stadium for the Oakland Athletics.
Operating as a B2B provider, Kambi does not manage player accounts or handle financial transactions directly. Instead, it supplies technology and risk management solutions to casino operators, enabling them to run their own sportsbooks.
Expanding U.S. Footprint
Kambi has already established a presence in 15 U.S. states and one Canadian province, serving over 45 operators. Its platform supports wagering on a range of sports, including soccer, basketball, eSports, and American football, processing over one billion bets annually.
CEO Werner Becher emphasized the significance of Nevada’s approval, calling it a validation of Kambi’s technological leadership and commitment to compliance. “Nevada is widely known as the gold standard for betting and gaming regulation, insisting on a standard that few companies can meet. This approval is a testament to our market-leading technology, regulatory expertise, and corporate integrity,” Becher said.
Regulatory Challenges and Future Prospects
Securing approval in Nevada was a lengthy process, with Kambi undergoing rigorous scrutiny by state regulators. The company’s executives attended multiple hearings with the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the Gaming Commission to ensure compliance with local standards.
Kambi’s technology team is now focused on completing the field trial at Bally’s Lake Tahoe, with final testing by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) expected to conclude by mid-2025. The company sees Nevada as a key market in its long-term strategy to expand across the Americas.
With limited B2B competition in the state due to strict licensing requirements, Kambi’s entry into Nevada positions it as a strong player in the region. As the company continues to grow, it aims to further integrate its sportsbook technology with casino operators nationwide, reinforcing its role in the evolving U.S. sports betting landscape.
