Betsson has published its interim report for the third quarter of 2023.
Highlights
- Group revenue was EUR 237.6 (200.3) million, an increase of 19%. Organic increase of 39%.
- Casino revenue increased by 27%. Sportsbook revenue increased by 2% and the sportsbook margin was 7.3% (8.3%).
- EBITDA was EUR 68.9 (48.6) million, an increase of 42%. The EBITDA margin was 29.0% (24.3%).
- Operating income (EBIT) was EUR 56.0 (38.4) million, an increase of 46%. The EBIT margin was 23.6% (19.2%).
- Net income was EUR 46.2 (32.6) million, corresponding to EUR 0.35 (0.24) per share.
- Operating cash flow was EUR 44.9 (38.5) million.
- Net debt was EUR -65.5 (-54.7) million.
- Active customers increased by 17% to 1,237,238 (1,056,400).
CEO Comments:
Betsson’s third quarter 2023 featured continued high customer activity, strong financial development and further investments in product and new markets. Revenue increased by 19%, driven by casino games, while earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased by 46% compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The revenue and EBIT, which include the acquisition of betFIRST, were the highest ever for Betsson in a single quarter and mark the seventh quarter in a row with sequential growth.
Active customers and deposits increased significantly during the quarter, and turnover was high in both casino and sports betting. The sportsbook margin was 7.3% (8.3) for the quarter and was negatively affected by many favourite wins and goal-rich games during the start of the European football leagues.
Revenue for the Group growth was broad-based with high growth in all major regions except for the Nordics. The geographical expansion continues and several new milestones were passed during the quarter; betFIRST in Belgium was included in the Betsson Group, a launch took place on the locally regulated market in Serbia and a local license for sports betting was obtained in France, where go-live is expected in the fourth quarter. France is an important gaming market in Europe with large long-term potential for online gaming and we now take a first step to be able to offer French players a first-class experience in sports betting. At the end of the summer, the brand Betsson was also introduced in Denmark, which strengthens the Group’s position on the Danish market.
B2B is an important part of Betsson’s growth strategy and work continues to strengthen the B2B offering. In September, Betsson’s sportsbook solution was launched with the operator Bethard.
During the quarter, Betsson’s first-ever global advertising campaign was launched. The theme “A bet makes the difference” focuses on the excitement and entertainment that comes from placing a bet, on sports or casino, rather than the chances of winning. The campaign is part of the marketing strategy to establish Betsson as the Group’s global main brand, aiming to achieve economies of scale and competitive advantages for the business in the long run.
I look forward with confidence to the final sprint of the year. Geographical diversification, a solid balance sheet and strong cash flows create good conditions for continued investments in profitable growth to deliver long-term value creation for our shareholders.
