Betsson AB (publ) interim report January – March 2022

Revenue growth driven by continued good momentum in the sportsbook and through geographic diversification

QUARTER JANUARY – MARCH 2022

• Group revenue was EUR 170.2 (157.4) million, an increase of 8%. Organic increase of 14%.
• Casino revenue decreased by 5%. Sportsbook revenue increased by 45% and the sportsbook margin was 8.3% (7.2%).
• EBITDA was EUR 33.4 (35.8) million, a decrease of 7%. The EBITDA margin was 19.6% (22.7%).
• Operating income (EBIT) was EUR 23.6 (27.3) million, a decrease of 13%. The EBIT margin was 13.9% (17.3%).
• Net income was EUR 20.9 (23.7) million, corresponding to EUR 0.16 (0.17) per share.
• Operating cash flow was EUR 26.9 (32.3) million.
• Active customers increased by 33% to 1,256,449 (948,109).

CEO COMMENT

“Revenue growth driven by continued good momentum in the sportsbook and through geographic diversification”

Some years ago, Betsson conducted an extensive review to capitalise on growth opportunities on the gaming market that would maintain profitability. The review resulted in the following strategic cornerstones: growth in existing markets, growth in new markets, strategic additions and acquisitions and investment in Business to Business, B2B. Thanks to a goal-oriented work from our employees, we have been able to take advantage of the growth opportunities identified, which has resulted in increased revenue and healthy profitability.

Betsson’s revenue increased during the first quarter by 8 per cent (14 per cent organic) to EUR 170.2 (157.4) million. Once again, new records were set for sportsbook revenue and in several individual markets. It has been said many times before, geographic diversification makes Betsson’s business less sensitive to disruptions in individual markets.

The launch in March of the proprietary sportsbook in the United States was an important milestone in Betsson’s continued global expansion. The US investment is primarily focused on presenting the US adapted sportsbook to other operators within the framework of the B2B offering. More specifically, we are initially using the Business to Consumer (B2C) offering in Colorado as a showcase for the sportsbook. Many months of hard work from the product and technology teams were required to create a competitive sports product for the American market.

Starting this quarter, developments in Latin America will be reported as a separate region in our financial reports. The region is developing very satisfactorily. Market presence has also been strengthened in Latin America through the launch of our offering in both the City and Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. To support the region’s growth, Betsson has built up a regional hub with central functions to serve local markets based on their respective conditions. The assessment is that these markets are still in their early stages in many respects and that growth opportunities for the coming years continue to be positive.

Although Betsson has several highlights to celebrate in the past quarter, the geopolitical developments in the surrounding world are concerning. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to incredible human suffering and created a high level of uncertainty in many countries. Belarus’ active choice to get involved in the conflict on the Russian side led to Betsson’s decision to return the local license and completely shut down the operations that was building up in the country. The conflict has also brought that Betsson-contracted developers in Ukraine could in some cases be evacuated to Malta and Budapest, in other cases to less dangerous areas of Ukraine. Betsson sets the safety and health of its employees at the highest priority and is therefore carrying out ongoing efforts to ensure their security.

During the quarter, further efforts were made to promote responsible gaming. Through increased training efforts and earlier customer interaction et cetera, the trend of the share of red-flagged customers has decreased during the last years.

Looking ahead, we are seeing more undertakings on the horizon. Our ambition is to further strengthen our presence in North America by operating under a new license in the Ontario region in Canada starting this summer. We also aim to launch in Mexico together with our local partner Big Bola Casino in 2022.

Applications to operate in the Netherlands under the new license model were submitted during the quarter in line with the Group’s plan.

All in all, the year has been off to a good start as there are many important activities that we look forward to during the remainder of 2022.

PRESENTATION OF THE INTERIM REPORT

At 09:00 CEST today 28 April, Betsson invites analysts, investors and media to participate in the results presentation of the first quarter. The results will be presented by CEO Pontus Lindwall and CFO Martin Öhman. The presentation will be held in English, followed by a Q&A session. Participants are welcome to join via the link or phone, see details below.

Dial-in numbers: 
Sweden: +46 8 50 55 83 68
United Kingdom: +44 33 33 00 92 62
United States: +1 631 913 1422 PIN US: 16849173#

Webcast link: https://tv.streamfabriken.com/betsson-financial-hearing-q1-2022

This information is information that Betsson AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication at 07:30 CET on 28 April 2022.

For further information, please contact:

Pontus Lindwall, President and CEO Betsson AB
pontus.lindwall@betssonab.com

Martin Öhman, CFO Betsson AB
martin.ohman@betssonab.com

About Betsson AB

Betsson AB (publ) is a holding company that invests in and manages fast-growing companies within online gaming. The company is one of the largest in online gaming in Europe and has the ambition to outgrow the market, organically and through acquisitions. This should be done in a profitable and sustainable manner, and with local adaptations. Betsson AB is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (BETS).