Betsson AB (publ) Year-end report 1 January – 31 December 2021

Strong end to a challenging quarter

QUARTER OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2021

• Group revenue was SEK 1,594.7 (1,762.5) million, a decrease of 10%. Organic decrease of 7%.
• Casino revenue decreased by 9%. Sportsbook revenue decreased by 11% and the sportsbook margin was 6.0% (7.3%).
• Operating income (EBIT) was SEK 210.6 (317.8) million, a decrease of 34%. The EBIT margin was 13.2% (18.0%).
• Net income was SEK 189.2 (277.8) million, corresponding to SEK 1.39 (2.05) per share.
• Operating cash flow was SEK 134.4 (223.9) million.
• Active customers increased by 17% to 1,161,683 (989,969).

Full year 2021

• Group revenue was SEK 6,672.3 (6,389.6) million, an increase of 4%. Organic increase of 10%.
• Operating income (EBIT) was SEK 1,193.7 (1,125.2) million, an increase of 6%, the EBIT margin was 17.9% (17.6%).
• Net income was SEK 1,054.4 (990.8) million, corresponding to SEK 7.90 (7.32) per share.
• Operating cash flow was SEK 1,456.3 (1,384.4) million.
• The Board of Directors proposes to the AGM that SEK 539.0 (502.9) million, which corresponds to SEK 3.94 (3.68) per share, to be distributed to shareholders.

CEO COMMENT

“Strong end to a challenging quarter”

For Betsson, 2021 ended up a record year in terms of revenue and a result that matches the record result from 2018. In 2021, Betsson’s offering has been launched in several new markets, the company has made several strategic acquisitions, developed its offering, and implemented adaptations in response to regulatory changes.

The fourth quarter of 2021 begun in a headwind. This was partly due to an exceptionally low sportsbook margin in October following an unusually high number of instances of favourites winning, especially in football. In addition, Betsson stopped accepting Dutch customers as a result of new unexpected policies from the Dutch regulator. The sportsbook margin that the company experienced in October, reflected the lowest level that has ever been seen. On the other hand, it was accompanied by a favourable situation for customers who were quite active during the quarter and in turn resulted in record high sportsbook turnover. An improved sportsbook margin combined with the scalability of the business model and a geographical spread meant that the end of the quarter could partially offset the weak start. Developments were particularly strong in both the CEECA region and Latin America. The outcome of the fourth quarter was a stable result given the exceptional circumstances that prevailed during the period.

During the year, significant progress was made in Latin America and the ambition is to cement and strengthen these developments in 2022. The acquisitions and investments that were made are developing according to plan and the company is becoming even more efficient in the region, not least thanks to the hub that has been established in Bogotá. Betsson’s offering was recently launched in the city of Buenos Aires and in the province of Buenos Aires – two separately regulated areas in Argentina. The plan is also to launch in Mexico during the coming year through our partnership with Big Bola Casinos.

Significant changes are taking place in how European markets are being regulated. Betsson has an efficient way to handle such changes that, for example, enabled the rapid closure of Dutch operations. The Georgian Parliament has decided to implement several new restrictions that Betsson is intensively working to adapt to. However, Betsson, together with other players in the market, is in discussions with the authorities to bring about a mitigation of these measures.

This spring, significant focus will be on North America, where not least the launch of the B2C offering in Colorado is at our doorstep. The company’s preparations are progressing according to plan and there is an excitement over launching a new product on a competitive market. The B2C investment will act as a showcase for the B2B offering in the American market. Parallel to the investment in the United States, preparations are taking place in the Canadian market and the goal is to launch Betsafe in the province of Ontario and to offer the Betsson sportsbook as a part of the B2B offering.

2021 was another year where we could see the importance of a strong global and diversified product portfolio featuring local expertise and strong brands. The year 2022 will entail continued investments both in technology and the existing product portfolio. A scalable and flexible technical platform combined with highly competent employees and strong commitment create the right conditions for taking full advantage of Betsson’s business model.

PRESENTATION OF THE Year-end report

At 10:00 CET today 10 February, Betsson invites analysts, investors and media to participate in the results presentation of the fourth 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 51 99 93 83
UK: +44 33 33 00 92 63
US: +1 63 19 13 14 22, PIN-code US: 21998707#

Webcast link: https://tv.streamfabriken.com/betsson-financial-hearing-q4-2021

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 10 February 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).