sts-group-–-another-record-results-in-q4-and-throughout-2022

STS Group – another record results in Q4 and throughout 2022

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STS Group – one of the largest bookmakers in Central Europe and the market leader in Poland – generated NGR of PLN 663 million in 2022, compared to PLN 565 million in the previous year, which means an increase of 17% year on year. The value of amounts staked by the customers of the STS Group amounted to PLN 4.679 billion, compared to PLN 4.492 billion in the previous year. The number of active users amounted to 783 thousand in 2022 and 693 thousand in 2021. In 2022, the Group recorded 439 thousand new registrations (370 thousand in 2021), and the number of customers who made their first deposit amounted to 317 thousand (249 thousand in 2021). All operational data is at historical highs. The Group’s preliminary estimates show that adjusted EBITDA last year amounted to between PLN 265 and 275 million.

In Q4 2022 alone, the Group generated the historically highest NGR on a quarterly basis; it amounted to PLN 200 million, compared to PLN 136 million in the previous year. The value of amounts staked by the customers of the STS Group in Q4 2022 amounted to PLN 1.38 billion, compared to PLN 1.218 billion in the previous year. In Q4 2022, the number of active customers was 542 thousand, compared to 386 thousand in Q4 2021. The number of registrations in Q4 2022 was 202,000, compared to 87,000 a year earlier. The number of customers making the first deposit in Q4 2021 amounted to 154 thousand, compared to 60 thousand a year earlier.

In line with our earlier announcements, Q4 2022 turned out to be record-breaking. The calendar of sports events and the World Championships held in Qatar contributed to high customer activity. Our offer attracted as many as two hundred thousand new players in the last three months of the year. During the World Cup alone, we had nearly half a million active customers – says Mateusz Juroszek, President of the Management Board of STS Holding.

In 2023, the Group is planning a number of activities aimed at increasing the profitability of its operations. To this end, the company is reorganising its operations, focusing on Poland and phasing out its activities under licenses in the UK and Estonia. The operating results achieved by STS S.A. in 2022 indicate the extremely high attractiveness of the Polish market. The company intends to concentrate its activities in order to be able to use the development potential in the country.

Operating data for last year clearly show that the domestic market is in a growth phase, despite the extremely difficult macroeconomic environment – the war in Ukraine, high inflation and economic stagnation. Therefore, we intend to use this potential as fully as possible and continue to strengthen our leading position in the country. For this purpose, since the beginning of this year, we have been focusing our activity exclusively on Poland. Our goal for the difficult year 2023 is greater efficiency of operations and a number of implemented savings. The new agreement with Polish Football Association, focus on the Polish market and a number of synergies resulting from changes in the structure of the Group will positively affect our profitability and facilitate further EBITDA growth – adds Mateusz Juroszek.

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Team Redline claims the crown at the star-studded Le Mans Virtual Series finale

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The final round of the Le Mans Virtual Series, the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual, came to an electrifying end as #2 Team Redline and Felipe Drugovich, Felix Rosenqvist, Luke Bennett, and Chris Lulham triumphed at the world’s biggest and most prestigious endurance esports race after 24 hours of hard virtual racing at the legendary 13.6km / 8.5 mile Circuit de la Sarthe track. It was Drugovich’s second consecutive win at the virtual 24-hour event.

The GTE category was won by the #888 Ferrari 488 GTE of Romain Grosjean’s R8G Esports (Alexander Smolyar, Scott Andrews, Timotej Andonovski and Erhan Jajovski), while BMW Team Redline’s #71 of Rudy van Buren, Lorenzo Colombo, Kevin Siggy and Enzo Bonito took GTE championship honours. 

180 racing and sim racing stars from across the globe tested their endurance in the 45-car field on 164 different simulators across the world. Two-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen, former F1 and current IndyCar star Romain Grosjean, FIA F2 Champion Felipe Drugovich and FIA F3 Champion Victor Martins were among those who pitted their individual sim racing talent and team’s strategy against the famed 24-hour endurance race on a challenging and intense track. In second and third places were #20 Porsche Coanda – the position enough to ensure they claimed the championship title – and #53 AMG Team Williams Esports

The twice-round-the-clock endurance race saw plenty of action including:

  • A strong performance from #2 Team Redline which saw them crowned as winners of the final race of the Le Mans Virtual 2022-23 season

  • Mika Hakimi in the #22 Rocket Simsport entry secured the fastest lap at 3:22.324 in the LMP category

  • Charlie Collins in the #77 Proton Coanda Esports entry secured the fastest lap at 3:47.632 in the GTE category

 

We’re sharing the highlights of the race for news interest–you can see the full post-race report below. A full 52-minute highlights TV show will be available on TV and OTT channels in the days following the event. 

 

24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual – Post Race Report

 

  • The 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual, the fifth and final round of the Le Mans Virtual Series, kicked off Saturday 14th January with 180 drivers in 45 cars across the LMP2 and GTE classes taking to the start line. The drivers used 164 different simulators located in 38 different countries across the globe. 

  • Two-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen led a star-studded driver line-up that featured names from across motorsport, including F1 and current Indycar star Romain Grosjean, FIA F2 Champion Felipe Drugovich, FIA F3 champion Victor Martins. Global motor manufacturers such as BMW, Ferrari and Porsche joined Alpine and Mercedes-AMG to enter esports teams.

  • The challenging circuit also saw sim racing stars including Autosport Award recipient for Esports Driver of the Year James Baldwin, and former 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual winners such as Jeffrey RietveldJoshua Rogers, and Nikodem Wisniewski.

  • The race started dry and saw spots of rain throughout the race, but the majority of the race laps were completely dry.

  • The LMP classification saw a fierce battle between #2 Team Redline and #20 Porsche Coanda for first place throughout the race, with Team Redline ultimately taking first place with a lead time of 21.109 seconds ahead of Porsche Coanda

  • #53 AMG Williams and #36 Alpine Esports saw an intense, down-to-the-wire battle for 3rd place, with Nikoden Wisniewski from AMG Williams ultimately claiming the podium position.

  • Joshua Rogers from Porsche Coanda spoke after the race about the team overcoming the challenges of the race to claim their place on the podium “It was obviously a fantastic prep, effort, and event for us. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite go our way on the whole but I’m proud of us as a group and how we came together in these difficult times to regroup, refocus to deal with what we had and try to make the most of the race from there. Congratulations to Team Redline on the win, they did drive a fantastic race.”

  • The GTE classification saw the #888 R8G Esports take the chequered flag first with the #71 BMW Team Redline and the #89 BMW Team BS COMPETITION coming in second and third respectively. 

  • Charlie Collins from #77 Proton Coanda Esports secured the fastest lap at 3:47.632 in the GTE category.

  • Erhan Jajovski from R8G Esports spoke after the race about his team’s victory “I don’t know what to say, I’m lost for words to be honest. In this race, there were a lot of ups and downs but in the end, we never gave up, we gave everything in our power. I’m so glad for myself and everyone in the team.”

  • LMP Teams Championship top three after the race: #20 Porsche Coanda – 94 points, #1 Team Redline – 78 Points & #2 Team Redline – 73 points 

  • GTE Teams Championship top three after the race: #71 BMW Team Redline – 119 points#888 R8G Esports – 81 points & #26 Sim Maranello – 61.5 points 

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Expanse Studios present its newest slots at SiGMA Africa 2023

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Just few weeks after revealing their lates slot games – Wild White Whale and Zombie Apocalypse – the Expanse Studios comes to Nairobi, Kenya, to showcase its latest product at the stand BR21 of Sigma Africa 2023, from 16 to 19 January.

Sigma Africa, the oldest continent’s landmark gaming exhibition, brings together gaming executives, charity professionals, regulators and managers worldwide to examine the latest developments in the industry.

The expo will help galvanize this exciting era of prosperity by acting as a hub of networking for the brightest minds on the African continent the betting and gaming industry has to offer, along with thousands of guests from other continents.

Featuring over 30 sportsbooks licensed in the country alone, Kenya is the third largest gaming market in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Expanse Studios was founded in 2017 by industry veterans with the goal of bringing a unique approach to game development by combining cutting-edge gaming design and aesthetics with great music and top-tier animations.

Slot, casual, card, roulette, and table games demos from Expanse Studios, including the most recent releases, will be available for play at the Sigma Africa, as the company continues to expand into new regions and provide the best gaming experience possible.

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BLAST Premier reveals broadcast footprint for 2023

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BLAST Premier has revealed its media rights distribution footprint for 2023 and will see the esports tournament organiser’s upcoming season broadcast in over 150 TV territories and available in 25 languages.

Ahead of the 2023 season, BLAST has secured a number of media rights partnerships along with renewing existing global media rights deals. Broadcast partners include: TV2 (Denmark), RTP (Portugal), Webedia (France), Pelajaat (Finland), StarTimes (Africa), Maincast (Ukraine), Viettel (Vietnam) and Relog (CIS and Balkans) among others.

The Counter-Strike tournament series will be broadcast by more than 40 leading TV networks and online platforms in all major esports regions around the world ranging from North Africa, LATAM, Asia, the Nordics and the CIS region among others.

Alexander Lewin, VP of Distribution and Programming at BLAST, said: “BLAST Premier continues to be highly sought after by broadcasters from all around the world, offering unparalleled production quality and game-changing fan-first moments. We are delighted to reveal a truly global and expansive network of new and existing media rights partners, which will allow fans to watch and enjoy BLAST in 150+ territories. We are delighted to see broadcasters return year-after-year to partner with BLAST, which is testament to the huge following and global appeal our events have built up over the years.”

Last September, the esports entertainment company revealed plans to host and produce this year’s Counter-Strike Major in France. The BLAST.tv Paris Major will take place at the Accor Arena, making it the first CS:GO Major to take place in France. The event will be BLAST’s first time hosting one of the most watched and loved esports events in the world.

BLAST.tv will be the home of 2023 France Major, where fans can get closer to the action than ever before. Innovative and fan-first viewing features will allow fans to tailor their viewing experience, relive key and exciting moments and impact the action unfolding before their eyes.

BLAST Premier is the world’s leading Counter-Strike tournament series, hosting the best players and teams, offering opportunities to regions across the globe and crowning the world champions of CS:GO. Up to 32 of the world’s best teams take part in the seven BLAST Premier events across the year with a combined prize pool of $2,475,000 on the line.

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BetConstruct has Launched New CMS Pro

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The industry-leading iGaming and betting software supplier introduces its brand new CMS Pro.

Offering one of the most outstanding digital content management options, the new CMS provides simple, flexible and scalable solutions for the iGaming world. Managed via a single tool, the operations demand fewer resources, making the process cost-effective and more efficient.

The CMS provides an entirely adjustable Configs module with functional settings such as global or skin configs, all based on the partners’ preferences and individual requirements. It also has an enhanced CSS enabling the operators to customise the website and mobile by editing each element section, column or widget. The tool distributes content and data across all channels.

With its Intuitive, user-friendly interface, the Content Management System is a unique platform for BetConstruct partners and operators for managing search engine-friendly content, editing and publishing web pages, banners, promotions and pop-up messages for target audiences. This all-inclusive tool is an unparalleled opportunity for managing all operations via a single tool.

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7777 gaming goes live with Sesame in Bulgaria

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7777 gaming goes live with Sesamе – a leading online operator in Bulgaria. More than 60 of 7777 gaming’s engaging games are already live on Sesame. Bulgarian players can enjoy the most popular casino games of 7777 gaming such as Jinn, Sea of Treasure, Cash 40, Diamonds of Majesty, Honey of Gold, and much more.

Commenting on the newly added client, Asya Raykova, Account Manager at 7777 gaming said: “We are delighted to be added to another strong and progressive online operator in Bulgaria such as Sesame. We are confident that our joint efforts will result in a successful collaboration, yielding the highest standards of products and services we have been known to deliver. With Sesame as our partner, we are already live in 6 of the biggest operators on the Bulgarian market – something we succeeded to achieve in just 6 months.”

Chris Kambourov, Casino Manager, at Sesame, commented: “We are pleased to add 7777 gaming to our list of partners. Sesame strives to bring the best in online gambling entertainment in Bulgaria, and we feel that by teaming up with 7777 gaming, we will be able to provide our players with top-notch games and excellent iGaming solutions.”

While the company is expanding its position in the Bulgarian market, 7777 gaming is also creating new casino games to be included in its 100+ titles portfolio. The games are designed in-house with the mindset of a player, and are ready to be live in several highly-regulated jurisdictions worldwide.

For everyone looking to engage with the new generation of players and leverage the unique casino concepts of 7777 gaming, the company’s team will be exhibiting at stand N1-340 during the upcoming ICE London, 7-9 February, at ExCel Center. Besides their highly-popular online casino games, 7777 gaming is also offering an iGaming platform, iLottery, Jackpot and marketing solutions, as well as Bingo, Scratch cards, and much more.

xsolla-announces-new-office-opens-in-kuala-lumpur!

Xsolla announces new office opens in Kuala Lumpur!

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Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company celebrates opening a new office in Kuala Lumpur, one of the fastest-growing cities in Asia and the largest city in Malaysia. This will be the largest Xsolla office globally outside of Los Angeles, where it is headquartered. This expansion helps Xsolla offer its growing list of innovative products to even more game companies worldwide.

“We welcome Xsolla’s entry into Malaysia, and their confidence in our digital content ecosystem is a glowing endorsement of Malaysia’s capabilities and capacities. We will continue to strive to facilitate further expansion and growth of key partners in utilising the nation as a hub to land and expand to the wider ASEAN region. With the new national strategic initiative, Malaysia Digital (MD), in place, we are confident that Malaysia will continue to be the digital hub of choice,” said Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of MDEC.

Xsolla provides industry-leading solutions helping mobile, pc, and web-based video game developers to expand their audiences and monetize their games better. The expansion into Kuala Lumpur is in line with the growing number of gamers and mobile game companies in Asia, enabling Xsolla to provide products that align with market needs and help our partners engage directly with consumers.

“Xsolla has recognized the importance of growth within the gaming industry and the region. By establishing a local entity within Kuala Lumpur, we will expand our network to help developers provide exclusive access to gamers and their preferred payment method to purchase their favourite games,” said Ilya Mamontov, Managing Director of Xsolla in Malaysia. “Because of our regional expansion, we will be adding new talent to the Xsolla development team here in Kuala Lumpur to support the local efforts and our global team.”

Xsolla helps video game developers fund, launch, market, monetize and sell their games in over 200 countries worldwide. Its advanced tools and services can enable developers to accelerate their gaming business by reaching players who want to pay for their gaming experiences using their preferred payment method locally. Xsolla has already helped provide developers with access to new gamers by enabling transactions in 130+ currencies and 20+ languages.

“We are making great strides around the world to help our partners market, sell and monetize their games in over 200+ regions,” said Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla. “As a global company, this office opening will continue our mission of helping our game partners achieve even greater success in this ever-evolving market.”

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GUMBALLPAY – ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO PAY

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Ask not what you can do for GumBallPay, but rather what can GumBallPay do for you?

In a nutshell, GumBallPay is one of the most successful trend-setting firms in the E-Commerce and Esports industries, and Quantum Gaming is pleased to include them among our newest allies. At GumBallPay, your ambition will be fully matched with their team of experts intent on providing optimal service and full customer satisfaction.

GumBallPay Payment Gateway facilitates the most effective credit card processing for different online businesses, taking into account merchant account solutions and bank account providers.

The firm provides sophisticated payment systems that are tailored to satisfy the individual payment requirements of each of its customers.

Your payment processing capabilities will vastly improve as a result of Quantum’s newest partner’s feature portfolio, which includes choices such as the creation of payment pages on a system-wide basis, decline prevention and Smart Payment Routing, and cross-border payments.

The organization takes great satisfaction in maintaining its high level of performance and is committed to adhering to the highest possible standards of international banking and legal practice. As Quantum Gaming’s CEO Oliver De Bono confirms, GumBall’s payment methods and options are ideal for the requirements of cutting-edge online casinos.

As a company that places a strong emphasis on the creation of novel solutions, GumBallPay works hard to ensure that its customers remain at the forefront of the financial and digital landscape. This is one of the reasons why GumBall’s partnership with Quantum Gaming is such a perfect fit.” – stated Mr. De Bono.

 “We are experts in finding solutions for the most complex payment challenges. We are also very excited to continue improving the future of payments together with Quantum Gaming. This partnership and synergetic relationship will benefit everyone. Let’s work for a better tomorrow together.”, was the word from GumBallPay management.

betsson-group-is-celebrating-a-major-milestone:-its-60th-anniversary!

Betsson Group is celebrating a major milestone: its 60th anniversary!

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This year, Betsson Group, the leading provider of online gaming entertainment, is celebrating a major milestone: its 60th anniversary! Founded in 1963, the group has come a long way in the past six decades and is now acknowledged as one of the leading names in the industry.

From its humble beginnings with just a few roulette tables in restaurants in Sweden, Betsson Group has grown to become a global leader, with operations in over 14 countries and a presence in 20+ markets around the world. But Betsson Group’s success isn’t just due to its expansion – it reflects the dedication and passion of its talented people, thanks to which, the company has always been at the forefront of innovation, constantly striving to offer the best possible gaming experiences to its customers.

As Betsson Group reflects on its 60 years in the industry, it is proud of the many achievements and milestones it has reached. In recognition of its hard work and dedication to excellence, Betsson Group has won numerous awards and accolades throughout its 60-year history. In 2022 alone, the company won 28 awards, including “Sportsbook Operator of the Year” and “Casino Operator of the Year”.

Betsson Group is also known for its commitment to responsible gaming. The company was one of the first operators to set up a responsible gambling team within its operations department and has implemented numerous measures to ensure that its customers can enjoy their gaming experience in a safe and responsible manner. These measures include setting up limits, offering self-exclusion options, and providing players with information and resources to help them manage their gaming habits.

As it approaches its diamond anniversary, Betsson Group is poised for even greater successes in the future. The company is in a good position to continue growing and expanding in the years to come with a strong focus on innovation and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, Betsson Group’s 60th anniversary is a testament to the company’s enduring success and commitment to excellence. As it looks ahead to the next 60 years, Betsson Group remains dedicated to providing the best possible gaming experience both to its customers through its several brands, but also to other operators through its B2B operations. Betsson Group is truly well positioned to be leading the way in the online gaming industry – all thanks to its talented and passionate Betssonites.

mga-publishes-amendments-to-the-player-protection-directive

MGA Publishes Amendments to the Player Protection Directive

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The Authority is hereby publishing the amendments to the Player Protection Directive (Directive 2 of 2018).

We believe that safe, sustainable, and responsible gaming is of paramount importance to the gaming sector. Following feedback received through the dedicated consultation process, the Authority is hereby publishing these amendments with the aim of strengthening and clarifying the current player protection framework.

This framework will support the Authority’s initiatives moving forward and will facilitate the Authority’s plans to continuously improve the player protection framework, including the eventual publication of detailed player protection guidelines for licensees. The Authority is in the process of conducting detailed research and garnering expert experience to serve as the foundation for the eventual publication of such guidelines.

The amendments delve into, inter alia, the licensees’ obligations regarding their responsible gaming policies and procedures, and the introduction of markers of harm that must be considered by licensees when determining effective measures and processes to detect and address problem gambling. Provisions relating to real-money reinforcement and staff training have also been addressed via the amendments.

The amendments are being proposed on the basis of a review of the key sections of the Directive carried out by an expert in the field, and on the basis of the Authority’s own research and experience garnered through the Responsible Gaming Unit’s audits and familiarisation visits.

Subject to the transitory provisions of the Directive, the amendments coma into force on 12 January 2023.