Gaming Realms had a banner year in 2023, with income surging by 25.6% due to heightened global demand.
Gaming Realms attributed its record-breaking 2023 performance to the escalating global demand for its igaming products, leading to a substantial 25.6% revenue increase to £23.42 million (€27.4 million/$29.4 million).
Gaming Realms’ income in 2023 climbed by 25.6% year-over-year, from £18.65 million in 2022 to £23.42 million in 2023. This figure surpassed the company’s target of £23 million, which was anticipated in an early February trading update.
Licensing income from content distribution agreements rose by 33.3% to £19.92 million, offsetting a 5% decrease in social publishing income to £3.5 million.
Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) climbed by 29% from £7.8 million in 2022 to £10.06 million. This comprises £2.89 million in head office expenses, and excludes £2.4 million in stock options and related costs.
EBITDA, excluding £0.632 million in stock options and related costs and £0.194 million in adjustments, was £9.24 million. This represents a 24% year-over-year increase from the £7.45 million EBITDA in 2022.
In terms of EBITDA, Gaming Realms’ licensing business generated £11.3 million in revenue, while its social publishing division amassed £0.8 million. The company stated that these outcomes indicate its successful execution of its plan to attain sustainable growth.
In the year 2023, Gaming Realms witnessed a considerable rise in pre-tax earnings, achieving a remarkable £5.17 million, nearly double the amount of £3.52 million recorded in 2022, signifying a substantial 46.9% growth. Simultaneously, the year-end cash reserve also experienced a significant surge, reaching £7.5 million, representing a 158% increase.
Mark Segal, the CEO of Gaming Realms, attributed the company’s outstanding performance in 2023 to its innovative Slingo product, which seamlessly blends slots and bingo.
“I am thrilled to declare another record-breaking year for Gaming Realms,” stated Segal. “Our games are now licensed in 20 regulated markets, we have forged partnerships with 44 partners in a single year, and boast a portfolio of 75 live games, highlighting the vast scale of our content licensing operations.”
New collaborations and international expansion were the driving forces behind this financial triumph.
Gaming Realms incorporated 10 proprietary games into its remote gaming servers, bringing the total to 75. The company also secured iGaming supplier licenses in West Virginia, Sweden, and Greece.
The company also made its entry into the regulated Portuguese market. Gaming Realms emphasized that these new licenses demonstrate its unwavering commitment to strengthening its “distribution and market diversification.”
Gaming Realms launched its Slingo Originals content with 44 new partners, including industry titans like Bet365 and Penn Entertainment, as well as the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
Expansion in Europe and North America
Gaming Realms declared that 2023 was a pivotal year for the company to “solidify” its presence in the North American market.
Gaming Realms experienced a notable surge in income, especially in North America and Europe. Their regional content licensing earnings climbed by 26%, hitting £8.1 million from £6.4 million in 2022. This achievement was fueled by collaborations with Penn Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment, along with the appeal of their custom-made games, such as Slingo Red Wings, which aided in drawing and holding onto players.
Across Europe, income rose by 33%, reaching £10.5 million from £7.9 million in 2022. This expansion was attributed to growth in key markets like the UK, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Gaming Realms also secured a supplier permit in Greece and is anticipated to launch with a partner shortly.
Despite increased expenditures, including marketing and operational costs, Gaming Realms’ income growth offset these expenses. Their adjusted EBITDA for 2023 expanded to over £10 million.
During the year 2019, 3M faced a decline in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, revealing the substantial advancement the firm has achieved over the preceding five years. Licensing income, which has expanded at a 48% compound annual growth rate, has been a primary factor in this achievement.
Gaming Realms will introduce new gaming products in the year 2024. The initial three months of 2024 have already witnessed the company securing several licensing agreements. These agreements include a collaboration with Tetris, and a Money Train game with Relax Gaming. Overall, the company has observed a 24% rise in unique players within its licensing operations.
Gaming Realms also formed partnerships with 14 new operators in the first three months of 2024. These partnerships include Livescore and DAZN in the United Kingdom, and Entain in Spain. Gaming Realms also collaborated with market leader Bet365 in Ontario.
The company also introduced three new Slingo games and signed a distribution agreement with Playtech to facilitate the launch of these games in new markets.
Gaming Realms characterized its commencement to 2024 as “promising” with revenue aligning with expectations. This is attributed to its core licensing business expanding by 20% in the initial two months of the year in comparison to 2023.
Segal added, “With this positive trajectory, we are enthusiastic about continuing to launch more games, forming new partnerships, and broadening our global presence through planned launches in West Virginia and Greece.”
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