11. Jackpotjoy plc (2017)
Welcome to the EGR Power 50 rankings of the online gambling industry’s most powerful operators
In a relatively tumultuous year for many bingo operators, Jackpotjoy plc and its core Jackpotjoy brand continued to steam ahead.
The firm grew 13% to £146.6m in H1, with the UK market appearing to deliver a consistent circa 8-9% growth across both quarters to £69m.
And as its now former group CEO Andy McIver pointed out, much like betting exchanges, the bigger a bingo operator gets, the more momentum it gains.
The firm also took a major step forward in June after clearing the largest parts of its earn-out payments to Gamesys, and taking operational responsibility of the Jackpotjoy business for the first time.
Irina Cornides was appointed CEO of the division and promptly returned the brand to TV screens, with comedian and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness named as the new brand ambassador.
JPJ’s casino brand Vera&John also continues to flourish, accounting for 23% of group revenues in H1 at £33m, up 21% YoY, with former NYX executive David Flynn named to lead the brand going forward.