EGR Power 50: 41 - 50 (2017)
Welcome to the EGR Power 50 rankings of the online gambling industry’s most powerful operators
41. Svenska Spel (40)
With Sweden set to liberalise its online gambling market within the next couple of years, it’s no longer business as usual for Svenska Spel. The state-owned company says it “had only been a monopoly on paper” due to the competition it has historically faced from foreign operators, but it is almost certain to find its 50% market share under greater pressure than ever before. In preparation, Svenska Spel has re-applied for a casino licence and plans to launch esports and DFS products once re-regulation has come into effect.
42. Panserve (Marathonbet) (39)
Marathonbet has undergone some significant changes since last year’s rankings following the rebrand of its parent company from Panbet to Panserve. Company boss Viktor Hoffmann also recently left after 18 months in charge to join start-up Addison Global – although he has since been replaced by head of finance Natalia Zavodnik. The operator’s gaming business seems to have been a major focus recently after the launch of a new Microgaming-powered bingo product and a revamped mobile casino.
43. Snaitech (44)
Despite being a major player in Italy’s vast retail betting sector, Snaitech has still yet to really replicate this online where it remains dwarfed by the likes of bet365, The Stars Group and Lottomatica. However, like Sisal, there are clear signs the digital business is on the up. The Milan-listed company recently reported a 13% YoY rise in H1 revenues to €29m, with double-digit growth coming from both its online betting and gaming divisions.
44. Gaming Realms (41)
Gaming Realms has continued with its strategy of launching mobile-first gaming products based on popular TV shows over the last 12 months, while the AIM-listed company’s proprietary “Grizzly” platform is still the the bedrock of its strategy. The operator also announced an expansion into the regulated US market via a Slingo licensing deal in New Jersey. Despite growth slowing in H1 2017, revenues continue to rise and the firm says it’s on track to achieve positive EBITDA in H2.
45. Betfred (46)
Betfred’s digital business is still a long way behind its rivals on the UK high street and the termination of its deal with GVC likely came as a major blow. The agreement would have seen the company’s online sportsbook and gaming arm switch from GTECH technology to the proprietary bwin platform, enabling Betfred to segment players and personalise its offer. Group turnover for the year to 25 September 2016 increased from £526m to £579m.
46. Interwetten (N/A)
Malta-licensed Interwetten is another new entry in this year’s rankings after demonstrating strong revenue growth. Revenues in 2016 increased 24% YoY to €68m, helping the Austrian firm to a handsome EBITDA. Results in H1 2017 were impacted by a lower sports margin but Interwetten recently expanded into Sweden ahead of re-regulation.
47. BGO Entertainment (47)
Fresh from a major product revamp, BGO Entertainment turned a few industry heads recently when the online casino operator announced it would no longer require customers to wager bonus funds before they can withdraw. Removing wagering cash on all bonus cash is certainly a bold move and it’s yet to be seen what impact this will have on the business commercially in the long term.
48. Smarkets (N/A)
Exchange operator Smarkets aims to position itself as more of a financial technology company than a traditional betting business. And the numbers speak for themselves. The London-based start-up recorded a 144% increase in revenues to £25.4m last year, while pre-tax profits were up 160% to £13.7m and average active monthly traders were up 118%. Smarkets was also recently named one of the fastest-growing companies by the Financial Times and finished second in the BDO-sponsored Sunday Times Tech Track 100 list.
49. The Sun (42)
It’s been a tough 12 months for The Sun’s online betting and gaming arm. Firstly, Sun Bingo has lost ground to some of its main UK bingo rivals after what its supplier Playtech described as a more “challenging than anticipated” contract. Secondly, Sun Bets has also failed to take off, with the brand reporting losses of £28m. It is now seeking to replicate the success Sky Bet has had with Super Six by tapping into the strengths of its Dream Team fantasy football site.
50. Matchbook (N/A)
Matchbook might not quite yet have the overall scale of rival Smarkets but it is arguably bigger across a wider breadth of betting markets. The exchange, which launched a new proprietary platform earlier this year, is clearly trying to make significant inroads into horseracing after signing a number of sponsorship deals and completing a new investment transaction it says will “significantly strengthen” its horseracing product.