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ZEAL gets off to a strong start in 2025: significant increases in revenue, EBITDA and customer base
ZEAL, the leading German provider of online lotteries, has made a strong start to the new year and recorded significant and sustained growth in its key figures in the first quarter. The Group’s revenue increased by 42% to € 51.1 million in the first three months of the year (2024: € 36.1 million). At € 17.7 million, EBITDA was almost twice as high as in the previous year (2024: € 9.4 million).
“We started the new year with a lot of momentum and were able to achieve strong results in the first quarter,” says Andrea Behrendt, CFO of ZEAL. “We are particularly proud of the significant increase in our revenue and customer base despite the absence of peak jackpots. This shows that our strategic marketing expenditure and our measures to acquire new customers continue to pay off in the long term and that we are in an excellent operational position. I’m a firm believer in the growth opportunities in our core business in a still underpenetrated market.“
Revenue in core business grows by 41%
ZEAL‘s significant revenue growth in the first quarter is primarily attributable to the strong performance of the lottery business. Despite a weak jackpot situation, billings from lotteries increased by 7% to € 246.7 million (2024: € 246.3 million). The average number of active customers rose by 13% to 1,507 thousand (2024: 1,333 thousand) thanks to continued successful marketing measures. ZEAL was also able to improve its gross margin by 4.1 percent to 17.1% (2024: 13.0%) thanks to the price increase in the previous year and a strong product mix. The parallel increase in billings and gross margin led to significant revenue growth in the lottery business of 41% to € 45.2 million (2024: € 32.0 million).
Games business grows by 56%
The games business also performed very well in the first three months of the year. ZEAL was able to expand its games portfolio in the B2C segment to more than 400 titles, increasing revenue from games by 56% to € 3.4 million (2024: € 2.2 million).
Disproportionate increase in EBITDA and EBIT
ZEAL intensified its investment in continuous growth in the past quarter and set an absolute record for a quarter without maximum jackpots with 247 thousand new customers. The 47% increase in acquisition costs per registered new customer (cost per lead, CPL) to € 48.5 (2024: € 33.0) is attributable to various tests of measures to develop new target groups and channels.
Other operating expenses increased by 21% to € 25.4 million (2024: € 21.0 million). In addition to strategic marketing expenses, which rose by 16% to € 15.5 million (2024: € 13.4 million), this was primarily due to an increase in the direct and indirect costs of business operations. The further development of the product mix led to a 21% increase in direct operating costs to € 4.9 million (2024: € 4.0 million). The increase in indirect operating costs to € 4.9 million (2024: € 3.6 million) was in particular due to external consulting services as well as external staff and software costs.
Despite the higher costs, ZEAL was able to increase EBITDA disproportionately by 89% to € 17.7 thousand (2024: € 9.4 thousand) thanks to efficiency improvements and strong sales growth. At € 15.6 thousand, EBIT more than doubled compared to the previous year (2024: € 7.5 thousand). Net profit for the period fell by 53% to € 9.8 million (2024: € 21.1 million) due to the first-time recognition of deferred tax assets in the previous year.
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James O’Kelly Appointed Head of Corporate Development at SolutionsHub
SolutionsHub is pleased to announce the appointment of James O’Kelly as Head of Corporate Development, a newly established role that underscores the company’s commitment to strategic growth, innovation, and excellence in client service.
Since joining SolutionsHub, James has been instrumental in driving key initiatives across the organization. Over the past 18 months, James has headed high-impact growth intiatives, managed treasury and led sucessful licensing for clients. His contributions have also extended to representing SolutionsHub on the international stage, enhancing the company’s global presence.
In his new role, James will take the lead on a range of high-impact strategic initiatives in close collaboration with the Board of Directors. His primary focus will be on identifying and cultivating key partnerships, as well as spearheading the development of innovative product lines that align with the company’s long-term vision. To fully dedicate his efforts to these forward-looking priorities, James will be transitioning responsibility for day-to-day operations and compliance to other senior members of the leadership team. This shift will enable him to concentrate on shaping the company’s future growth trajectory and ensuring its continued success.
“James has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and a deep understanding of our business and industry,” said Lee Hills, CEO of SolutionsHub. “His appointment as Head of Corporate Development is a natural evolution that aligns with our long-term strategic goals and further reinforces the strength of our leadership team.”
James will continue to play a pivotal role in advising and supporting clients through increasingly complex regulatory, licensing, and jurisdictional considerations. Leveraging his extensive experience and strong track record of delivering innovative, compliant, and forward-thinking solutions.
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Week 19/2025 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
CryptoSlots, a leading cryptocurrency casino, is celebrating its 7th birthday this May with exciting new game launches and player rewards. To mark the occasion, CryptoSlots is unveiling a brand-new slot: Safari Sunsets, taking players on a breathtaking journey through the African savannah at golden hour. With swaying acacia trees, and a sky glowing in sunset hues of orange and purple, the game immerses you in the wild beauty of the grasslands. Majestic animals like zebras, lions, buffalos,and the powerful elephant Scatter symbol bring the reels to life!
PG Soft has unleashed its latest big-hitting title, Knockout Riches. The new addition is a 5-reel (1 to 3 rows in reel 1 and 5, 4 to 20 rows in reels 2, 3 and 4) slot that delivers an action-packed slot experience with grit, determination, and big rewards. Ruby, known as the ‘Flaming Rose’, steps into the ring as a rising star in the boxing world whose fists must do the talking.
Relax Gaming, the iGaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, is challenging players to tame Fang the dragon in its fiery new release, Fang’s Inferno. The dragon with an insatiable appetite for riches returns in this 5×4 slot where big wins can come via Blazin’ Wilds, Flamin’ Respins, Fang’s Bonus Picks, Fiery Free Spins and Fang’s Bonus Picks.
FBMDS is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest slot game of Asian inspiration – “Panda Treasure – Sublime Series”. This is the inaugural title in its ambitious plan to reinvent its slots portfolio with new, rewarding online casino game releases throughout the year, that speak to different players’ profiles and competitive operator’s demands. The release of a new slot game aligns with FBMDS’s 2025 narrative, focusing on market expansion, innovation, and leadership in key iGaming segments.
Spinomenal has released its latest game to join the Wildlife series, Majestic Silverback. Players are welcomed to the untamed, lush jungle for an adventure. Verdant fauna surrounds the 5×3 reel frame, brought to life by an array of jungle animals, including jaguars, parrots, crocodiles, and iconic silverback gorillas.
Push Gaming has launched Olympus Unleashed, a futuristic take on a mythological-themed slot that combines the timeless appeal of classic slots with bold, modern gameplay. Created for players who enjoy the familiar rhythm of traditional titles but crave something fresh, Olympus Unleashed delivers a compelling blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Play’n GO’s latest 6×4 slot, Crabby’s Gold, washes ashore with gold-grabbing mechanics, evolving Wilds and a crustaceous companion who’s got more attitude than treasure maps. Set in a sun-bleached pirate cove where coins glint beneath the waves, Crabby’s Gold brings comic chaos to the high seas. With its curmudgeonly mascot Crabby hoarding multipliers and heckling from the reels, this 4096-ways slot isn’t just another maritime theme – it’s a tidal wave of personality.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a leading B2B provider of gaming content, systems, and solutions, is thrilled to announce the release of Piggy Winner™ – a pig-themed descendant of Inspired’s popular omni-channel slot Gold Winner™. This 10-win line slot game is packed with thrilling features including Wild Symbols, Cash Collecting Free Spins, a gamble option and Fortune Spins mode, designed to deliver slick gameplay and endless excitement.
Booming Games turns up the temperature with Inferno Fortune Power Hit, the explosive first title in the brand-new Power Hit Series. Set on a blazing 6×4 grid with 4096 ways to win, Inferno Fortune Power Hit is designed for players who crave nonstop action and high win potential. At the core of the game lies the powerful Power Hit feature, which can be triggered in both the base game and Free Spins.
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ELA Games Receives Key Nomination at EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards
The studio is shortlisted for the “Brand of the Year – B2B” category
ELA Games, an innovative game development studio, has been shortlisted for the “Brand of the Year – B2B” category at the upcoming EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards 2025.
The EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards is an event that celebrates key figures and innovative brands within the iGaming industry. The ceremony recognises companies that demonstrate commercial success through game-changing creativity and contributions to the improvement of the industry. It gathers the brightest and most influential minds to reward those who have helped the online gaming sector grow.
ELA Games’ nomination for the “Brand of the Year – B2B” category highlights the company’s efforts in creating a portfolio that balances operator-centric growth with player-friendly gaming experiences. The studio has demonstrated a commitment to helping operators improve player acquisition and retention metrics through data-backed performance, making it a beneficial partner.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the nomination, “The ELA Games team is proud to receive a nomination for a significant category at a prestigious event. We’ve made considerable strides in 2025 to develop our portfolio and create games that both help operators grow and provide fun for players. We look forward to networking with all our peers at the ceremony, and congratulations to all nominees!”
The EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards 2025 will take place on June 19, 2025, at The Mermaid, London. The ELA Games team will attend the ceremony for a night of excitement, networking, and celebration.
The post ELA Games Receives Key Nomination at EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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