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Exclusive Q&A with Robert Chvatal, Chief Executive Officer at SAZKA Group
As CEO of European gaming giant SAZKA Group, Robert Chvátal knows more than most how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the industry over the last 18 months. But whilst lockdowns in a number of its markets have taken their toll on the group’s retail offering, he is bullish about the long-term prospects. In an exclusive interview for European Gaming, he revealed how the use of technology and a customer-centric approach is driving online growth and allowing operators to provide a safer gaming environment.
Holiday season is often a time for rest and reflection. How do you look back on the last few months and what challenges did it pose for SAZKA Group?
I’m pleased to say that we have managed to remain resilient in what has been an unpredictable period with often disruptive trading conditions. As people will know, 80% of our EBIT is generated through lottery-style games. Clearly lock-downs have had an impact on our operations, with retail in Italy and Greece in particular taking a hit. And yet our strategic focus on online channels paid off. I think the growth of digital sales during the pandemic is very supportive for our future development too. 30 per cent of GGR for our Czech business in 2020 came online and that continues to grow. In Greece, OPAP recently launched a digital entertainment hub and has seen really good take-up of online lottery sales, despite starting from a low base. Retail remains important. Picking it up and rejuvenating it in the coming months is a priority, but online is a rising star providing us with real guidance too.
Across the industry we’ve seen witnesses the introduction of a wave of new products and a freshening up of old ones. What part has SAZKA Group played in this?
With more and more customers heading online, as well as potential new ones sat in front of their computer and phone screens, it was imperative that we kept our product offering up-to-date and relevant. All our operator companies introduced new content suitable for their jurisdictions. Needless to say, we also introduced new lottery draws too. Hand in glove with this went customer engagement plans that allowed us to showcase the full product portfolio and content diversity that is so important these days. We also saw the roll-out of customer loyalty programs that rewarded our regular players, be they in-store or online. This helped to really personalise our interaction at a time when we were all distancing ourselves from one another as a society. The results to date have been very encouraging.
How has the pandemic changed the way that you approach marketing, particularly when it comes to players who have moved online and those new ones who are joining them?
Interestingly, we are gaining real traction with event-based jackpots with specific themes. Friday the 13th has become a real tradition for us, as many people will now know. There are some key dates when players like to try their luck such as Black Friday top. With millions of people online looking for a bargain, it is a date that resonates in some of our markets. We are often able to collect much higher wagers on these special dates because we’re able to market them better. Clearly customer loyalty takes on a new meaning online too. Traditionally, retail has been an anonymous experience with people going to a newsagent or a kiosk to buy a lottery slip. That suits some people and that’s fine, but it doesn’t allow us to capture anonymised information on consumer trends. Online obviously requires people to register and be verified, allowing us to ensure the are safer from a responsible gaming point of view, which is crucial.
What part is technology playing in providing a better player experience?
We are really making the most of big data, joining the dots between lottery and those who play other games. It has a huge benefit online. But retail loyalty is equally important for us. That’s why we offered virtual loyalty cards, where players register online with a mobile number. This then allows us to identify them as a unique player. We also have a proposition in retail loyalty called Wheel of Fortune where participants benefit by being offered a second chance within 24 hours of their retail purchase, for example. People are embracing it because they see the benefits of what is being offered. There is nothing worse than being bombarded with products and services in which you have no interest. Harnessing big data and processing it thoughtfully allows technology to tailor our offering. That has never been more important in a world full of distractions. We also see technology as a vital means of protecting players, more of which is below.
Player protection and the need for safer betting and gaming environments are rarely out of the headlines these days. How is the lottery sector and SAZKA Group in particular dealing with the challenges these concerns present?
SAZKA Group is committed to responsible gaming. It always has and always will be a central plank of our proposition as a business. All of our operator companies are part of European Lotteries, so there’s a strict and supervised responsible gaming certification mechanism. In some respects, we’re fortunate. In lottery wins are infrequent, compared to games with higher probability and higher frequency. The risk of excessive or problem gaming is small as a result. But there is clearly no room for complacency. Some of our companies run sports and casino betting too, of course, and put significant resources into ensuring customers are supported. We let them know about setting time and spending limits and the advantages of taking frequent breaks. We also educate our employees and store partners in responsible gaming training, so that they can apply the relevant standards and principles. At the end of the day, this should be an enjoyable and playful experience for our customers – and we need to play a central role in maintaining that.

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S8UL makes StarCraft II debut with the signing of veteran South Korean player GuMiho
S8UL strengthens its EWC roster following the announcement of their participation in multiple titles, including Chess, EAFC 25, Tekken 8, Call of Duty (COD): Warzone, and Apex Legends Mumbai, May 8, 2025: S8UL, a global force in esports and gaming content, is proud to announce its entry into the legendary world of StarCraft II with the signing of veteran South Korean player Pyung Jae Koh, better known by his iconic gamer tag GuMiho, a.k.a. “The Towel Terran.”
This marks S8UL’s first foray into the real-time strategy (RTS) genre and signals its continued commitment to global expansion across esports titles that have defined competitive gaming history.
A fan-favorite and master tactician, GuMiho is recognised across the global StarCraft community for his creative playstyle, unorthodox strategies, and trailblazing use of mech-based unit compositions. A staple of the Global StarCraft II League (GSL) since the Wings of Liberty era, GuMiho rose to global prominence after winning the GSL Code S
Championship in 2017, defeating soO in a 4–2 final that etched his name in StarCraft history. His unique style of playing with a towel draped over his hands to absorb sweat and maintain precision earned him the moniker “The Towel Terran,” while his dominance with mechanical Terran builds gave rise to another title: “The Mech God.”
GuMiho’s recent achievements reaffirm his elite status in the competitive StarCraft II scene. In December 2024, he edged out Protoss standout Clem in a tense 3–2 series at HomeStory Cup XXVI, building on the momentum of his nail-biting 4–3 grand final victory over ShoWTimE (also Protoss) at HomeStory Cup XXV just months earlier. Earlier in the year, he delivered a commanding run to the finals of WardiTV 2023, ultimately finishing second after a hard-fought series against Zerg titan Dark. These standout results reinforce GuMiho’s reputation as one of the scene’s most resilient and inventive players, proving that even after years at the top, he continues to evolve and compete at the highest level.
Speaking about his new journey with S8UL, GuMiho said: “Joining S8UL feels like stepping onto a new playing field with the same hunger to win. Their drive to break barriers in esports matches my own competitive spirit. I’m ready to give it my all and compete at the highest level again, this time with S8UL by my side.”
Animesh Agarwal a.k.a. 8Bit Thug, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL, commented on the signing: “GuMiho is a living legend, and we’re beyond thrilled to welcome him to the S8UL family. Our journey into StarCraft II is about paying homage to the roots of esports and competing with the best. GuMiho’s legacy of innovation, consistency, and competitive spirit embodies everything S8UL stands for. This is a proud moment for Indian esports as we strengthen our EWC aspirations with one of the game’s all-time greats.”
As S8UL prepares to compete across multiple titles at EWC 2025, including Apex Legends, EAFC 25, Call of Duty: Warzone, Tekken 8, Chess, and now StarCraft II, the organization continues to demonstrate that excellence in esports knows no borders, no genres, and no limits.
With three consecutive ‘Esports Content Group of the Year’ wins at the Esports Awards and global recognition through initiatives like the MOBIES Global Impact Award, S8UL is now writing a new chapter in the global esports story.
The post S8UL makes StarCraft II debut with the signing of veteran South Korean player GuMiho appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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FBMDS Elevates Video Bingo with New Jackpot System, Boosting Player Engagement and Operator’s Success
FBMDS, the industry leader in Video Bingo, is raising the stakes with a never-before-seen jackpot dynamic in the industry designed to enhance engagement, increase player retention, and drive profitability for online casino operators.
This exclusive jackpot system, available only in FBMDS’ video bingo gaming portfolio, creates a more immersive and rewarding experience, reinforcing the company’s influence in this category. With more prize opportunities and an adaptive jackpot that grows with player bets, the new system introduces an unmatched level of thrill to online Video Bingo in the industry. The new FBMDS Video Bingo jackpot system offers:
- Exclusive Jackpot – FBMDS is the only casino gaming provider that offers jackpots in the video bingo segment, offering innovative solutions which will make your portfolio standout.
- Higher Player Engagement – Players stay more engaged with dynamic jackpot growth and frequent prize opportunities.
- Proportional Betting Impact – The more players bet, the more exciting the jackpot becomes, increasing anticipation and excitement.
- Stronger Operator Performance – Enhanced retention and player satisfaction drive longer play sessions and revenue growth.
- Leading Video Bingo – FBMDS solidifies its leadership with the only Video Bingo jackpot of its kind.
“We are committed to continuously innovating in Video Bingo, and this new jackpot system is a game-changer for both operators and players,” said Renato Almeida, Director at FBMDS. “By delivering a more interactive and rewarding experience, we’re reinforcing our market leadership and giving operators a powerful tool to attract and retain players like we haven’t yet seen happening in the market”.
FBMDS has always been at the forefront of Video Bingo innovation, and this new jackpot system is proof to its commitment to elevating player experiences. These jackpots create a more immersive, dynamic, and engaging gameplay, ensuring more thrilling moments and increased loyalty.
As part of its global expansion strategy, FBMDS is entering key markets like Brazil, where Video Bingo has a passionate player base, and where it has taken a part on SBC Summit Rio’s event. The company is also preparing to reveal new game releases, further strengthening its diverse and engaging portfolio.
For operators looking to attract and retain Video Bingo players with the most exciting jackpot mechanics on the market, now is the time to partner with FBMDS.
The post FBMDS Elevates Video Bingo with New Jackpot System, Boosting Player Engagement and Operator’s Success appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Golden Matrix Posts Strong Q1; Eliminates Debt and Accelerates Market Expansion
Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI) (“Golden Matrix” or the “Company”), a developer, licensor, and global operator of online gaming platforms, today announced financial and operational results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. The quarter reflects the Company’s strong group execution, platform innovation, and continued expansion across regulated gaming markets.
Brian Goodman, CEO of Golden Matrix, commented, “We entered fiscal 2025 with elevated operating efficiency and diversified revenue streams that continue to scale across high-growth markets. Our raffle segment reached all-time highs, our debt profile strengthened meaningfully, and our B2B and B2C businesses are both operating from positions of renewed financial and strategic strength.”
Financial and Strategic Highlights
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Record Raffle Segment Performance: The Company’s raffle businesses reported all-time highs in revenue, ticket sales, and prize values. User growth surged 146% year-over-year, with 26,000 new registrations in Q1.
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Strategic Balance Sheet Optimization: GMGI eliminated approximately $9.6 million in Lind Global debt and converted over $9.5 million in Meridianbet acquisition-related debt into equity this year, enhancing financial flexibility.
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Revenue Growth: Q1 2025 consolidated revenue was $42.7 million, up 72% year-over-year, partially impacted by a negative 4% FX headwind
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Gross Profit: Gross profit reached $24.2 million, with a consolidated gross margin of approximately 57%. Meridianbet gross margin improved to 72%, while the combined GMAG and Rkings/CFAC segments improved to 29%.
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The Company had a net loss of $300,000 or a 0-cent loss per share. This was a decline of $4.2 million, or 5-cents a share, from the same period last year. The decline was due to an increase in acquisition-related amortization of $1.7 million, interest expense of $1.5 million, and stock-based compensation of $1 million.
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Adjusted EBITDA(1) declined by $0.3 million, or 5%, to $5.6 million, as increased gross profit was offset by an operating spend increase to expand our business geographically, improve our market share, and advance our gaming technology in support of full-year growth initiatives.
Meridianbet Performance
Zoran Milosevic, CEO of Meridianbet, commented, “Our Q1 results demonstrate focused execution across regulated markets, bolstered by operational efficiency and continuous innovation. We are deepening user engagement, expanding licensing coverage, and strengthening our position as a global operator of choice.”
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Brazil: Secured a permanent online betting license, unlocking full national access in a projected $5.6 billion gross gaming revenue market for 2025.
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Africa: Launched B2B operations in Nigeria through a fully licensed local entity, entering one of Africa’s most dynamic gaming economies.
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Serbia: Renewed a 10-year online license, preserving regulatory continuity in a mature and profitable core market.
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User Metrics: First-time deposits grew 56%, new registrations rose 22%, and total deposits increased 12% compared to Q1 2024.
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Expanse Studios: Meridianbet’s proprietary game development arm expanded its North American footprint with five new integrations into U.S.-based sweepstakes casinos. The studio also advanced its in-house content roadmap, including an enhanced crash games portfolio and anticipates licensing in Romania for Q2.
Financial Outlook
Golden Matrix expects full-year 2025 revenue to range between $190 million and $195 million, reflecting a growth rate of 26% to 29% over 2024. The Company continues to invest in technology, content, and international licenses to drive long-term shareholder value.
Rich Christensen, CFO of Golden Matrix, added, “We’re executing on disciplined capital allocation and long-term strategic investments. Our improving net leverage, healthy free cash flow, and scalable platform position us to accelerate growth across 2025 and beyond.”
(1)Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See also “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Earnings excluding Interest Expense, Interest Income, Tax, Depreciation Expense, Amortization Expense, Stock-based Compensation Expense and Restructuring Costs”, included in the tables at the end of this release.
In terms of GAAP accounting and Meridianbet being the accounting acquirer, the comparisons presented are correctly stated and are reflective of our new structure. Comparisons presented in terms of GAAP are the consolidated Company’s results against Meridianbet Group historical results and not against Golden Matrix Group’s, historical results.
The full visual presentation and the earnings call can be accessed at 8:00am ET on the Golden Matrix Group IR website at goldenmatrix.com/events-presentations/.
For more information, please visit goldenmatrix.com.
The post Golden Matrix Posts Strong Q1; Eliminates Debt and Accelerates Market Expansion appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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