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Better Collective reports record revenue; strong growth in US business and media partnerships
Interim report January 1 – December 31, 2021
Highlights fourth quarter 2021
- Q4 Group Revenue grew by 44% to 52.8 mEUR (Q4 2020: 36.7 mEUR). Organic revenue growth was 25%
- The continued large increase in NDCs sent on revenue share contracts has signif- icantly increased future recurring revenue (in Publishing business) but also had a short term dampening effect on revenue and earnings. Combined with an ex- ceptionally low sports win margin, we have estimated an effect of approximately 6 mEUR in the quarter compared to historical average.
- Q4 Group EBITDA before special items increased 16% to 16.3 mEUR (Q4 2020: 14.1 mEUR). The Group EBITDA-margin before special items was 31% (Publishing 40% and Paid Media 5%).
- Cash Flow from operations before special items was 13.5 mEUR (Q4 2020: 10.1 mEUR), an increase of 33%. The cash conversion was 82%. By the end of Q4, capital reserves stood at 33.5 mEUR of which cash of 30.1 mEUR and unused bank credit facilities of 3.4 mEUR.
- New Depositing Customers (NDCs) were >267,000 in the quarter (growth of 74%). NDCs sent on revenue share contracts were >190,000 (growth of 69%).
- On November 4, Better Collective completed the acquisition of the remaining 40% shares in the US based RotoGrinders Network at a total price of 33 mEUR.
- On December 8, Better Collective initiated a share buyback program to cover future payments relating to completed acquisitions and incentive programs for up to 10 mEUR.
Financial highlights full year 2021
- Revenue grew by 94% to 177.1 mEUR (FY 2020: 91.2 mEUR), with organic growth of 29%.
- EBITDA before special items increased 46% to 55.8 mEUR (FY 2020: 38.2 mEUR). The EBITDA-margin before special items was 32% (Publishing 43% and Paid Media 8%).
- Special items amounted to a cost of 16.7 mEUR (FY 2020: 0.1 mEUR). It includes an 11.5 mEUR adjustment of the contingent liability related to the 2019 acquisition of Rical LLC, treated as a P/L item under IFRS, as well as income related to an ad- justment of the variable payment recorded in connection with the acquisition of Dutch assets. M&A cost of 6.0 mEUR is related to M&A activities, primarily Action Network, and 2.5 mEUR cost of Management incentive program related to Action Network.
- Cash Flow from operations before special items was 51.2 mEUR (FY 2020: 38.3 mEUR), an increase of 34%. Cash conversion rate before special items was 92%.
- On May 26, 2021, Better Collective resolved on a directed share issue of 6.9 million shares, thereby raising gross proceeds of SEK 1,500 million and significantly in- creasing financial flexibility.
- New Depositing Customers were >857,000 in 2021 (growth of 96%). NDCs sent on revenue share contracts were >607,000 (growth of 70%).
During 2021, Better Collective completed acquisitions of approximately 210 mEUR:
- On January 1, 2021 Better Collective increased its ownership to 90% of the shares in Mindway AI that specialises in software solutions based on artificial intelligence and neuroscience for identifying, preventing and intervening in at-risk and problem gambling.
- On March 31, 2021 Better Collective strengthened its position in the Swedish sports betting market by acquiring online sports betting media platform, Rekatochklart. com for 3.8 mEUR.
- On May 28, Better Collective acquired leading US sports betting media platform, Action Network, for 196 mEUR (240 mUSD), gaining market leadership within sports betting media in the US.
- On September 24, Better Collective acquired Soccernews.nl, a Dutch online sports betting community, in separate transactions for total upfront payments of 5.9 mEUR.
Significant events of the closure of the period
- January revenue reached >26 mEUR, more than double vs. 2020, of which 69% was organic growth. Earnings (EBITDA before special items) were >11 mEUR. Performance was boosted by the market opening in the state of New York.
- On January 21 2022, Better Collective entered into a media partnership with the New York Post to bring the best in commercial sports betting content to the pub- lication’s readership of more than 92 million unique users. The agreement covers the delivery of content, data, and statistics for the betting section of the New York Post. New York state opened for online sports betting on January 8, 2022. Better Collective is off to a great start across all assets, in particular Action Network.
- On January 11, 2022 the share buyback program of 10 mEUR initiated on December 8, 2021 was completed with 532,482 shares accumulated under the program.
- The board of directors have implemented a new Long Term Incentive Plan (LTI) for key employees in the Better Collective group (excluding the executive manage- ment). Grants under the new LTI will be in the form of performance share units and share options vesting over a 3-year period. The total value of the 2022 LTI grant program is 1.4 mEUR (Black-Scholes value) measured at the target level.
Jesper Søgaard, Co-founder & CEO of Better Collective, commented:
“An all-time high intake of NDCs and an overall strong performance of our business mark the ending of 2021 – a year of many new opportunities for Better Collective. We managed to deliver growth of 44% over that of last year’s Q4. Our US business delivered prime results following the start of the NFL season, and contributed almost 40% to the total quarterly Group revenue. “
Financial targets 2021
The Group financial targets for 2021 for organic growth (29% vs target of >25%) and Operational Earnings/EBITDA (55.8 mEUR vs target of >55 mEUR) were met. Total revenue ended at 177 mEUR slightly below the target of >180 mEUR. Total revenue and earnings were, as mentioned, affected negatively by an exceptionally low sports win margin in Q4 as well as a high intake of NDCs, which has a short- term dampening effect on margins.
Financial targets 2022
The Board of Directors have decided on new financial targets for the Better Collective Group for the financial year 2022. Excluding potential new M&A-trans- actions:
- Double-digit organic revenue growth of 15-25%
- Operating profit (EBITDA before special items) of approx. 75 mEUR
- Debt leverage (Net interest bearing debt/EBITDA) <3,0
- High operational cash conversion rate expected to be maintained
Conference call
A telephone conference will be held at 10.00 a.m. CET today by CEO Jesper Søgaard and CFO Flemming Pedersen. The presentation will simultaneously be webcasted, and both the telephone conference and the webcast offer an opportunity to ask questions.
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Arena Racing Company awarded United Arab Emirates Gaming-Related Vendor License
Arena Racing Company (ARC) has been granted a Gaming-Related Vendor license from the United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Authority (GCGRA), an independent entity of the UAE Federal Government with exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise all commercial gaming activities.
The license, operational with immediate effect, affords ARC the opportunity to provide its products and services to licensed operators in the region. Notably, the Racing1 Markets service, an all-in-one horse and greyhound racing solution delivered in conjunction with Racing1 alliance media rights partners at 1/ST CONTENT, Racecourse Media Group (RMG), and Tabcorp, alongside technical partner Pythia Sports. ARC has been added to the list of licensed vendors as per the GCGRA website.
Jack Whitaker, Commercial Manager at ARC, said: “Obtaining this license is a great achievement for ARC and its Racing1 partners. The emerging regulated UAE market is incredibly exciting, and we look forward to showcasing our innovative products and services in the region.”
The post Arena Racing Company awarded United Arab Emirates Gaming-Related Vendor License appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
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Play’n GO games now live with Ivy Casino in the UK
Swedish gaming giant’s industry signals commitment to the UK regulated market by launching it leading portfolio of games with Ivy Casino
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced that its industry leading portfolio of games is now live with Ivy Casino in the UK.
Ivy Casino’s players in the United Kingdom can now access global smash hits from Play’n GO, including Book of Dead, Legacy of Dead, and Rise of Olympus 100 among many others.
Ivy Casino is a UK-facing online casino brand that launched in 2024 with a focus on delivering a premium, player-centric experience tailored specifically for the UK market.
The brand operates alongside two sister sites, Rose Casino and O’Reels, which also serve UK audiences and share the same commitment to high-quality entertainment, strong user experience and robust responsible gaming standards.
Play’n GO has been one of the leading game suppliers in the UK for many years and is steadfast in its commitment to regulated markets globally.
Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer of Play’n GO, said:
“We are delighted to launch with Ivy Casino in the UK who, like us, are focused on all the key elements of operating within a regulated market framework. I’m sure this is just the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.”
Mark Good, representing Ivy Casino, said:
“This partnership with Play’n GO forms part of Ivy Casino’s ongoing strategy to enhance its content offering for UK players by collaborating with leading studios known for creative, engaging gameplay.”
Play’n GO is a proud sponsor of the Moneygram Haas Formula 1 team, and recently launched a fashion brand, Play’n GO Shop, to sit alongside its existing Play’n GO Music brand to give fans more ways to connect with Play’n GO.
In October, Play’n GO set a world record by launching everyone’s favourite slot character, Garga, into space reaching a height of over 35,500m as part of the launch campaign for Reactoonz 100 which instantly became one of the biggest game launches of the year for the company.
The post Play’n GO games now live with Ivy Casino in the UK appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
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Esportes da Sorte strengthens brand presence during New Year’s Eve celebrations across four Brazilian capitals
Esportes da Sorte, one of Brazil’s leading online betting platforms, will be the official sponsor of New Year’s Eve celebrations in four Brazilian capitals: Salvador, Recife, Natal and Maceió. The initiative reinforces the brand’s growing presence in the national cultural calendar and its strategy to connect with large-scale public celebrations beyond the digital environment.
New Year’s Eve is one of Brazil’s most significant annual moments, marked by intense domestic travel, international tourism and mass public participation. By supporting celebrations in four key destinations, Esportes da Sorte aligns its brand with tradition, culture and shared experiences that resonate deeply with local communities.
“Sponsoring New Year’s Eve celebrations in four capitals reflects our commitment to being present in moments that bring people together,” said Marcela Campos, Vice President of the Esportes Gaming Brasil Group, owner of the Esportes da Sorte brand. “Supporting these cities means valuing their cultural identity, strengthening local ecosystems and celebrating the people who keep these traditions alive year after year.”
Across all four capitals, the brand will activate its presence through immersive experiences, public-facing activations and the distribution of branded giveaways — a hallmark of Esportes da Sorte’s engagement strategy at major events. The activations are designed to enhance the festive atmosphere while reinforcing the brand’s connection with culture, entertainment and responsible enjoyment.
The New Year’s Eve sponsorships build on Esportes da Sorte’s broader cultural engagement strategy, which includes long-standing support for large-scale events such as Carnatal, in Rio Grande do Norte — a key fixture in the state’s tourism and cultural calendar. Together, these initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in cultural sponsorships nationwide.
Esportes da Sorte’s participation also mirrors a wider trend within Brazil’s regulated betting market, as operators increasingly diversify their sponsorship portfolios beyond football. Music, festivals and cultural celebrations have become strategic platforms for brands seeking broader visibility, deeper community ties and more sustainable engagement with the public.
The post Esportes da Sorte strengthens brand presence during New Year’s Eve celebrations across four Brazilian capitals appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
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