Latest News
New-look SBC Summit Malta Shows Strong International Appeal
Save the date: The show will return to the island next year, from 28–30 April.
Last week, SBC Summit Malta transformed the InterContinental Hotel into a powerhouse of industry networking, bringing together 6,000 professionals from Malta and across Europe.
This year marked the debut of the event under its new identity, following the rebrand from CasinoBeats Summit. With its expanded focus covering casino, sports betting, regulation, affiliation, payments, and emerging tech, the summit officially opened on Wednesday, 11 June, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Malta’s Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri.
Clinton Cutajar, CTO of digital marketing agency MediaTroopers, praised the rebrand: “The rebranding was a successful one. Everyone I meet mentions it is a great show, with great panels and a great conference.”
In addition to content and attendance, the organisation of the event itself earned high marks. Cristina Turbatu, CTO at Malta-based operator Casumo, noted, “It’s very well organised, it’s very well structured, and for me, it just feels high-end in terms of quality, so I really enjoy it.”
Cutajar added praise for the technology behind the experience: “The SBC Connect app helped a lot to schedule appointments in advance. There was no need to search around or try to coordinate elsewhere. Everything and everyone could be found in one central place.”
Dr. Eyal Loz, CPO of game studio RubyPlay, also commented on the balance between scale and accessibility: “It’s big enough to meet a lot of interesting people and have some really good meetings, and small enough to navigate easily. The organisation, the location, the panels; I’m very happy with it. It has been brilliant.”
This year’s summit also demonstrated depth in commercial firepower with an impressive 37% of attendees holding key decision-making roles. Moreover, there was strong representation from both the operator and affiliate sides, with operators bringing over 2,100 representatives, accounting for 35% of the overall audience, and 750 affiliates focused on player acquisition in the room. Both segments recorded considerable audience growth compared to last year.
Nils Andén, CEO of operator Kindred Group, commented: “I have definitely met the people that I expected to meet here, and also some people that I was surprised to see. SBC delivered on the promise to get the right people.” Rosi Bremec, COO at Game Lounge, added: “I’ve only been in the industry for three years, and I’m always looking for good people and new ideas. Events like this help me meet those people and also expand my knowledge of the industry.”
Reflecting on the milestone edition, SBC CEO & Founder Rasmus Sojmark shared: “While the numbers for this event were strong and we delivered on our promises, the most important takeaway was the undeniable excitement I witnessed while walking the show floor, entering the conference rooms, and attending the dinners and parties.
“The audience this year was electric, and the warm feedback we have received is the greatest compliment we could ask for as organisers. A massive thank you to each and every individual who made this event, in its new shape and form, a success this year.”
Malta-based leaders were especially vocal about the event’s value for the local ecosystem. Charles Mizzi, CEO of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), underlined the event’s broader significance: “These events help to confirm the importance of the gaming industry to the local economy.”
“I was quite impressed with the setup and the number of participants. If we remain behind our desks and do not participate in events such as this, we wouldn’t have the feel of the industry,” the MGA CEO added.
Andén remarked, “I’m based here in Malta, so this is a good opportunity for me to catch up with people from all across the industry; not only the ones that are based here, but those who travel here too. It’s also good that SBC makes a concerted effort to actually get people who represent the companies that work here in Malta. That is an important kind of differentiation point.”
Jovana Popovic Canaki, CEO of iGP, a Platinum Headline sponsor of the event, said: “One of our offices is here in Malta, and for us it’s home. We walk to the venue. We want to support local events, so the sponsorship was a no-brainer and a great honour.”
Bremec further highlighted the benefit of local hosting: “Everybody is here. The product people are here, the HR people are here. Everybody loves attending these events, so we encourage that.”
Notably, while the event featured strong local representation, with 47% of the audience based in Malta, it also demonstrated its international appeal, with 53% of attendees flying in from abroad. “This shows that the event is not just for locals, but a key opportunity to connect with European, and to some extent, international stakeholders who travel to Malta specifically to attend the event,” Sojmark said.
Beyond the vibrant expo floor, the conference segment was a highlight in its own right. Hosted across three main conference rooms and two dedicated workshop spaces, the agenda featured 17 hands-on workshops and a speaker lineup of 250 experts.
Andén commented, “I really liked the particularly dedicated track on some of the regulation challenges that affect not only me as an operator, but also affect suppliers and everyone else in the industry.” Popovic Canaki added, “Sometimes we speak too loudly and don’t let our ears work. This was a fantastic opportunity to sit down and listen to what the rest of the industry has to say.”
Andre Machado, CCO of Clever Advertising, praised the programming: “The way you are building the conference and the topics are also a mixture of what the audience is looking for. There’s real sensibility in how the programme aligns with broader industry trends.”
Turbatu reinforced the value of the educational content: “Those who didn’t attend would be missing out on high-quality workshops, which I don’t think many other conferences focus on.”
Adding a cultural edge to the event, SBC hosted the Malta debut of its signature EDM experience: the INFINITY party. Held at the island’s iconic Aria Complex and headlined by international star Galantis, the evening delivered a high-energy celebration that brought the entire industry together in style. The Malta edition joins past INFINITY showcases at SBC Summit, SBC Summit Rio, and SBC Summit Americas, which featured major acts such as Afrojack and Steve Aoki.
Apart from INFINITY Malta, SBC treated attendees to multiple evening networking events. The week began with an opening party at Infinity by Hugo’s, a beloved spot for those who had previously attended SBC’s Malta events. The organiser also hosted two invite-only dinners on Wednesday, one for C-level operators at Caviar & Bull and another for affiliates at Sole by Tarragon. On Thursday, the spotlight shifted to SBC Awards Europe, a ceremony that celebrated the achievements of the industry’s brightest companies and individuals. The week concluded with a relaxed closing party at Open Waters.
The overwhelmingly positive response from attendees highlighted not only the strength of the new format but also the growing trust in SBC’s ability to deliver high-quality, high-impact industry events. As Dr. Eyal Loz of RubyPlay summed it up: “I’ve attended almost all the SBC events over the last year, and I’m going to keep on coming back for sure. It’s nice to see the evolution of SBC. The pace at which SBC is improving, becoming more relevant, more engaging, and more dynamic truly blows my mind.”
Save the date: The show returns to the island next year, 28–30 April. For exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected]
The post New-look SBC Summit Malta Shows Strong International Appeal appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Brightstar Lottery PLC has reported the financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025.
“We achieved several important milestones over the last few months. We secured the Italy Lotto license through November 2034, closed the sale of our Gaming & Digital business for $4 billion in cash, and announced plans to return significant capital to shareholders. With a singular focus on lottery and unmatched industry expertise, we are well positioned to create value for all stakeholders with our mission to elevate lotteries and inspire players around the world,” said Vince Sadusky, CEO of Brightstar.
“Our second quarter results reflect sustained global demand for instant ticket and draw games. We are investing in key initiatives to drive sustainable, long-term growth, while also delivering structural cost reductions to right-size the business. The Company’s attractive profit profile and strong, predictable cash flows support our balanced approach to capital allocation,” said Max Chiara, CFO of Brightstar.
Key Highlights
• Successful completion of Gaming & Digital sale for approximately $4.0 billion of net cash proceeds on July 1, 2025.
• Secured several meaningful contract wins and extensions including a nine-year Lotto operator license in Italy, an eight-year contract in Missouri which includes a fully-integrated OMNIA retail and digital solution, and several multi-year instant ticket printing contract extensions.
• Expanding OPtiMa 3.0 cost reduction programme to $50 million to right-size the business following the Gaming & Digital sale.
Second Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights
Second quarter revenue was $631 million, up 3% or stable at constant currency.
• Instant ticket & draw same-store sales increased across geographies with Italy increasing 3.7%, U.S. higher by 0.6%, and Rest of World climbing 8.4%.
• Product sales rose 59% on higher instant ticket printing and terminal sales.
• Foreign currency translation had a positive impact on growth.
• Growth from the drivers above was partially offset by elevated U.S. multi-state jackpot activity and associated LMA incentives in the prior year.
Loss from continuing operations was $60 million compared to income from continuing operations of $84 million in the prior year period.
• Incurred a foreign exchange loss versus a foreign exchange gain in the prior year, primarily reflecting the non-cash impact of fluctuations in the EUR/USD exchange rate on debt.
• Operating income was lower, driven by the high profit flow-through from elevated U.S. multi-state jackpot sales and associated LMA incentives in the prior year and restructuring charges related to the expanded OPtiMa 3.0 cost reduction programme in the current year.
• Increased provision for income taxes.
• Dynamics noted above were partially offset by reduced interest expense.
Adjusted EBITDA was $274 million compared to $290 million in the prior-year period, demonstrating resiliency despite incremental investments in the business and multi-state jackpot and LMA dynamics.
• Prior year results include the high profit flow-through from elevated U.S. multi-state jackpot sales and associated LMA incentives.
• Selling, general, and administrative costs were modestly higher as ongoing investments in the business were partially offset by OPtiMa cost savings.
• The Q2’25 period benefited from positive foreign currency translation.
Diluted loss per share from continuing operations was $0.47 compared to diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.21 in the prior year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.12 compared to $0.20 in the prior year, primarily driven by lower operating income.
YTD 2025 Financial Highlights
Year-to-date revenue of $1.2 billion compares to $1.3 billion in the prior-year period.
• The decline was due to higher U.S. multi-state jackpot activity and associated LMA incentives in the prior year.
• Global instant ticket & draw same-store sales rose 1.2%.
Loss from continuing operations was $52 million compared to income from continuing operations of $200 million in the prior year period.
• Lower operating income, primarily due to the items affecting Adjusted EBITDA as noted below.
• Foreign exchange loss versus foreign exchange gain in the prior year, primarily reflecting the non-cash impact of fluctuations in the EUR/USD exchange rate on debt.
Adjusted EBITDA of $524 million compares to $617 million in the prior-year, primarily driven by high profit flow-through from elevated U.S. multi-state jackpot sales and associated LMA incentives in the prior year, partially offset by positive foreign currency translation.
Diluted loss per share from continuing operations was $0.59 compared to diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.56 in the prior year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.20 compares to $0.47 in the prior year primarily driven by lower operating income, partially offset by reductions in net interest and income tax expense.
Net debt was $5.2 billion compared to $4.8 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily driven by an approximate $340 million impact from fluctuations in the EUR/USD exchange rate. Net debt leverage was 3.0x pro forma for $2 billion debt reduction completed in July.
Cash and Liquidity Update
Total liquidity was $2.9 billion as of June 30, 2025 with $1.3 billion in unrestricted cash and $1.6 billion in additional borrowing capacity from undrawn credit facilities.
Other Developments
The Company plans to launch a $250 million accelerated share repurchase programme (ASR) by entering into an accelerated share repurchase agreement with a counterparty bank. The Company plans to execute the ASR as part of its $500 million share repurchase authorization outlined below and in accordance with the share repurchase authorisation provided by the Company’s shareholders at the Company’s 2025 Annual General Meeting. The Company has been informed by De Agostini S.p.A., that it does not intend to participate in the ASR.
The Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share with a record date of August 12, 2025 and a payment date of August 26, 2025.
Completed the sale of the Gaming & Digital business on July 1, 2025. The Company received approximately $4.0 billion of net cash proceeds that are expected to be allocated in the following manner:
$2.0 billion used to reduce debt (completed in July 2025).
• Redeemed in whole the 4.125% Senior Secured U.S. Dollar Notes due April 2026 and the 3.500% Senior Secured Euro Notes due June 2026.
• Prepaid €300 million of the Term Loan Facilities due January 2027.
• The remaining amount was allocated to prepay the Revolving Credit Facilities due July 2027.
$1.1 billion to be returned to shareholders.
• The Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend to common shareholders in the amount of $3.00 per share. The record date of the distribution was July 14, 2025, and it is payable July 29, 2025.
• In addition, the Board authorized a $500 million, two-year share repurchase programme. The new authorisation replaces the Company’s existing share repurchase programme.
$500 million to partially fund upcoming Italy Lotto license payments.
$400 million to be used for general corporate purposes.
The U.S. federal income tax consequences of distributions by the Company will depend, in part, on whether the Company has current or accumulated earnings and profits (“E&P”), as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Based on preliminary estimates, the Company does not expect to have current E&P for fiscal year 2025 or accumulated E&P from prior fiscal years that would offset the current year expected E&P deficit. Accordingly, the Company anticipates that the special dividend, the Q1 dividend paid on June 12, and any future dividends paid in the current fiscal year will be treated for U.S. income tax purposes as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of a shareholder’s basis in its shares, and thereafter as capital gain, although no assurances can be provided because the determination of E&P is a full-year calculation which depends upon facts that are not known as of the date hereof.
FY’25 Outlook: Adjusted EBITDA Reaffirmed, Cash Flow Improved
• Revenue of approximately $2.50 billion; adjusting revenue down $50 million compared to the previous outlook to reflect a timing shift in product sales and increased amortization related to Italy Lotto upfront license fee (which is treated as contra-revenue).
• Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.10 billion, in line with the previous outlook as incremental benefit from foreign currency translation is offset by higher-than-expected U.S. multi-state jackpot and LMA impacts.
• Net cash used in operating activities of approximately $275 million reflects a $75 million improvement versus the previous outlook driven by interest, income taxes, and other working capital items.
• Capital expenditures of approximately $375 million, a $75 million improvement from the previous outlook to reflect timing shifts related to recent contract extensions.
• Increasing FY’25 EUR/USD assumption to 1.12.
The post Brightstar Lottery Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Dodo, the newest player in the iGaming space, officially launches as a dedicated network built entirely around the fast-rising crash and instant games. Created to meet rising player demand, it offers top game reviews, trusted casino listings, and free demo play—all in one place.
Dodo answers a clear market need: a centralized destination designed specifically for crash gaming enthusiasts. Dodo network spans 8 specialized verticals: CrashDodo, WheelDodo, CoinflipDodo, DiceDodo, HiloDodo, LimboDodo, MinesDodo, and PlinkoDodo—each dedicated to a specific instant game format.
“We created Dodo because it was time for a site that treats crash games as a category of their own — not a subgenre or a passing trend. With the format’s rise in popularity, players need a dedicated space where they can explore, compare, and play,” said Ethan Thompson, content lead at Dodo.
Dodo also reflects a wider trend—the growing intersection of crash mechanics and crypto gambling. As localisation and hybrid formats expand, Dodo steps in as a natural platform for discovery, guidance and connection between players and operators.
Dodo’s Key Features:
• Curated crash and instant game selections with a free play option
• Game reviews, expert tips, and easy-to-follow player guides
• Trusted casino listings tailored for crash games fans
• Designed with crypto players in mind, offers crypto-related insights.
The post Meet Dodo: The New Home for Crash Gaming Fans appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
XT.COM, a globally trusted cryptocurrency exchange, announced the official listing of TG.Casino (TGC), the utility token powering a next-generation, Telegram-native crypto casino. TGC combines instant gameplay, real yield and Web3 incentives to offer a seamless and rewarding user experience.
The TGC/USDT trading pair is now live in XT.COM’s Main Zone, opening the door for global users to join a rapidly growing GambleFi ecosystem that is changing how crypto holders play, stake and earn.
Telegram Meets GambleFi: The TG.Casino Vision
TG.Casino is the first licensed crypto casino fully integrated within Telegram. Users can wager, withdraw and interact instantly, with no KYC required in most regions. With more than 10,000 casino games, sports markets and exclusive Web3 features, the platform delivers on-chain gambling with real utility.
TGC is the core of this ecosystem. It powers cashback rewards, VIP programmes and staking functions. Daily platform profits support revenue sharing and token buybacks, giving long-term holders a way to benefit directly from platform growth.
Built on Ethereum, Secured by Revenue
TGC is an ERC-20 token with a fixed supply of 100 million, with around 80% currently in circulation and the remaining 20% burned forever. Its utility is closely tied to the platform’s revenue.
Every week, a percentage of the casinos profits are shared back to the community, 60% of that is shared with staked token holders and the remaining 40% are used to buy back TGC from the market and then permanently burned forever.
The smart contract is publicly verifiable and has been audited by Coinsult. TG.Casino operates under a licensed framework, holding 3 casino gaming licenses to ensure compliance and security.
The post TG.Casino (TGC) Goes Live on XT.COM appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News3 months agoELA Games Receives Key Nomination at EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards
-
Latest News2 months ago
LEGENDS by Fire & Ice: July 1st at The BOX Soho
-
Latest News2 months ago
New Resort & Casino Selects IvedaAI for Intelligent Video Surveillance Ahead of Grand Opening
-
Latest News2 months ago
HIPTHER Movement Launched: Fitness Community & Summer Run-Off Challenge Powered by GameOn
-
Latest News3 months ago
S8UL acquires North America’s leading Mobile Legends: Bang Bang roster ahead of Esports World Cup 2025
-
Latest News3 months ago
Esports World Cup Foundation Launches Global “Road to EWC” Program, Unveiling Qualification Pathways for the Esports World Cup 2025
-
Latest News1 month agoBrand-new projects debuting at iGB L!VE: Casino&You and Win&You Partners!
-
Latest News3 months agoStarLadder to Host 2025 CS2 Major in Budapest’s 20,000-Seat MVM Dome
You must be logged in to post a comment Login