During the last quarter of 2018, organic growth in local currencies was 7% on total, and excluding the UK it was 14%. EBITDA was €8.1mm (6.1), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 9.6%, according to a press statement announcing the quarterly report. Net Gaming Revenue (NGR) from regulated markets was 33% of total NGR.

The number of depositing customers increased year-on-year 29% to 327,156, while the number of returning depositing customers grew by 46% to 181,747. Earnings per share were €0.22 before dilution and €0.22 after dilution.

During the last quarter, LeoVegas applied for a gambling licence for the Spanish market, as Business Malta reported earlier. Approval and implementation of this application are expected during the first or second quarter of 2019. During Q4, LeoVegas also received a licence for both casino and sports betting in Sweden.

Following Q4 2018, due to developments in the UK market, LeoVegas postponed its financial goals from 2020 to 2021. Despite this, the direction remains unchanged with business targets in absolute numbers to reach €600m in revenue and €100m in EBITDA, the company says. Also, LeoVegas Group’s Pixel.bet brand was granted a licence for online casino and sports betting in Sweden.

The Board proposes a total dividend of SEK 1.20 per share, to be paid out on two occasions during the year, the press statement says. Revenue amounted to €28.7m in January, representing growth of 16%.

Gustaf Hagman, CEO of LeoVegas Group, tags 2018 as the most challenging year in the group’s history, challenges of which hindered growth. “It was also a year in which we carried out a number of strategically crucial projects that have taken us large steps forward on our growth journey … Our multi-brand strategy is in place, enabling us to launch new casino brands rapidly, and we are ready to expand in more markets in 2019 with an overall focus on cost control and increased profitability,” the CEO says.

This year has had quite a strong start for the group, according to the CEO. Revenue hit €28.7m in January, growing by year-on-year 16%. Underlying customer activity strengthened by a 42% growth in depositing customers compared to the same period last year.

“We have now forged ahead through both an eventful and challenging year with several acquisitions, accolades, higher regulatory requirements, a number of major platform projects and a change in listing to the Stockholm Stock Exchange’s main market list,” the CEO adds.

The post LeoVegas sees 25% revenue increase in Q4 2018 first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Both events took place on 4 February in London, coinciding with the beginning of B2B gaming event ICE London, following each other with a few-hour difference.

“It’s an honour to accept two awards related to our casino product and mobile offering in one evening. These distinguished titles really reflect the hard work and effort that everyone put in during the last year,” said Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO at LeoVegas, following the two events.

LeoVegas believes the “Online Casino of the Year” award comes as a recognition for efforts invested in strengthening the brand portfolio of the group, as well as commending efforts toward implementing responsible gaming strategies. The company adds that the “Mobile Operator of the Year” award aims to celebrate the continual updates to the LeoVegas mobile website and app, in addition to other improvements.

The Global Gaming Awards celebrates the achievements and the innovations of companies from all areas within the iGaming industry, while the International Gaming Awards is another prestigious event that highlights and rewards companies from all tiers of the industry based on a multitude of different categories.

The post LeoVegas bags accolades in London prior to ICE first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.