SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
NetPlay TV PLC owners of interactive gaming brands Jackpot247 and SuperCasino posted strong 2013 performance which saw an 31% increase in net revenues to £28.5 million (2012 – £21.8 million) and EBITDA revenues increase 21% to £5.2 million (2012 – £4.3 million)
Further positive results saw the operator lift its final dividend by 42% to 0.32 pence per share from 0.225p for 2012, resulting in a 33% uplift in its total dividend for 2013 to 0.50p (2012 – 0.375p).
The operator pinpointed significant investment in its online digital marketing, as a key driver for it performance. Its casino brands reported an uplift of 30% in new player acquisition to +84,000 for 2013.
Mobile and tablet have also become an integral part of the operators strategy, with focus on strategic marketing delivering new players through these devices which saw NetPlay TV mobile channels contributed 36% of the operators’ new depositing players.
Player acquisition had been further supported by sponsorship of popular UK TV shows – Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother which were broadcast by Channel 5 Television. Furthermore the operator had agreed a three year extension to broadcast its interactive gaming service with terrestrial broadcaster ITV.
Charles Butler, NetPlayTV’s Chief Executive commented on the operators performance
The Group continues its significant investment in marketing and product development which has resulted in an impressive 25% increase in new depositing players. The acquisition of the Vernons.com e-gaming business towards the end of the year presents new growth opportunities with the addition of sportsbetting and bingo to the existing core casino offering. This acquisition highlights our strategy for growth both organically and via strategic acquisitions.
NetPlay TV will look to strengthen its position in the igaming market, by diversifying its product range to include online bingo and sports betting products. 2013 saw the operator acquire the Vernons igaming brands from Sportech Plc.The operator will look to re-launch the brand in the coming months.
NetPlay TV 2013 Financial Highlights
- 31% increase in net revenue to £28.5m (2012: £21.8m)
- 21% increase in EBITDA1 to £5.2m (2012: £4.3m)
- 32% increase in adjusted earnings per share2 to 1.68 pence per share (2012: 1.27 pence per share)
- 15% increase in profit for the year and total comprehensive income to £4.1m (2012: 3.6m)
- Cash and cash equivalents increase by 13% from £12.3m to £13.9m 42% increase in final dividend proposed to 0.32 pence per share (2012: 0.225 pence per share) resulting in a total dividend of 0.50 pence per share (2012: 0.375 pence p
