The Kansspelautoriteit has published its latest report, outlining the state of the gambling industry in the Netherlands.

According to the KSA, the total number of active players remained more or less the same during the past six months. GGR continued to increase but demonstrated clear signs of slowing down. The regulator said that the market is leveling off.

For reference, GGR for the period from August 2022 to July 2023 was EUR 1.33 billion (around $1.4 million). To represent the slower growth, the KSA noted that between August 2022 and January 2023, GGR increased 33%. However, from January 2023 to August 2023, the recorded growth was only 8%.

The total number of active accounts was 826,000 as of July 2023, representing a slight decline from January 2023 when there were 859,000 active accounts. The KSA, however, noted that the number of accounts isn’t an active representation of the actual number of players.

The KSA estimates that there are 676,000 active players in the country, 417,000 of whom gamble every month. According to the regulator, players wager around €170 a month, based on a new method of calculation.

The KSA Channeled Players toward the Safer Legal Market

The KSA reported that its efforts to channel players toward the legal market are paying off as 93% of the gamblers play with legal operators. This is in line with KSA’s target goal of having 8 in 10 players pick the licensed alternative.

Younger people continue to be interested in gambling, the KSA noted. According to the regulator, they represent 21% of the total number of accounts, although they spend less money per month at €59.

The KSA added that its CRUKS self-exclusion scheme continues to attract new registrations. The authority added that the total number of excluded players has surpassed 50,000.

Finally, the KSA addressed the recently introduced ban on untargeted advertising for online gambling. Since then, only program sponsorships have been broadcast on TV. However, they are also set to be banned on July 1, 2024.

KSA’s chair, René Jansen, addressed the results, saying that they are in line with the regulator’s expectations. In the meantime, Jansen said that operators should be aware of the continued, albeit slower, growth of the market and adjust their responsible gambling efforts accordingly.

Jansen concluded: “The KSA continues to strictly monitor that Dutch players can gamble in a safe market, with sufficient attention to addiction prevention and insight into possible problematic gaming behavior.”

The post KSA Publishes New Industry Report, Says Growth Is Slowing Down appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Boyd Gaming has built upon its substantial 2022 momentum, capitalizing on its diverse and resilient portfolio. Successful launches in new jurisdictions and the further development of existing markets were instrumental in maintaining revenue and EBITDAR growth. Such stellar results put the operator in a comfortable position to consolidate its market position and remain vigilant for new opportunities.

Most Verticals Enjoyed Steady Growth

Q1 revenue of $964 million significantly exceeded Wall Street’s prior estimations of $885.5 million. Such impressive growth marks a 12% year-on-year increase, with other relevant metrics also remaining positive. Despite operating expenses rising by 11.4% and financial income dropping 36% to $25.8 million, the net profit of $199.7 million still marked a 22.4% increase from Q1 2022.

Boyd Gaming’s land-based operations generated $664.3 million in Q1, dropping slightly compared to last year’s $668 million. However, a massive 123.1% increase in online revenue and positive results across food, beverage, and room revenue more than made up for the decline. Boyd president and CEO Keith Smith was pleased with the results and remained optimistic about the company’s prospects.

Our proven business model and experienced team… (give) us confidence in our continued ability to successfully navigate the current economic environment.

Keith Smith, Boyd Gaming president and CEO

According to Smith, the operator’s Q1 results were a testament to the value of its diverse and resilient portfolio and flexible business model. The CEO highlighted the importance of a core customer base and the ability to capitalize on the various non-gaming operations. Boyd’s ongoing success also reflected positively on its share price, delivering quarterly earnings of $1.71 per share.

2023 Should Present Many New Opportunities

The quarterly results may indicate the potential shift in priorities at Boyd. While the company still predominantly profits from its land-based operations, it is paying increasing attention to the booming online sector. A sports betting partnership with FanDuel and its Boyd Interactive iGaming business offers a stable foundation to pursue new growth avenues.

Boyd’s recent expansion into Ohio and Kansas significantly contributed to its Q1 results, as it secured a substantial market share in these lucrative markets. Significant consumer demand for gambling and hospitality services should present further strategic investment opportunities, allowing the company to maintain its leadership position in this highly competitive industry.

The post Boyd Gaming Shows No Signs of Slowing Down, According to Q1 Results appeared first on Keno Wizard.