Bwin.party finishes successful quarter

However, the World Cup had a negative impact on bwin.party’s poker business, which suffered declines in several key markets. The national football team tournament drew much of the betting activity during the period, meaning other bwin.party products suffered as a result.

Although the operator’s casino business was also hit by declines in poker, improved cross-sell from sports betting helped to minimise the overall impact on revenue in the period. Bwin.party’s casino service was also boosted by the launch of 40 new games in June, with the operator planning to release a number of additional third-party and in-house developed games during the second half of 2014.

The company said its bingo business also enjoyed a ‘strong’ performance in the second quarter, retaining its market positions in both the UK and Italy despite having to contend with aggressive marketing campaigns from competitors.

The operator also announced that its mobile/touch offering grew strongly during the period, with the service representing about 21% of gross gaming revenue, up from just 9% in the corresponding period last year.

Norbert Teufelberger, CEO of bwin.party, said: “Trading in the second quarter was mixed with revenue a little softer than expected but clean EBITDA margins were slightly better than expected. “While the decline in the dotcom poker market in the period also affected our casino business, the impact was mitigated by an uplift in player activity in sports betting in nationally regulated and/or taxed markets, largely driven by the FIFA World Cup.

“The UK bingo market has remained highly competitive ahead of the introduction of a point of consumption tax later this year, but our Foxy Bingo brand has maintained a leadership position and our new mobile offering has been well received.”

Bwin.party will release its half-year results on August 29.