11 August 2022

                                                                                                                                                    

Entain plc

("Entain" or the "Group")

 

Robust H1 performance with strategic focus on broader customer appeal delivering record level of actives

Launch of Entain CEE and acquisition of SuperSport in Croatia

 

Entain plc (LSE: ENT), the global sports-betting, gaming and interactive entertainment group, today reports its Interim Results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2022 ("H1"). 

 

Strategic progress

·      Group's strategic focus on a broader recreational customer base delivering record level of actives, up 57% versus H1 2019, and higher quality earnings

·      Greater customer engagement driven by innovative new products and enriched experiences

·      Further geographic expansion with five transactions this year to date consistent with our strategy of expanding into regulated markets

o   Creation of Entain CEE and acquisition of SuperSport announced separately today, provides a strategic springboard to unlock the clear expansion opportunity in Central and Eastern Europe ("CEE")

o   Acquisition in June of BetCity in the Netherlands to deliver growth in the newly regulated Dutch market

o   Completion of Avid Gaming (Canada), Klondaika (Latvia) and Totolotek (Poland) transactions

·      Ongoing ESG leadership and further progress made across our Sustainability Charter

o   Expansion of Advanced Responsibility & Care ("ARC^TM ") player protection trials into international markets

o   Founding partner of Global Gaming Alliance ("GGA"), awarded GamCare's Advanced Safer Gambling Standard, and received numerous awards for safer gambling, including from S&P, SBC & EGR

o   Pitching-In Volunteer Hub for the UK Trident Leagues launched to connect volunteers and local clubs

o   Appointment of Rahul Welde as an independent Non-Executive Director

 

Financial highlights

 

·      Robust Group performance during H1, reflecting the diversified business model and underlying momentum of the online business

·      Total Group net gaming revenue ("NGR") growth of 18% (+18%cc²)

o   Online NGR down 7% (-7%cc²) reflecting strong prior year comparators driven by Covid lockdowns, temporary closure in the Netherlands, affordability measures in the UK and customers responding to the economic backdrop

§ Excluding the Netherlands, NGR was down -3%cc²

§ Strong underlying momentum with H1 Online NGR 3yr CAGR up 13%cc²

·      Retail perfomance ahead of expectations with a more interactive digital experience across gaming machines and betting terminals driving greater customer engagement

·      BetMGM continues to perform strongly and is on track to deliver FY22 NGR of over $1.3bn

o H1 NGR of $608m, 65% ahead of 2021

o Established number two operator with 23%⁷ market share where BetMGM operates (excluding New York)

o Consistent leading iGaming operator with 30%⁷ market share

o Reiterate expectation to reach positive EBITDA during 2023^,8

·      Group EBITDA^4,5 up 17% at £471m

·      Group profit after tax from continuing operations £28m, down £63m

·      FY 2022 Group EBITDA^4,5,9 expected to be in the range of £925m to £975m, in line with current consensus¹⁰

·      New progressive dividend policy announced:

o  Full year payment of £100m split evenly between Interim and Full Year

o  Interim dividend of 8.5p per share  

·      Net Debt of £2,210m at 30 June 2022, with net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.3x reflecting continued investment in growth opportunities

 

Jette Nygaard-Andersen, CEO of Entain, commented:

"We continue to make excellent progress on our strategic priorities, with momentum in our business remaining strong as a result of putting the customer at the heart of everything we do.  I am delighted that more customers are choosing to play with us as we focus on providing them with even better products, engaging content and exciting experiences.  This has resulted in our highest ever level of actives in H1, up 57% versus the same period two years ago.  Not only is this approach great for our customers, but it also provides us with a broader, more recreational customer base that will support more sustainable long-term revenues.

Underpinned by the Entain platform, we continue to expand our growth opportunities, and have already announced five transactions so far this year.  This includes today's announcement of an innovative growth strategy for Central and Eastern Europe, starting with the acquisition of SuperSport in Croatia.  In the US, BetMGM goes from strength to strength and continues to demonstrate its market leadership with a 23%⁷ market share.

We continue to lead our industry on responsibility and sustainability as we deliver further progress on our Sustainability Charter.  ARC™ continues to be rolled out into international markets and our efforts have been recognised in the UK and internationally with awards from GamCare, S&P, SBC as well as our inclusion in the Global Sustainability Yearbook 2022.

As ever, I would like to thank each and every one of our talented colleagues around the world for their hard work and dedication in helping deliver these results. We have established a meaningful runway for sustainable and high-quality growth.  While we remain vigilant to the consumer backdrop, our geographic and product diversity provides resilience which, together with our proven ability to drive superior returns, gives us confidence that we will continue to deliver benefits for our stakeholders." 

 

Group	20221,3	20213	Change	CC2
Six months to 30 June	£m	£m	%	%
Net gaming revenue (NGR)	2,117.6	1,792.6	18%	18%
Revenue	2,094.9	1,767.0	19%	19%
Gross profit	1,327.8	1,136.3	17%
Underlying EBITDAR4,5	480.1	410.5	17%
Underlying EBITDA4,5	471.0	401.1	17%
Underlying operating profit5	246.5	205.6	20%
Underlying profit before tax5	152.4	246.7
Profit after tax	28.1	90.9
Basic EPS (p)	5.1	13.8
Adjusted diluted EPS6 (p)	29.3	18.5
Adjusted diluted EPS excl US6 (p)	47.6	31.7
Dividend per share (p)	8.5	-

 

Dividend

Recognising the importance of dividends to shareholders, the strength of the operational performance of the business and our future prospects, the Group is implementing a new dividend policy. 

The Board is proposing a progressive dividend, starting with a total dividend of £100m for the Financial Year to 31 December 2022, to be paid to shareholders in equal instalments in respect of the H1 and FY results.

The interim dividend of £50m (8.5p per share) in respect of the H1 2022 results announced today is expected to be paid in September 2022 to shareholders on register on 19 August 2022.

Outlook

Entain's first half performance reflects the underlying strength of our business model underpinned by our growth and sustainability strategy.  The Group's momentum remains strong and our outlook for the balance of the year is unchanged with FY 2022 Group EBITDA^4,5,9 expected to be in the range of £925m to £975m, in line with current consensus¹⁰.  The economic environment remains uncertain in many of our markets, however we remain confident that our customer focus, increasing diversification and proven ability to deliver growth will see us deliver further progress for all stakeholders.

 

Notes

(1)   2022 reported numbers are unaudited

(2)   Growth on a constant currency basis calculated by translating 2022 and 2021 performances at 2022 exchange rates

(3)   Reflecting the results of continuing operations

(4)   EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, rent and associated costs, share based payments and share of JV income. EBITDA is defined as EBITDAR after charging rent and associated costs.

(5)   Stated pre separately disclosed items

(6)   Adjusted for the impact of separately disclosed items, foreign exchange movements on financial indebtedness and losses/gains on derivative financial instruments (see note 8 in the interim financial statements)

(7)   BetMGM market shares for the three month period to May 2022, in markets in which BetMGM operates, excluding New York

(8)   Based on current assumption of future live markets

(9)   References to profit expectations are made on a reported basis post IFRS 16 implementation

(10) Current consensus as compiled by Entain, incorporating published analysts forecasts updated after 7 July 2022

 

Enquiries:

Investor Relations - Entain plc David Lloyd-Seed, Chief IR & Communications Officer Davina Hobbs, Head of Investor Relations Callum Sims, IR Manager	investors@entaingroup.com david.lloyd-seed@entaingroup.com davina.hobbs@entaingroup.com callum.sims@entaingroup.com
Media - Entain plc Lisa Attenborough, Head of Corporate Communications Jay Dossetter, Head of ESG and Press Office Jodie Hitch, PR Manager	media@entaingroup.com lisa.attenborough@entaingroup.com jay.dossetter@entaingroup.com Jodie.hitch@entaingroup.com
Powerscourt Rob Greening/Nick Hayns/Sam Austrums	Tel: +44 (0) 20 7250 1446 entain@powerscourt-group.com

 

 

H1 Conference Call & Webcast

The H1 2022 results presentation for analysts and investors will be held today, Thursday 11^th August at 9:00am GMT.  Participants may join via webcast or conference call dial in, approximately 15 minutes ahead of the event.

Live webcast link: https://brrmedia.news/ENTH12022

To participate in the Q&A, please also connect via the conference call dial in details.

UK                     +44 (0) 33 0551 0202

US                     +1 646 843 4609

Access Code:    4493388

 

The presentation slides will be accessible on our website shortly before the event. A replay and transcript will be available afterwards; https://entaingroup.com/investor-relations/results-centre/

 

Upcoming dates:

Q3 Trading update:        11 October 2022

Entain Sustain:              19 October 2022

 

Dividend Timetable

Announcement date:      11 August 2022

Ex-Dividend date          18 August 2022

Record date:                 19 August 2022

Payment date:               22 September 2022

 

Forward-looking statements

This document contains certain statements that are forward-looking statements. They appear in a number of places throughout this document and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations and those of our officers, directors and employees concerning, amongst other things, results of our operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the business we operate. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. By their nature, these statements involve risks and uncertainties since future events and circumstances can cause results and developments to differ materially from those anticipated. Any such forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this document. Other than in accordance with its legal or regulatory obligations (including under the Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014), the Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and the Prospectus Rules), the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements. Nothing in this document should be construed as a profit forecast. The Company and its directors accept no liability to third parties in respect of this document save as would arise under English law.

 

About Entain plc

Entain plc (LSE: ENT) is a FTSE100 company and a leading global sports-betting, gaming and interactive entertainment group, operating both online and in the retail sector. The Group owns a comprehensive portfolio of established brands; Sports Brands include bwin, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds, Sportingbet and Sports Interaction; Gaming Brands include CasinoClub, Foxy Bingo, Gala, GiocoDigitale, Ninja Casino, Optibet, Partypoker and PartyCasino. The Group operates a proprietary platform across core product verticals and in addition to its B2C operations provides services to a number of third-party customers on a B2B basis.

The Group has a 50/50 joint venture, BetMGM, a leader in sports betting and iGaming in the US. Entain provides the technology and capabilities which power BetMGM as well as exclusive games and products, specially developed at its in-house gaming studios. The Group is tax resident in the UK with operations in over 30 regulated or regulating territories. Entain is a leader in ESG, a member of FTSE4Good, the DJSI and is AA rated by MSCI. The Group has set a science-based target, committing to be carbon net zero by 2035 and through the Entain Foundation supports a variety of initiatives, focusing on safer gambling, grassroots sport, diversity in technology and community projects.

For more information see the Group's website: www.entaingroup.com

LEI: 213800GNI3K45LQR8L28

 

 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW

Entain is a customer-focused growth business delivering profitable and sustainable returns for our stakeholders. Our core strategic pillars of growth and sustainability will enable us to deliver our ambition of being the world leader in betting, gaming and interactive entertainment.

Our purpose 'to bring moments of excitement into people's lives' is underpinned by our unwavering focus on putting customers at the heart of everything we do.  It is this driving force that has enabled us to continue to deliver a richer, more engaging experience for customers as demonstrated by the record level of actives we now have. 

Our ongoing leadership of the industry in player protection, responsibility and sustainability, ensures that together with our powerful Entain platform we can continue to drive sustainable growth in our core markets across the world. 

 

Customer centricity powered by Entain's platform

Our Entain platform is at the heart of our business and provides unique competitive advantages.  It powers and enables our growth, provides us with customer insight and analysis and drives value creation for our stakeholders.  Understanding our customers better through insight, analysis and research empowers us to act and think differently, be flexible, be agile, be bold.  It underpins our customer centric approach in delivering responsible and engaging entertainment.

Our platform enables us to execute and deliver against our two strategic pillars of growth and sustainability.

 

Growth

Entain is a growth business.  Our strategic growth pillar provides us with an exciting opportunity for many years to come as dynamics within our markets support continued growth, we expand into new regulated markets and across new audiences. 

The four pillars of our growth strategy that continue to deliver value to our stakeholders are; grow presence in our core markets; leadership in the US; expand into new regulated markets - both organically and via M&A; and extend into new interactive entertainment experiences.  We aim to lead in our markets by providing customers with great experiences and engaging products and services. 

We believe these opportunities will treble the size of our addressable markets over the long-term to almost $170bn.

 

Growth from our core markets

Our operations span over 30 regulated or regulating territories and we have established leading positions in each of our key markets.  With growth dynamics built into these markets, Entain has a long runway for growth driven by our Entain platform.  Our diversified business model, encompassing both digital and retail operations, as well as geographic breadth and product range, provides relative resilience, enabling Entain to adapt and evolve with changing customer behaviours to deliver earnings with greater stability and of a higher quality.

The markets in which we operate today are expected to grow by mid to high single digit compound over the medium term.

Our Retail operations performed strongly during the first half of 2022. Post Covid and its associated lockdowns, customers are re-engaging with the more interactive experience our shops provide with volumes ahead of pre-Covid levels. Total Retail NGR in H1 was up +244%cc¹ on a like for like ("LFL")⁴ basis versus the same period in 2021. 

In the UK, the strong results are driven by the continued digitalisation of our shop offering as we provide customers with an even better in-store experience, with both gaming machines and self-service betting terminals ("SSBT's") both seeing very strong performance.  Our gaming machines have secured the widest range of exclusive content which, alongside our own in-house games, provides customers with an unrivalled in-store experience. Our proprietary Group BetStation solution, enables us to provide customers with a more interactive in-store experience on betting terminals, similar to that online.  This is resulting in a broader customer audience as well as unlocking markets and interests not typically seen in-store before. 

In some regions of Europe, due to the various lingering Covid restrictions, our shops have been slower to recover, but in Italy volumes are now back to pre-pandemic levels. The value of our omnichannel approach continues to be evident as we outperformed online-only competitors in Online in Italy.  

In Online, NGR in the first half was down -7% (-7%cc¹) reflecting very strong prior year comparatives driven by Covid lockdowns, the delayed Euro 2020 tournament and trading in the Netherlands ahead of the temporary closure due to the licensing process.  Excluding the Netherlands Online NGR was -3%cc¹ in H1.

During the first half, our Online operations faced several headwinds, with lower than expected growth in Brazil due to increased competition ahead of regulation and the impact of tighter affordability measures in the UK.  In Q2, we also saw our increasingly recreational customer base responding to the changing macro environment and inflationary fears by moderating spend per head across the UK and parts of Europe.

In spite of these, our strategic approach and varied initiatives to drive customer engagement resulted in our highest ever level of actives, up +57% versus H1 2019.  These initiatives included new advertising campaigns in the UK and Australia, new live gaming products, social gaming experiences and increased media content further enabled us to engage with a broader recreational customer base.

In the UK, NGR in H1 was -15% behind the prior year. 2021 comparators were particularly strong for UK sports brands due to a fuller sports calendar, including the delayed Euro 2020 football tournament. Similarly, our UK Gaming brands NGR eased from a Covid boosted 2021. We do however continue to expand our recreational audience, attracting and retaining record customer levels. This engagement has been driven by innovative marketing campaigns and fresh product releases, enhancing our offering and customer experience.  Our brand revitalisation and repositioning continued with Coral launching the UK's first 3D betting and gaming advertisement as part of our 'Your Horse' campaign on the Piccadilly Square screens ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. Customers have responded well to new product releases including Ladbrokes live game show 'Well Well Well' and Coral's first free to play roulette tournament.  Throughout H1, monthly average actives were 7% ahead of 2021 with UK NGR has grown at 10% on a 3 year CAGR basis, a clear demonstration of our ongoing and increasingly recreational customer base.

Our Australian business continues to go from strength to strength with excellent performances from both the Ladbrokes and Neds brands throughout the first half.  Despite lapping strong 2021 comparators, NGR grew +19% (+20%cc¹) year on year, with actives up +8%.  The team continues to deliver a fresh and differentiated customer experience through our unique content, innovative social player products and a leading player sustainability offering.  In addition to new campaigns across both brands, Ladbrokes launched the Mates Mode product during the first half which enables customers to chat, share and bet together, all within the Ladbrokes app. This has driven tremendous engagement so far and is seeing a strong uptake in multi products. Our recently announced partnership with Racing.com, the leading free to air broadcaster in Australia, further embeds us as the first choice for racing enthusiasts with an expanded content and media offering driving brand awareness and engagement.  This partnership launched in July coincided with the release of our innovative live racing vision product available across both Ladbrokes and Neds.

Online NGR for H1 in Italy was -12%cc¹ versus 2021, reflecting the strong prior year comparators, but up 26%cc¹ on a 3 year CAGR basis. The value of the omni-channel approach continues to be evidenced by the relative outperformance versus pure online operators and through the strength of our Italian Retail estate performance.  During the first half bwin and GiocoDigitale delivered a number of new products and experiences which further drove customer engagement, increasing actives.    

Enlabs in the Baltics continues to perform well, despite the significant inflationary pressures being experienced in the region.  Actives were up +24% on a proforma basis for H1 whilst NGR was up +18%cc¹ on a proforma basis.  Enlabs continues to benefit from Entain's content, product and marketing expertise. Having redesigned the Optibet brand user experience customers also now benefit from a broader offering, such as the inclusion of partypoker product driving increased poker NGR. 

Crystalbet continues to deliver strong performance and again held its position as the leading operator in the Georgian market.  With new regulation impacting the business in 2022, revenues were down by -9%cc¹ in the first half, however the strength of our operations and brand see the business well positioned to outperform the market.

In Germany, the market continues to settle into the new regulatory regime.  Challenges of an uneven operating landscape remain with the lack of regulatory enforcement continuing to weigh.  However, we are encouraged that the new regulator has signalled that it will take action against unregulated operations and some operators have already withdrawn from the market.  Sports licences have also seen the impending deposit limits now enforced from 1^st July.  We remain positive on the long-term prospects for the German market and expect it to settle down as regulatory oversight is enforced.  We have continued to differentiate bwin's offer with a number of products and enhancements, and the brand through our long-term partnership with UEFA, the German Football Association, the German women's football team and multiple Bundesliga clubs.  

In Brazil, we continue to perform strongly with our Sportingbet brand.  Whilst the business continues to deliver impressive growth, greater than expected competition across H1 saw lower growth than anticipated, albeit with NGR +38%cc¹ and actives growth +44% year on year.  The strength of our Sportingbet brand, product quality and operational expertise enables us to perform ahead of the market, putting our operations in Brazil in a very strong position ahead of regulation of sports betting expected later this year, with gaming potentially following thereafter. Our brands elsewhere across the Latin American region continue to perform in-line with expectations and we see the region as an exciting market for further growth opportunities.

The consolidation of our Party brands onto our One Party enables the business continues to differentiate its offering with live tournaments as well as promoting our brand strength with initiatives like our McLaren partnership, driving greater recreational player activity and broader audience engagement.

Leadership in the US 

Following a strong performance in the first half of 2022, delivering NGR of $608m, BetMGM remains on track to deliver over $1.3bn of NGR in 2022.

BetMGM is firmly established as a leading operator in the US market and continues to go from strength to strength.  BetMGM's success is built on the industry leading technology and capabilities of the Entain platform, coupled with MGM Resorts' iconic brand, resorts and experiences.  This winning formula provides customers with a unique range of exclusive products and experiences, differentiating BetMGM's offer as well as creating significant long term financial and competitive advantages.

BetMGM hosted its second business update in May 2022, with CEO Adam Greenblatt and his team providing a review of operational progress, detail and colour on the market, customer behaviours and the regulatory outlook.  Additionally, they further outlined those competitive advantages that BetMGM enjoys and how this underpins its success now and for the long term. A replay of that presentation can be found on our website at www.entaingroup.com/investor-relations/results-centre.

The online sports betting and iGaming market in North America continues to be extremely healthy, and BetMGM upgraded their estimate for total addressable market size to around $37bn over the long-term, reflecting positive changes in the legislative outlook for sports betting across North America, including the most populous state in the US, California.  Performance of key metrics to date reinforces our long-term expectations of player values for both sports betting and iGaming, and while growth in player participation has been impressive, penetration has a long way to go, providing a tremendous runway for future growth.

BetMGM is now live in 23 markets, having delivered four new launches (New York, Louisiana, Puerto Rico and Illinois) since the start of the year, as well as going live on day one in Ontario, Canada for both online sports betting and iGaming.  BetMGM retains its lead in iGaming and continues to build its sports betting position across its markets, with a 23%² share in the markets where it operates for the three months to May 2022. This excludes New York, where due to the unfavourable tax environment BetMGM have taken a strategic decision to focus attention on other markets where there are significantly greater economic returns. 

Our flexible, innovative and unique engagement strategy provides BetMGM with one of the widest customer access models coupled with best in class channel optimisation, lower costs and greater returns.  For example, in addition to MGM Resorts' retail presence and footprint, which sees thousands of customer and brand interactions each day.  In financial terms, the benefits of omnichannel are clear - CPAs are over 70% lower than our average and predicted player value is 1.9x higher. The ROI is therefore 6.5x better than our other marketing channels alone.  BetMGM recently signed exclusive partnerships with Carnival Corporation to offer BetMGM on board cruise ships, as well as with Sony Pictures and IGT for a Wheel of Fortune branded gaming experience

Maintaining financial discipline despite such rapid growth is facilitated by BetMGM's commercial components: brand, omnichannel, CRM and personalisation.  There has been some rationalisation of behaviours and unsustainable competitive intensity, operators are increasingly focused on the path to profitability and delivering returns for their stakeholders. However, we expect key sporting events such as the NFL season launch, Super Bowl and March Madness to continue to attract elevated promotional activity. BetMGM are already achieving positive contribution in several markets, some within 12 months of opening and feel confident to reiterate expectations of reaching positive EBITDA during 2023³.

The significant momentum and differentiated approach that leverages the Entain platform, sees BetMGM firmly on track to realising its ambition of being a leader in the US sports-betting and iGaming market with a 20-25% share and long-term EBITDA margin of over 30%.

 

Expand into new markets

There are significant growth opportunities across the globe with over 50 regulated markets representing around $40 billion in long term gross gaming revenues where we are not currently present.  We have a strong track record of successful acquisition, integration and value creation through M&A and so far in 2022 have announced five transactions: Avid Gaming in Canada; Klondaika in Latvia; Totolotek in Poland; BetCity in the Netherlands; and, today, the creation of Entain CEE and acquisition of SuperSport in Croatia.

We have today made a separate announcement regarding the establishment of Entain CEE.  This is owned 75% by Entain, and 25% by EMMA Capital.  In addition, Entain CEE is acquiring SuperSport, the leader in the Croatian betting and gaming market. 

Entain CEE is acquiring 100% of SuperSport for an initial consideration of €800m, of which €600m is payable in cash by Entain on completion, which is expected to take place in Q4.  There are further potential payments to Emma Capital based on the performance of the business through to 2024.

SuperSport has 54% market share in the regulated Croatian market, with 85% of revenue coming from online.  It has delivered consistently strong financial performance, with compound annual growth from 2016 to 2021, of 16.6% for revenue and 20.8% for EBITDA, underpinned by healthy EBITDA margins.  The transaction is expected to be mid-to-single digit earnings accretive in the first full year.

Entain CEE provides a springboard to expand across the CEE region, combining Entain's global expertise, industry leading industry capabilities and capital together with the regional knowledge and connectivity of EMMA Capital, overlaid the expert regional operational knowledge of local acquisitions and their management teams starting with SuperSport.  Entain CEE will be led by Radim Haluza, the CEO of Supersport and a highly experienced and capable individual within the industry

These acquisitions deliver quality brands and leading market positions in highly attractive, growing and regulated markets.

We continue to explore both organic and M&A prospects across growing regulated markets including Latin and Central America and Central and Eastern Europe, that will drive further value for shareholders.

Engaging new audiences and entertainment experiences

Technology is changing consumer behaviour giving users more choice, enabling new social and community experiences and opening up to new growth opportunities.  At Entain, we've always embraced the opportunity to innovate, listening to customers and interpreting deep data insights to meet their changing needs in rapidly evolving markets.  We know that customers not only want more content and more engagement but also seek differentiated, fresh and exciting experiences.  We continue to see increasing convergence of interactive entertainment and media towards traditional betting and gaming experiences and are excited to be building that future for our customers.

In addition to broadening the engagement within our existing offering, Entain continues to enhance the customer experience and appeal that enables us to benefit from powerful flywheel effects that not only grow our customer base but reduce acquisition cost, lower churn and improve returns.  Across markets like the UK, Australia and Germany our customers have enjoyed richer content as well as engaging media around our sports offering with our F1 collaboration with McLaren, Coral's latest episodes of Against the Odds with ITV as well as Neds and Ladbrokes Australia's live racing channels. These new initiatives have driven improved engagement, retention and brand association and we aim to continue to invest in these areas for our customers.

Our acquisition of UNIKRN provides access to the nascent esports wagering market.  We remain extremely excited by the opportunity.  Ahead of the launch expected later this year, we have been working to evolve the product portfolio, whilst liaising with partners and regulators to develop an appropriate framework fulfilling both customer experience and player enjoyment alongside protection structures required for a sustainable long-term market.

Through our Ennovate hub, we are investing in research and development and exploring new technologies, both internally and through external partnerships in order to meet the evolving needs of current and future customers.

 

Sustainability

Sustainability is the second of our twin strategic pillars and is at the heart of everything we do.  We firmly believe that the most sustainable business will be the most successful business in our industry.  Paired with our strategic growth priorities, our strategic sustainability pillar is underpinned by our Sustainability Charter with its four core principles clearly defined: an exclusive focus on regulated markets; continuing to take the lead on responsible betting and gaming; best in class corporate governance; and investing in our people and local communities.

We continue to strive to meet, and exceed the highest standards in everything we do, from the way we run our business to the way we support our colleagues, our customers and our communities. 

 

Focus on regulated markets

Entain is currently licensed in over 30 countries, and that number will continue to rise through a combination of positive regulatory developments as well as our expansion into new already regulated countries.  Operating in a well-structured regulatory regime enables us to deliver higher quality earnings with greater certainty and sustainability of earnings as we continue to grow and expand the footprint of our future opportunities. 

Entain has already made significant progress towards our commitment to only operate in regulated markets by the end of 2023.  At the end of 2021, the percentage of NGR from regulated or regulating markets was almost 100% with Brazil, Canada and the Netherlands being the most significant in the process of regulating.

Entain ceased trading in the Netherlands from 1 October 2021 whilst awaiting confirmation of the licensing approval for bwin and Party brands, which is now expected during the second half of the year.  The acquisition of BetCity, expected to complete in Q4 2022, secures immediate access with a leading position in the newly regulated Dutch market.

In April 2022, licenses for online sport betting and gaming were awarded in Ontario, Canada with bwin and party brands both being licensed.

We engage openly and proactively with regulators to support a well-structured and robust regulatory environment that balances the highest regulatory standards, the responsibility of appropriate player protections whilst upholding customer freedoms and right of choice.  At Entain we offer first class player protection through our industry leading technology platform, while upholding all licensing objectives, across multiple jurisdictions. 

In the UK, we continue to wait for the publication of the White Paper outlining the review of the regulatory framework in the 2005 Gambling Act.  The current disruption to Government and ongoing leadership contest, has seen the postponement of any publication to the Autumn. The newly appointed Prime Minister will take office on 5^th September and will then appoint the Cabinet, after which policy work will continue. Along with other industry operators we continue to actively engage with appropriate parties in order to help find a balance between protecting a minority who are at risk while supporting a healthy entertainment experience as well as an environment that is commercially viable for operators and surrounding reliant industries.

 

Lead on responsibility

Responsibility continues to be a significant part of our sustainability approach.  We continue with the development and implementation of our industry leading Advanced Responsibility and Care (ARC^TM) programme.  ARC^TM has now been implemented in our UK brands and operations, with the platform's international roll-out already underway.

We continue to see an accuracy rating of over 90% across our algorithms, and our combination of automated systems and real time interceptors are achieving real traction, with 91% of those customers with the highest risk, setting a limit within seven days of interaction with ARC^TM.

To reflect its importance to the business, we have now included the effectiveness of ARC^TM in our Group wide remuneration policy, specifically targeting a safer customer experience through wider use of player protection tools.

Our Gamble Responsibly America app is the first of its kind in the US; being free, unbranded and with no commercial benefit to Entain or BetMGM.  Produced alongside EPIC Risk Management and RG24/7, both partners with the Entain Foundation US, collaborate on educational projects hosted by experts in the field.  The app features a series of educational resources and tools to support those at risk of, or facing, gambling related harm.  It also offers assets and information to help people game responsibly and provides guidance for those individuals potentially struggling with problem gambling.

 

Best in class corporate governance

As an industry leader, we are committed to the highest standards of governance in all areas of our operations.  This commitment to best practice is delivered through a robust framework of oversight and control.

Rahul Welde was appointed as independent Non-Executive Director, effective from 1st July 2022. Rahul brings a wealth of digital consumer and ecommerce experience from over 30 years working in the global FCMG sector. Peter Isola stepped down as Non-Executive Director on 21st March 2022.

The Board now consists of the Chairman, three Executive Directors and seven independent Non-Executive Directors, with female Directors making up 36% of the Board's membership.  The Board remains committed to the view that an inclusive and diverse membership results in optimal decision-making.  To support this, we have developed a Board Diversity Policy, which is available on our website.

In line with our objective to operate best-in-class corporate governance, we commissioned Alvarez & Marsal to conduct an independent comprehensive review of the Group's governance and compliance practises. A summary of the results of the review are included in our Annual Report and ESG Report for 2021-22, published on 8th June 2022   www.entaingroup.com/sustainability/esg-policy-statements.  

Best place to work and investing in our people and communities

Our vision is to create the best place to work where our colleagues feel valued, respected, and engaged.  We are on a journey to revolutionise the betting and gaming industry and be the employer of choice for all talented people.  We launched an Inclusion Ambassadors programme with 30 representatives across our global footprint. We have invested in educating Entain's senior leaders on the importance of diversity and inclusion and in the process of reaching our wider colleague-base with Global Inclusion Learning, a new interactive and immersive training programme delivered by 50 facilitators across the business.  

Reducing our impact on the environment is a core tenet of our commitment to sustainability and we have successfully reduced our carbon emissions by 15% between 2018 to 2021.  Last year we committed to becoming Net Zero for carbon emissions by 2035 - 15 years ahead of the target set by the Paris Agreement on climate change.  Having joined the Science Based Target initiative we are in the process of formally agreeing our Net Zero targeting path.  

Our two Foundations - the Entain Foundation and the Entain Foundation US, continue to support research into problem gambling and education initiatives that align with our sustainability ambitions as well as investing into local communities and grass roots sports across our key markets. In November 2021, we launched EnTrain, an initiative to positively impact one million people through education in technology by the end of the decade. This builds on our partnerships with organisations such as Girls Who Code, the international non-profit body working to close the gender gap in technology and redefine the image of what a programmer does.  The Entain Foundation is looking to build on these partnerships throughout 2022.

The Entain Foundation continues to invest in grassroots sports through its Pitching In programme.  In July, the Group extended its partnership with the Pitching In Trident Leagues comprising 248 clubs and over 15,000 community based non-league football players. In addition to funding the operation of the leagues, the core objective of the partnership is to promote community engagement between the clubs and their local areas.  As such, the Foundation is the Founding partner in the Trident Community Fund, which enables clubs to run community engagement projects.  In May 2022, we launched the Pitching In Volunteer Hub, a unique online platform that enables every Trident League Club to easily connect with potential volunteers.  In addition, we continue our long term-collaboration with SportsAid, the UK based sports charity, through which we sponsor and provide personal development coaching to 50 young athletes each year.  We have also internationalised our investment in grassroots sport with new projects funded in Austria, Italy, Greece and Colombia.

In Canada, having acquired Avid Gaming and its Sports Interaction brand, we are building on their unique relationship to support the socioeconomic efforts of the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke through our Mohawk Online agreement.

Notes

(1)   Growth on a constant currency basis calculated by translating 2022 and 2021 performances at 2022 exchange rates

(2)   BetMGM market shares for the three month period to May 2022, in markets in which BetMGM operates, excluding New York

(3)   Based on current assumption of future live markets

(4)   Retail operates in UK, Italy, Belgium and Republic of Ireland.  Retail numbers are quoted on a LFL basis. During H1 2022, there were an average of 4,317 shops/outlets in the estate, compared to an average of 4,612 during H1 2021

 

 

 

Financial Results and the use of non-GAAP measures

 

The Group's statutory financial information is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) pronouncements as adopted for use in the European Union.  In addition to the statutory information provided, management have also provided additional information in the form of Contribution, EBITDAR and EBITDA as these metrics are industry standard KPIs which help facilitate the understanding of the Group's performance in comparison to its peers.  A full reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures is provided within the Income Statement and supporting memo.

 

BUSINESS REVIEW

Group

Six months to 30 June	20221	2021	Change	CC2
	£m	£m	%	%
NGR	2,117.6	1,792.6	18%	18%
VAT/GST	(22.7)	(25.6)	11%	10%
Revenue	2,094.9	1,767.0	19%	19%
Gross profit	1,327.8	1,136.3	17%
Contribution	1,025.5	827.8	24%
Operating costs	(545.4)	(417.3)	(31%)
Underlying EBITDAR3	480.1	410.5	17%
Rent and associated costs	(9.1)	(9.4)	3%
Underlying EBITDA3	471.0	401.1	17%
Share based payments	(5.2)	(6.6)	21%
Underlying depreciation and amortisation	(113.2)	(109.9)	(3%)
Share of JV/Associate (loss)	(106.1)	(79.0)	(34%)
Underlying operating profit4	246.5	205.6	20%

Revenue increased by 19% (19%cc²) to £2,094.9m in H1 driven by a strong performance in Retail following prior year lockdowns partially offset by a -7%cc² decline in Online NGR as we lap strong prior year comparators due to Covid lockdowns, Euro 2020 and prior year trading in the Netherlands.  Whilst Online NGR was down on the prior year, the underlying health of the business remains particularly strong with active customer numbers in H1 higher than they have ever been.  

Contribution of £1,025.5m was 24% higher than last year, with a contribution margin of 48.4%, 2.2pp higher than 2021 due to a higher Retail segmental mix.  Operating costs (before rent) were 31% higher leaving underlying EBITDA³ of £471.0m, 17% higher than the prior year.

Share based payment charges were £1.4m lower than last year, while underlying depreciation and amortisation was 3% higher as a result of current year and the annualisation of prior year acquisitions.  Share of JV losses includes a loss of £108.6m (2021: £78.2m) relating to BetMGM, which is in line with our expectations.  Group underlying operating profit⁴ of £246.5m was 20% ahead of 2021.  After charging separately disclosed items of £112.9m (2021: £116.1m), operating profit of £133.6m was £44.1m higher than in 2021.

 

Online

Six months to 30 June	20221	2021	Change	CC2
	£m	£m	%	%
Sports wagers	6,881.8	7,077.3	(3%)	(3%)
Sports margin	12.8%	13.1%	(0.3pp)	(0.3pp)
Sports NGR	702.9	751.1	(6%)	(6%)
Gaming NGR	752.7	825.9	(9%)	(9%)
B2B NGR	15.1	10.6	42%	54%
Total NGR	1,470.7	1,587.6	(7%)	(7%)
VAT/GST	(22.7)	(25.6)	11%	10%
Revenue	1,448.0	1,562.0	(7%)	(7%)
Gross profit	886.1	989.1	(10%)
Contribution	587.3	683.8	(14%)
Contribution margin	39.9%	43.1%	(3.2pp)
Operating costs	(201.9)	(187.1)	(8%)
Underlying EBITDAR3	385.4	496.7	(22%)
Rent and associated costs	(0.7)	(0.8)	13%
Underlying EBITDA3	384.7	495.9	(22%)
Share based payments	(1.3)	(3.5)	63%
Underlying depreciation and amortisation	(57.2)	(56.9)	(1%)
Share of JV/Associate income	1.8	-	-
Underlying operating profit4	328.0	435.5	(25%)

Online NGR of £1,470.7m was -7% (-7%cc²) behind last year as a result of the very strong comparatives in 2021 when much of Europe remained in Covid related lockdowns, the delayed Euro 2020 took place and our Netherlands operation continued to trade before its temporary closure on 1 October 2021 whilst we await licenses being granted.  Excluding the Netherlands, NGR was -3% behind year on year.

Underlying performance remains strong, and the first half represents a 3 year CAGR of 13%cc² (+14%cc² in Q1 and +11%cc² in Q2), demonstrating our ability to deliver long-term sustainable growth.  We are also delighted that our Q2 performance is underpinned by the highest levels of active players ever recorded, the result of our continued focus on recreational players and putting the customer at the heart of everything we do.

Underlying EBITDAR³ for the half of £385.4m and underlying EBITDA³ of £384.7m were -22% behind 2021. Underlying operating profit⁴ of £328.0m was -25% behind and, after charging separately disclosed items of £50.5m (2021: £92.6m), operating profit was £277.5m, £65.4m lower than 2021.

In the UK, NGR was -15%cc² behind 2021 as prior year lockdowns, tighter affordability measures and customers responding to economic pressures impacted year on year comparisons.  Despite the reduction in NGR, we continue to attract and retain record numbers of customers through our innovative marketing campaigns and exciting product releases.  Examples during the half include Coral's 3D advert in Piccadilly Square, our new Gala Bingo brand campaign, as well as successful product releases like Ladbrokes live 'Well Well Well' game and Coral's first free to play roulette tournament. Monthly average actives throughout H1 were 7% ahead of 2021, whilst UK Online NGR grew at 10% on a 3year CAGR basis. We are pleased to see our UK NGR, across both online and retail, up +33% versus 2021, illustrating the strength of our brands and the benefits of the Group's multi-channel approach.  

In Australia, we expect to have once again gained market share in the first half with NGR +20%cc² ahead of the prior year. Our local team deliver this strong performance through differentiating our brands and expanding the customer experience.  Recently announced changes to the tax regimes in New South Wales and Queensland will impact our business from H2 and 2023 respectively.  Given the scale and strength of our business in Australia, we are confident in our ability to mitigate a proportion of the incremental tax impact.

In Italy, 2022 H1 NGR across the three major brands was -12%cc² behind 2021 given the tough prior year comparators but +26%cc² ahead on a 3 year CAGR basis.  The omnichannel appeal of Eurobet continues to benefit the business, with year on year growth across Italy online and retail at +31%cc².

In Germany, NGR was -19%cc² behind 2021 reflecting the lack of regulatory oversight creating an unlevel playing field post implementation of the tolerance regime.  However, we remain confident in the prospects for the market in Germany.  We expect that gaming licences will be issued shortly, bringing greater enforcement and allowing the Group to reposition itself as a leading operator in a fully regulated environment.  

NGR in Brazil, was +38%cc² ahead of 2021 in the first half, maintaining Sportingbet's position of strength in the market.  Gaming performed particularly strongly, with NGR +70%cc² ahead of 2021. Sports betting, a significant proportion of NGR in Brazil was +31%cc² year on year reflecting the prior year benefit from Euro 2020 and the Copa America.  During the first half, we have seen a significant increase in competition ahead of the anticipated regulation which lowered NGR growth versus our original expectations.  However, underlying customer metrics remain very strong with the number of active customers +44% ahead year on year.

In Georgia, NGR was -9%cc² behind last year with the new regulation regime taking effect from Q1. 

Enlabs, which we acquired in the first quarter of last year, continues to perform strongly, despite economic challenges of the region, with year on year growth of +18%cc² on a proforma basis.  The Enlabs business and Baltics region continues to present a number of exciting opportunities for the Group.

During Q1 we completed the acquisition of Avid Gaming and its Sports Interaction brand, which sees the Group expand its presence in the Canadian market.  During the first half the business contributed 1% to Online NGR with momentum building in both sports and gaming volumes.

Online contribution margin of 39.9% was -3.2pp lower than last year as a result of the Covid unwind impact on NGR and costs associated with regulation in Germany and Georgia.

Operating costs (before rent) were 8% higher than last year as a result of inflation and the impact of acquisitions, with the year-on-year increase in line with previous mid to high single-digit guidance.

Rent and associated costs were £0.7m in the first half, compared with £0.8m in the prior year, leaving underlying EBITDA³ of £384.7m, -22% behind 2021.

Share based payments were £2.2m lower than last year, underlying depreciation and amortisation of £57.2m was -1% higher and share of associate's income was £1.8m following an investment in 2021, leaving underlying operating profit⁴ -25% lower at £328.0m.

 

Retail

The Retail business is made up of our Retail estates in the UK, Italy, Belgium and Republic of Ireland.

Six months to 30 June	20221	2021	Change	CC2
	£m	£m	%	%
Sports wagers5	1,913.7	509.9	275%	276%
Sports margin5	18.7%	19.0%	(0.3pp)	(0.3pp)
Sports NGR/Revenue	354.7	99.5	256%	258%
Machines NGR/Revenue	281.3	91.8	206%	206%
NGR/Revenue	636.0	191.3	232%	233%
Gross profit	428.6	134.2	219%
Contribution	425.1	131.3	224%
Contribution margin	66.8%	68.6%	(1.8pp)
Operating costs	(275.8)	(185.7)	(49%)
Underlying EBITDAR3	149.3	(54.4)	374%
Rent and associated costs	(8.2)	(8.3)	1%
Underlying EBITDA3	141.1	(62.7)	325%
Share based payments	(0.5)	(1.3)	62%
Underlying depreciation and amortisation	(53.0)	(51.1)	(4%)
Share of JV/Associate income	-	-	-
Underlying operating profit/(loss)4	87.6	(115.1)	176%

Retail NGR of £636.0m was +232% (+244% LFL⁵) ahead of a lockdown impacted prior year with customers returning in strength to our shops for the unique Retail betting and gaming experience.  In our two largest Retail estates, the UK and Italy, we are seeing volumes ahead of pre-Covid levels and LFL⁵ Retail NGR grew at 2%cc² in Q2 on a 3 year CAGR basis (post implementation of the Triennial review in the UK on 1 April 2019).  

With NGR significantly ahead year on year, Retail recorded an underlying EBITDAR³ of £149.3m which was £203.7m ahead of 2021, and underlying EBITDA³ of £141.1m, £203.8m ahead.  Underlying operating profit⁴ was £87.6m and, after separately disclosed items of £50.1m (2021: £5.6m), operating profit was £37.5m, an increase of £158.2m on 2021.

In the UK, NGR was +194% ahead of 2021 with the strong performance driven by a continuation of our digitalisation strategy and our ongoing focus on market leading content for our gaming machines and self-service betting terminals.  Strong sports volumes are predominantly driven by our SSBT's, which provide an experience akin to the digital offering and now represent approximately one third of our total sports NGR in UK Retail. Gaming NGR was up +7% on a LFL⁵ basis vs 2019, supported by best in class machines and the most differentiated content on the high street.

In Italy, the strength of our omni-channel offering and our ability to maintain ongoing relationships with customers through digital channels during lockdowns has continued to benefit the businesses recovery post Covid, with NGR in H1 +5%cc² ahead of 2019.  Shops in Italy were closed for much of the first half in 2021, with a phased reopening during June and July.

Our Retail estate in Belgium continues to recover more slowly than our other estates post Covid with a further lockdown in January of this year disrupting momentum. With Belgium in lockdown for much of H1 2021, year on year NGR was +207%cc² ahead in H1 2022.  Similarly impacted by significant lockdown closures in 2021, Republic of Ireland NGR was +468%cc² ahead.

Operating costs (before rent) were 49% higher than 2021, largely due to prior year comparators benefiting from cost mitigation in response to lockdowns and the receipt of furlough.  Whilst the business continues to combat inflationary pressures through strict cost control, the current level of inflation and rising energy prices in H2 is expected to be offset by continued strong NGR performance driven by our industry leading content on gaming machines and SSBTs. 

Rent and associated costs of £8.2m in the first half were 1% lower than the prior year, leaving underlying EBITDA³ of £141.1m, £203.8m higher than 2021. 

Charges for share based payments were £0.8m lower than last year and underlying depreciation and amortisation of £53.0m was -4% higher leaving an underlying operating profit⁴ of £87.6m, £202.7m ahead of 2021.

As of 30 June 2022, there were a total of 4,287 shops/outlets (2021: 4,524): UK 2,568 (2021: 2,754), Italy 940 (2021: 942), Belgium shops 287, outlets 359 (2021: shops 289, outlets 398) and Ireland 133 (2021: 132).

During the first half, the Group made the decision to repay £45.5m received under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ("furlough scheme"), a charge which has been recognised in separately disclosed items.

New Opportunities

Six months to 30 June	20221	2021	Change	CC2
	£m	£m	%	%
Underlying EBITDAR3	(14.6)	-	-
Rent and associated costs	-	-	-
Underlying EBITDA3	(14.6)	-	-
Share based payments	(0.1)	-	-
Underlying depreciation and amortisation	(1.6)	-	-
Share of JV/Associate income	-	-	-
Underlying operating loss4	(16.3)	-	-

New Opportunities costs³ of £14.6m primarily reflect £11.0m of costs associated with our innovation program, and £3.6m of losses in our Unikrn business as we prepare the business for launch in H2.

After depreciation and amortisation and share based payments, New Opportunities underlying operating loss⁴ was £16.3m.

Other

Six months to 30 June	20221	2021	Change	CC2
	£m	£m	%	%
NGR/Revenue	13.1	15.5	(15%)	(16%)
Gross profit	13.1	13.0	1%
Contribution	13.1	12.7	3%
Operating costs	(10.1)	(10.3)	2%
Underlying EBITDAR3	3.0	2.4	25%
Rent and associated costs	-	(0.1)	100%
Underlying EBITDA3	3.0	2.3	30%
Share based payments		-	-
Underlying depreciation and amortisation	(1.3)	(1.7)	24%
Share of JV/Associate income/(loss)	0.7	(0.8)	188%
Underlying operating profit/(loss)4	2.4	(0.2)	n/m

NGR of £13.1m was 15% lower than 2021 with the continued recovery in NGR in our 4 dog tracks post Covid lockdowns more than offset by lost revenues from our break even Betdaq business which was sold in H2 2021. Resulting underlying EBITDAR³ and EBITDA³ of £3.0m were £0.6m and £0.7m ahead of 2021 respectively.  Underlying operating profit⁴ was £2.4m (2021: £0.2m loss) and operating profit after charging separately disclosed items was also £2.4m, £4.3m ahead of last year. 

Corporate

Six months to 30 June	20221	2021	Change	CC2
	£m	£m	%	%
Underlying EBITDAR3	(43.0)	(34.2)	(26%)
Rent and associated costs	(0.2)	(0.2)	-
Underlying EBITDA3	(43.2)	(34.4)	(26%)
Share based payments	(3.3)	(1.8)	(83%)
Underlying depreciation and amortisation	(0.1)	(0.2)	50%
Share of JV/Associate (loss)	(108.6)	(78.2)	(39%)
Underlying operating loss	(155.2)	(114.6)	(35%)

Corporate costs³ of £43.2m were £8.8m higher than last year driven by additional investment in our Responsible Gambling activities, as we move towards our 1% of UK GGR target, and the annualisation of investment in 2021 (H2 2021 cost was £46.6m).  After share based payments, depreciation and amortisation and share of JV losses, Corporate underlying operating loss⁴ was £155.2m, an increase of £40.6m, largely as a result of the expected £30.4m incremental loss in the US JV, BetMGM. After charging separately disclosed items of £12.3m, the operating loss of £167.5m was £36.7m higher than 2021.

 

Notes

(1)  2022 results are unaudited

(2)  Growth on a constant currency basis is calculated by translating both current and prior year performance at the 2022 exchange rates

(3)  EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, rent and associated costs, share based payments and share of JV/associate income. EBITDA is defined as EBITDAR after charging rent and associated costs. Both EBITDAR and EBITDA are stated pre separately disclosed items

(4)  Stated pre separately disclosed items

(5)  Retail numbers are quoted on a LFL basis. During H1 there was an average of 4,317 shops in the estate, compared to an average of 4,612 in the same period last year

 

 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER'S REVIEW

Six months to 30 June	20221	2021	Change	CC2
	£m	£m	%	%
NGR	2,117.6	1,792.6	18%	18%
Revenue	2,094.9	1,767.0	19%	19%
Gross profit	1,327.8	1,136.3	17%
Contribution	1,025.5	827.8	24%
Underlying EBITDAR3	480.1	410.5	17%
Underlying EBITDA3	471.0	401.1	17%
Share based payments	(5.2)	(6.6)	21%
Underlying depreciation and amortisation	(113.2)	(109.9)	(3%)
Share of JV/Associate loss	(106.1)	(79.0)	(34%)
Underlying operating profit4	246.5	205.6	20%
Net finance costs	(39.1)	(36.0)
Net foreign exchange/movement on derivatives	(55.0)	77.1
Profit before tax pre separately disclosed items	152.4	246.7
Separately disclosed items:
Amortisation of acquired intangibles	(51.5)	(94.7)
Other	(61.4)	(21.4)
Profit before tax	39.5	130.6
Tax	(11.4)	(39.7)
Profit after tax from continuing activities	28.1	90.9
Discontinued operations	(3.1)	(6.2)
Profit after tax	25.0	84.7

NGR and Revenue

Group reported NGR was 18% ahead and revenue was 19% ahead of last year, with prior year lockdowns causing strong growth in Retail partially offset by a decline in Online.  Further details are provided in the Business Review section.

Underlying operating profit⁴    

Group reported underlying operating profit⁴ of £246.5m was 20% ahead of 2021 (2021: £205.6m), with underlying EBITDA⁴ ahead by 17%. The Group's share of JV and Associate losses of £106.1m (2021: £79.0m) includes BetMGM losses of £108.6m, which were £30.4m higher year on year as the business invests in growth.  Analysis of the Group's performance for the first half is detailed in the Business Review section.

Financing costs

Finance costs of £39.1m (2021: £36.0m) were £3.1m higher than 2021 as a result of annualisation of interest on the additional $351m (c£250m) in term loans raised In July 2021. 

Net foreign exchange losses in H1 of £55.0m (2021: £77.1m gain) resulted from the retranslation of non-sterling denominated debt. These losses are offset by gains in reserves on the retranslation of assets in our overseas businesses.

Separately disclosed items

Items separately disclosed before tax for the period amount to a £112.9m charge (2021: £116.1m) and relate primarily to £51.5m of amortisation on acquired intangibles (2021: £94.7m), a £45.5m charge for the repayment of monies received under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ("furlough scheme")(2021: £nil), a £3.5m (2021: £3.3m) impairment/loss on disposal of certain Retail assets and in the prior year a write off of assets on the disposed  exchange business Betdaq, Project Evolve costs of £4.5m (2021: £nil), corporate transaction costs of £12.5m (2021: £3.4m) and £4.7m of legal and onerous costs (2021: £6.2m), offset by a £9.3m release of contingent consideration liabilities following a reassessment of the likely cost (2021: £0.2m charge). During the prior year the Group also incurred £10.1m of Integration costs and £0.7m on other exceptional items as well as recording a £2.5m income predominantly on the Ladbrokes VAT claim.

Separately disclosed items
	2022 £m	2021 £m
Amortisation of acquired intangibles	(51.5)	(94.7)
Furlough repayments	(45.5)	-
Impairment/Loss on disposal	(3.5)	(3.3)
Project Evolve	(4.5)	-
Corporate transaction costs	(12.5)	(3.4)
Legal and onerous contract costs	(4.7)	(6.2)
Movement in fair value of contingent consideration	9.3	(0.2)
Integration costs	-	(10.1)
Tax litigation/one-off legislative impacts	-	2.5
Other one-off items	-	(0.7)
Total	(112.9)	(116.1)

Profit before tax

Profit before tax and separately disclosed items was £152.4m (2021: £246.7m), a year-on-year reduction of £94.3m with the outperformance in Group operating profit offset by the foreign exchange losses on retranslation of debt.

Taxation

The tax charge for the period ended 30 June 2022 was £11.4m (2021: charge of £39.7m), reflecting an underlying effective tax rate pre-BetMGM losses and foreign exchange of 11.4% (2021: 20.2%) and a tax income on separately disclosed items of £19.3m (2021: £10.3m). 

With changes anticipated in the taxation regime in Gibraltar, we now expect the full year 2022 effective tax rate to be c18% excluding the impact of foreign exchange and share of BetMGM losses.

 

Cashflow

Six months to 30 June	2022	2021
	£m	£m
Underlying EBITDA3	471.0	401.1
Discontinued EBITDA	-	(2.5)
Underlying working capital	(86.7)	(43.9)
Capital expenditure	(103.9)	(71.6)
Finance lease (incl. IFRS 16 leases)	(48.6)	(44.0)
Corporate taxes	(40.6)	(41.4)
Underlying free cashflow	191.2	197.7
Investment in BetMGM	(113.1)	(72.6)
Acquisitions net of cash acquired	(179.5)	(380.7)
Free cashflow	(101.4)	(255.6)
Interest paid (incl. IFRS 16 leases)	(32.5)	(29.6)
Separately disclosed items	66.7	(18.4)
Net movement on debt and associated instruments	34.3	(21.9)
Equity issue	-	0.6
Dividends paid	-	(14.8)
Net Cashflow	(32.9)	(339.7)
Foreign exchange	11.3	18.1
Net cash generated	(21.6)	(321.6)

Note: Cashflows of £19.9m on contingent consideration arrangements classified as separately disclosed items above have been included within settlement of financial instruments and other financial liabilities within the statutory cashflow (2021: £1.6m)

During the first half, the Group had a net cash outflow of £32.9m (2021: £339.7m), but an inflow of £259.7m before acquisitions and investment in BetMGM (2021: £113.6m).  Underlying free cashflow for the period was £191.2m (2021: £197.7m) with underlying EBITDA³ of £471.0m (2021: £401.1m) offset by investment in capital expenditure of £103.9m (2021: £71.6m), lease payments of £48.6m, including those on non-operational shops (2021: £44.0m) and a working capital outflow of £86.7m (2021: £43.9m). The Group also paid £40.6m in corporate tax (2021: £41.4m) with discontinued operations also incurring a loss of £2.5m EBITDA³ in the prior year. Including cash outflows for acquisitions and additional investment in BetMGM, the Group had a free cash outflow of £101.4m (2021: £255.6m).

The Group paid £32.5m of interest during the first half (2021: £29.6m) and received £66.7m on separately disclosed items (2021: £18.4m expense) including £161.9m on tax litigation (2021: £3.1m), primarily monies received from the 2010/11 Greek Tax Assessment following a ruling in the Group's favour, less payments of £4.9m on Project Evolve (2021: £nil), £45.5m to repay monies received under the furlough scheme (2021: £nil), £6.0m on legal and onerous contract costs (2021: £8.7m), £14.5m on acquisition and deal related costs (2021: £1.8m) and £19.9m on deferred consideration arrangements on previous acquisitions (2021: £1.6m).  The Group also incurred £4.4m in ongoing fees in relation to previous disposals (2021: £nil).  In the prior period, costs of £9.4m in relation to integration activities were incurred. 

During the half, £34.3m was received on debt related instruments, primarily on the settlement of one of the Group's external swap arrangements following its maturity (2021: £21.9m repaid). In the prior period, £14.8m was paid in dividends to the minority holding in Crystalbet.  No equity dividends were paid during either the current or prior year.

 

Net debt and liquidity

As at 30 June 2022, net debt was £2,209.6m and represented a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.3x. There was no drawdown on the Group's revolving credit facility. 

	Par value	Issue costs/ Premium	Total
	£m	£m	£m
Bonds	(500.0)	(7.3)	(507.3)
Term loans	(1,887.0)	13.9	(1,873.1)
Interest accrual	(22.4)	-	(22.4)
	(2,409.4)	6.6	(2,402.8)
Cash			465.5
Accounting net debt			(1,937.3)
Cash held on behalf of customers			(194.9)
Fair value of swaps held against debt instruments			84.0
Short term investments/Deposits held			20.7
Balances held with payment service providers			94.2
Adjusted net debt pre IFRS 16			(1,933.3)
Lease liabilities recognised as a result of IFRS 16			(276.3)
Adjusted net debt post IFRS 16			(2,209.6)

Going Concern

In adopting the going concern basis of preparation in the interim financial statements, the directors have considered the current trading performance of the Group, the principal risks and uncertainties as considered in the 2021 year end longer term viability statement and the current macro-economic environment.  The assessment performed over going concern included assessing the impact of the crystallisation of the Group's principal risks in "severe but plausible" downside scenarios as well as downside sensitivities for the broader macro-economic environment.

At 30 June 2022, the Group had accessible cash of c£0.4bn with a further c£0.5bn available under the Group's RCF.  Given the level of the Group's current financing facilities, the first material tranche of which does not mature until H2 2023, and the forecast covenant headroom even under the sensitised downside scenarios, the directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage the risks and uncertainties it faces.  As such, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will have adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence and have, therefore, considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of preparation in the interim financial statements.

 

Notes

(1)  2022 results are unaudited

(2)  Growth on a constant currency basis is calculated by translating both current and prior year performance at the 2022 exchange rates

(3)  EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, rent and associated costs, share based payments and share of JV income. EBITDA is defined as EBITDAR after charging rent and associated costs. Both EBITDAR and EBITDA are stated pre separately disclosed items

(4)  Stated pre separately disclosed items

 

 

Principal risks

Key risks are reviewed by the executive directors, other senior executives and the Board of Entain plc on a regular basis and, where appropriate, actions are taken to mitigate the key risks that are identified.  The Board has overall responsibility for risk management as an integral part of strategic planning.

The principal risks and uncertainties which could impact the Group are detailed in the Group's Annual Report and Accounts 2021 and are as follows:

Data breach and cyber security

The Group operations depend on the fairness of its gaming engines, the processing of customer data (protected by strict data protection and privacy laws in all jurisdictions in which the Group operates) and the ability of customers to access its services on a 24/7 basis. The Group is exposed to the risk that the integrity of gaming, confidentiality of data or availability of its services would be compromised through a cyberattack or a breach in data security, which would impact the trust of its customers and resulting NGR growth and could ultimately result in prosecutions including financial penalties.

Laws, regulations, licensing and regulatory compliance

Regulatory, legislative and fiscal regimes for betting and gaming in key markets around the world can change, sometimes at short notice.  Such changes could benefit or have an adverse effect on the Group's profitability or the markets in which it can operate.

Technology failure

The Group's operations are highly dependent on technology and advanced information systems and there is a risk that such technology or systems could fail. In particular, any damage to, or failure of online systems and servers, electronic point of sale systems and electronic display systems could result in interruptions to trading and customer service systems.

Taxes

The Group is subject to a range of taxes, duties and levies in many of the countries where we have operations or in which our customers are located. The taxes imposed upon betting and gaming companies have changed over time and continue to change. In addition to changing taxes, given the Group's geographical diversity, the nature of tax affairs can be complicated with differing legal interpretation regarding the scope and scale of taxation. Both of these factors mean the levels of taxation to which the Group is exposed to may change in the future.

BetMGM and US strategy

Effective execution of BetMGM's strategy in the US is key to the Group's growth forecasts. Ineffective execution of the strategy may impact the Group's ambition of leadership in the US and opportunities for NGR growth in already regulated states and new states as they regulate.

Safer betting and gaming

Safer betting and gaming is at the centre of everything that Entain does. It is the cornerstone of our Sustainability Charter, and our most material ESG issue is to ensure the highest possible levels of player safety and protection. Failure to adequately protect our customers could impact our ability to offer products and build a sustainable business.

Increased cost of product

The Group is subject to certain arrangements intended to support the customer offering. Examples are the horseracing and the voluntary greyhound racing levies, data and content supply, and the provision of marketing services. The combined cost of these third-party services is material, and they collectively have a significant impact on the profitability for the business globally. A number of the contracts that underpin the provision of third-party services are under negotiation at any one time. The pricing of these services is also subject to inflationary cost increases and can also be volatile based on the changeable business environment that many of our suppliers operate.

Health, Safety & Wellbeing of Customers, Communities and Employees

Failure to meet the requirements of the various domestic and international rules and regulations relating to the health and safety of our employees and our responsibilities and commitments towards customers and communities could expose the Company to material civil, criminal and/or regulatory action with the associated financial and reputational consequences.

Trading, liability management and pricing

The Group may experience significant losses as a result of a failure to determine accurately the odds in relation to any particular event and/or any failure of its price risk management processes.

Loss of key locations

Whilst the Group operates out of a number of geographical locations, there are a number of key sites which are critical to the day-to-day operations of the Group, including our offices in Central London, Gibraltar, Vienna, Hyderabad, Australia, Italy, Ireland and Manila. Disruption in any of these locations could have an impact on operations.

Pandemic

Further waves of pandemic affecting individual countries or continents resulting in the closure of all or part of our Retail estate or the cancellation/postponement of major sporting events, e.g., football, horse racing may result in financial losses, service outage or an inability to protect our colleagues wellbeing.

Recruitment and retention of key employees

The people who work within Entain are pivotal to the success of the Company and our failure to attract or retain key individuals may impact our ability to deliver on our strategic goals.

Emerging and Evolving Risks

The current economic pressures, increasing rates of inflation and increasing energy costs are a cause for concern for many consumers. Whilst the Group considers itself as relatively resilient to the impacts of economic pressures, it is not immune. The directors continue to be vigilant of the economic backdrop.