Entain PLC BetMGM Business Update (9739Y)

TIDMENT

RNS Number : 9739Y

Entain PLC

19 January 2022

19 January 2022

Entain and MGM Resorts International

BetMGM business update

BetMGM expects to deliver net revenue from operations of over $1.3bn in 2022 and reach positive EBITDA in 2023

BetMGM LLC ("BetMGM"), one of the leading sports betting and iGaming operators across the U.S., jointly owned by Entain plc (LSE: ENT) ("Entain") and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) ("MGM Resorts"), is today providing an update on performance and outlook for 2022.

-- BetMGM is achieving market share in line with its long-term target of 20% - 25% in U.S. sports betting and iGaming

o Number 2 operator for sports betting and iGaming across the markets in which it operates with a 24% market share for the three months to November 2021

o Remains market leader in iGaming with 30% market share for the three months to November 2021 in the markets in which it operates

   --      Live in 19 jurisdictions - 4 iGaming, 19 sports betting 

o Expect to reach approximately 40% of the U.S. adult population with 2 further jurisdiction launches as well as launch in Canada and Puerto Rico in the coming months

   --      Strong financial performance in FY 2021: 

o Net revenue from operations expected to be approximately $850m(1) , ahead of management expectations and up nearly five times from prior year

o Same state growth in net revenue from operations of 140% from prior year

o FY 2021 EBITDA loss expected to be in the range of $420m - $440m, in line with expectations

o Cost per acquisition was in line with management's forecast, which reaffirms the expectation of achieving a long-term acquisition cost of $250

o Player values in line with expectations supporting long term total addressable market opportunity in North America of around $32bn

   --      FY 2022 net revenue from operations expected to be over $1.3bn 

-- Continued growth will be supported by investment in additional markets and product deployments:

o Expecting to launch online sportsbooks in Illinois and Louisiana in the first quarter as well as retail sportsbooks in Puerto Rico and both online sportsbook and iGaming in Ontario later this year

o Expanding our first-to-market Bingo product and the BetMGM Racing app into additional states while continuing to enhance our products in existing markets

o Continuing to employ our returns-driven marketing strategy while further incorporating the MGM Resorts loyalty program into all aspects of our offering

o Maintain our market-leading customer service while prioritizing responsible gaming across all facets of our business

-- BetMGM anticipates reaching positive EBITDA in 2023, based on its current assumption of future live markets

o We have achieved positive contribution in several states, some within one year of launch, driven by our prudent, data-driven marketing strategy and by leveraging our omni-channel offering

-- Wholly supportive of BetMGM's continuing success, strong performance and market leadership, the investment by Entain and MGM Resorts is expected to be approximately $450m in 2022

o This would bring the combined total investment from Entain and MGM Resorts to approximately $1.1bn since launch in 2018

Conference Call:

BetMGM will host a conference call at 3.00pm UK time today (10:00am ET) today, which will include an overview of its results, followed by a brief question and answer session. The call will be accessible via the Internet through: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2832/44324 or by dialling:

U.K.: [phone]

U.S. (Toll Free): [phone]

International: [phone]

Conference call access code: 3122358

The live webcast and replay will also be accessible at https://entaingroup.com/investor-relations/results-centre/

BetMGM 2022 Investor Day:

BetMGM will host an investor day for analysts and investors during May to provide further updates on financial performance, operational plans and outlook. Details of the event, including format and registration, will be made available via press release in due course.

Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM, commented:

"The highly talented team at BetMGM is executing our plan with purpose, passion and discipline, and our results speak for themselves. After only 3 years into our journey, we have cemented the credibility of BetMGM's leadership ambition in sports betting and iGaming in the U.S. 2022 is a critical year, where the leading national operators will reach critical mass, paving the way for the next phase of the sector's financial evolution. With the support of our shareholders, our technology and data platform, brand and omni-channel strategy, we look to the future with confidence."

Jette Nygaard-Andersen, CEO of Entain commented:

" BetMGM is built on Entain's best in class technology and capabilities alongside MGM Resorts iconic brand and assets. Its fantastic success so far demonstrates that BetMGM has really captured the excitement of customers across the states where it operates. BetMGM continues to outpace the market as a result of its unique assets and go to market approach, broad and highly engaging range of in-house products and digital marketing capabilities. Given the long term opportunity and shareholder value potential in winning in this market, we are very happy to support BetMGM in this investment phase of its growth journey and we are absolutely committed to providing BetMGM with what it takes to win."

Bill Hornbuckle, CEO & President of MGM Resorts commented:

"BetMGM has made significant progress in gaining a strong foothold in the rapidly growing U.S. sports betting and iGaming market, solidifying its position as the number two operator nationwide in 2021. These achievements are underpinned by the structural advantages offered through MGM Resorts and Entain as well as a best-in-class team at BetMGM led by Adam. As we look to 2022, we are beyond excited about further integrating BetMGM with our MGM loyalty program and land-based operations to elevate the BetMGM player experience. We are more confident than ever about BetMGM's future prospects and remain committed to its continued success."

Notes:

1: 2021 net revenue for BetMGM on a GAAP basis is expected to be approximately $813 million, which includes approximately $52 million related to Nevada MGM operations for which BetMGM records on a net basis as BetMGM is considered to be the agent in the Nevada transactions for GAAP purposes

Contacts:

 
BetMGM 
 Elisa Richardson [e-mail] 
 Head of Public Relations & Communications 
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  Entain plc 
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Investor Relations 
 David Lloyd-Seed [e-mail] 
 Group Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications 
 Davina Hobb s 
 Head of Investor Relations 
 
 News Media 
 Tessa Curtis [e-mail] 
 Head of Group PR & Media Relations 
MGM Resorts International 
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Investment Community 
 Catherine Park [e-mail] 
 Executive Director, Investor Relations 
 
 News Media 
 Brian Ahern [e-mail] 
 Director of Media Relations 
 

LEI: 213800GNI3K45LQR8L28

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. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include the significant competition within the gaming and entertainment industry; BetMGM's ability to execute on its business plan; changes in applicable laws or regulations, particularly with respect to iGaming and online sports betting; BetMGM's ability to manage growth and access the capital needed to support its growth plans; and BetMGM's ability to obtain the required licenses, permits and other approvals necessary to grow in existing and new jurisdictions. In providing forward-looking statements, Entain is not undertaking any duty or obligation to update these statements publicly as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. 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), Entain undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements. Nothing in this document should be construed as a profit forecast. Entain and its directors accept no liability to third parties in respect of this document save as would arise under English law.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

This press release includes projected net revenue from operations, which has not been prepared in accordance with GAAP. BetMGM believes this presentation, which it uses for its own analysis of operations, is useful in that it reflects the true economic performance of the business. If BetMGM presented net revenue from operations in accordance with GAAP, then BetMGM would present the revenues associated with its Nevada digital and retail sports betting operations different, until such time as BetMGM is licensed as a Nevada gaming operator. Currently under GAAP, its calculation of Net Revenue would be on a basis net of operating costs, such that the GAAP reported Net Revenue would be lower than the Net Revenue reported herein, with Net Income remaining the same.

About BetMGM

BetMGM is a market leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, pioneering the online gaming industry. Born out of a partnership between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Entain Plc (LSE: ENT), BetMGM has exclusive access to all of MGM Resorts' U.S. land-based and online sports betting, major tournament poker, and online gaming businesses. Utilizing Entain's U.S.-licensed, state of the art technology, BetMGM offers sports betting and online gaming via market leading brands including BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino and Party Poker. Founded in 2018, BetMGM is headquartered in New Jersey. For more information, visit http://www.betmgminc.com/ .

About Entain plc

Entain plc (LSE: ENT) is a FTSE100 company and is one of the world's largest sports-betting and gaming groups, operating both online and in the retail sector. The Group owns a comprehensive portfolio of established brands; Sports Brands include bwin, Bet.pt, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds and Sportingbet; Gaming Brands include CasinoClub, Foxy Bingo, Gala, Gioco Digitale, Ninja Casino, Optibet, partypoker and PartyCasino. The Group owns proprietary technology across all its 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's joint-venture with MGM Resorts International, BetMGM, is a leader in sports-betting and iGaming in the US. Entain provides the technology which powers BetMGM and exclusive games and products, specially developed at its in-house gaming studios. The Group is tax resident in the UK with licenses in a total of 27 regulated markets. 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

About MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500(R) global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 32 unique hotel and gaming destinations globally, including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. The Company's 50/50 venture, BetMGM, LLC, offers U.S. sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands, including BetMGM and partypoker. The Company is currently pursuing targeted expansion in Asia through the integrated resort opportunity in Japan. Through its "Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet" philosophy , MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make a bigger difference in the lives of its employees, guests, and in the communities where it operates. The global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE(R) Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies(R). For more information, please visit us at www.mgmresorts.com . Please also connect with us @MGMResortsIntl on Twitter as well as Facebook and Instagram

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January 19, 2022 08:30 ET (13:30 GMT)