Executives Thomas Graf, Zane Mersich and Thomas Schmalzer were on hand to deliver an update about the group, and how it plans to move forward in 2023 and beyond.
Greentube CEO Graf began by explaining how recent operations have been going, saying: “The last two or three years amid the pandemic were fairly difficult for the group, primarily because of retail operations being closed.
“This has changed in the last year with the reopening of such operations. We have more than 2,000 gaming operations, including full-scale casinos, electronic casinos and sports betting venues.”
While Novomatic intends to release its official full-year 2022 financial figures in April, Graf touched on the group’s results from the first half of 2022, with Novomatic’s numbers showing an upwards trend, with revenue amounting to €1.3bn ($1.39bn). EBITDA amounted to €371m, with investments of over €100m. Graf added that the trend continued in the second half of 2022.
The Greentube CEO also looked ahead to the future, with Novomatic focused on continuing its growth path in all regulated markets and soon-to-be regulated markets. This includes markets in Europe but also in North America and LatAm, as well as Africa and Asia.
Furthermore, he referenced the significant acquisition of Italian concessionaire HBG Group which took place in November 2022, which Graf noted has helped the group to consolidate the market.
And one important industry issue that he highlighted is that of responsible gaming, with Graf commenting: “Going green is very important for us, we have some very interesting ideas in that area in the pipeline.”
Novomatic Gaming UK CEO Mersich then expanded on the group’s operations in the UK and the Netherlands, with Novomatic embarking upon a journey of acquisitions in its UK venture so far. He noted that the group’s “consistent growth basis” in this market proves that “arcades are anything but dead.”
He added: “It’s been incredible and we’re very proud. We will never stop growing, it’s part of our DNA.” He also touched on the group’s heavy focus on its Dutch business, which includes technology, machine distribution and gaming operations.
And finally, Novomatic VP of Global Sales Schmalzer discussed the heavy presence Novomatic has at this year’s ICE, explaining what visitors to the stand can expect from the industry giant.
“I’m really proud to come back to ICE in 2023 after a break,” said Schmalzer. “It’s great to be back in person and it’s great we can be back in full force.”
He noted that the company’s slogan this year is most certainly ‘Black is back,’ with the group redesigning its booth to show that it is now back at ICE in full force, with the slogan also represented by the launch of its Black Edition II cabinet, a relaunch of its Black Edition cabinet.
Moreover, he touched on the dedicated areas of Novomatic’s stand at ICE for the group’s various subsidiaries and technology partners, including the likes of Ainsworth, Apex, Fazi, Novocash and Greentube.
