Evolution CEO says ‘revolutionary’ years ahead as it closes Q1 2021 with €132m profit

After a momentous 2020 for MGA-licenced Evolution Gaming, which saw it acquire games provider, NetEnt, the company is off to a solid start as per its interim report for Q1 2021.

“The positive trend from 2020 continues into the first quarter of 2021 where we see a good momentum both in terms of growth and profitability,” said Martin Carlesund, CEO at Evolution Gaming.

Revenues for the first quarter, including the acquired NetEnt business, increased by 105 percent to €235 million, compared to the first quarter of 2020, with profit for the period amounting to €132.0 million, a 144 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2020.

Commenting on the results, Mr Carlesund said “Beyond everything else, our focus has always been to innovate and push boundaries to enhance the player experience. This goes for live as well as for RNG, and I am excited about how the new games that we have lined up for 2021 will further confirm this commitment.”

He added how, supported by a combination of underlying megatrends, such as global digitalisation and the shift from land-based to online casinos, “Evolution has relentlessly continued to develop and drive the digitalisation of the global casino market”.

As the company marks 15 years this April since setting up its first studio in Riga, Latvia, with the ambition to change the online casino industry, Mr Carlesund said Evolution Gaming has done more than that, growing into a multinational group which operates from more than 20 countries worldwide and employs over 10,000 people.

“There is a lot to be proud of, but what is most exciting is that we have just begun. With the new opportunities now opening up in new markets, our recharged product offer and strong brand line-up and our continuously growing team of creative, talented and hardworking people – the next 15 years are bound to be more revolutionary and more exciting than what we have seen so far.”