SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Norway state-owned gambling operator Norsk Tipping has reported a solid first half to 2016 recording an 11% year-on-year gross gaming revenue uplift to NOK 7.2 billion (€770 million).
The firm’s lottery division (Norsk Lotto) continues to serve as its main revenue driver contributing NOK 2 billion in revenues during the period.
Norsk Tipping management reported that the division’s strong performance had been driven by increased player activity, as its refreshed marketing strategy targeting a younger consumer demographic had proved effective.
H1 Lottery gains would be supported by an improved performance of its digital gaming business which recorded gross revenues of NOK 640 million, up 8% on corresponding 2015 H1 performance.
Updating stakeholders, Norsk Tipping governance stated that the company was confident of hitting all its full-year 2016 targets following a strong H1 opening.
During the period Norsk Tipping announced former Norway Secretary General Asne Havnelid as its new Chief Executive replacing the outgoing Torbjørn Almlid, who will step down later this year following a leadership transfer period.
Commenting on corporate performance Torbjørn Almlid, CEO of Norsk Tipping, said: “The most pleasing thing is that the influx of new customers is the highest in the segment younger adults, where the battle for customers is hardest.
“We believe in a good second half well, but we can not expect that this level of growth will continue, as the paid Viking Lotto pot and the Euro 2016 football championship, will be over.
“Still, if we keep the budget of the year, it goes towards a good year for Norwegian Tipping.”
