Posted on: February 8, 2024, 01:23h.
Last updated on: February 8, 2024, 01:38h.
BetMGM said it posted 2023 revenue of $1.96 billion, a 36% year-over-year increase that put the online sportsbook operator’s top line at the higher end of a previously disclosed forecast of $1.8 billion to $2 billion.
The operator added that it was earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) positive in the second half of 2023 and that its EBITDA loss for the year is expected to be $67 million. BetMGM is a 50/50 joint venture between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Entain Plc (OTC: GMVHF), and the operator’s narrowing losses/increasing path to profitability could compel MGM to make a takeover offer for the half of the online betting entity it doesn’t control, or for Entain itself.
As for Entain and MGM, investors remain focused on an eventual transaction of some sort, given the underperformance of BetMGM in the current structure,” wrote Jeffereies analyst David Katz in a recent client note. “We remain supportive of MGM acquiring the outstanding stake of BetMGM or the whole of Entain, pending terms.”
In recent months, speculation has heightened that MGM could make a move on Entain or make a run at the latter’s BetMGM stake because activist investors, including some with direct ties to MGM, have pushed for material change at the UK-based gaming company.
BetMGM Good News, Bad News
In its latest financial update, BetMGM reiterated that it expects to achieve $500 million EBITDA in 2026, a clear positive for the operator.
“Our performance in 2023 demonstrates our commitment to delivering on our promises. We were able to achieve strong organic growth while executing against key strategic initiatives that lay the foundation for 2024 and beyond,” said CEO Adam Greenblatt in a statement. “The attainment of EBITDA profitability over the last three quarters of 2023 validates the effectiveness of our business model and provides the basis from which to invest further in expanding our sports offering through the integration of Angstrom and leveraging our largely untapped Las Vegas omni-channel advantages.”
Other data points indicate the operator has work to do. BetMGM said it has 14% market share in the US sports wagering and iGaming markets, indicating that’s trailing rivals FanDuel and DraftKings (NASDAQ: DKNG) by wide margins.
The operator hopes that investments in live betting and same-game parlay technology, as well as single wallet functionality (one BetMGM account for all states in which it’s available), will pay dividends in terms of attracting new customers.
Potential 2024 Catalysts for BetMGM
Some potential catalysts could benefit BetMGM in 2024, including North Carolina joining the online sports betting landscape and a full year of results from Kentucky.
On the technology front, the single wallet plan, which is expected to debut later this year, could be impactful because it would allow visitors to MGM’s Las Vegas casinos to continue betting on sports from their mobile devices without the need to sign up for a Nevada account.
Regarding iGaming, BetMGM is focusing on new, in-house content, including table games and progressive slots as avenues for luring and retaining bettors.
