Australian-based Tabcorp Holdings publicized its financial report for the initial six months of 2021, ending on December 31st. The report indicated a rise in earnings, with their lottery division exhibiting strong performance prior to its separation from the organization.
Tabcorp’s income expanded by 2.2%, fueled by the robust performance of its lottery operations.
During the operator’s first half of the fiscal year, revenue climbed by 2.2% year-over-year, reaching A$2.93 billion (£1.55 billion/€1.86 billion/$2.11 billion).
The lottery and Keno division, encompassing The Lott and Keno brands, made the most significant contribution to the group’s overall revenue. Despite COVID-19 restrictions impacting Keno venues, the division’s income still grew by 10.9% to A$1.78 billion. Although Keno earnings dropped by 9.8% to A$119 million, lottery revenue surged by 12.7% to A$1.67 billion, encompassing both physical and digital channels.
The highly visible retail network – including newsagents, fuel stations, kiosks, and pharmacies – facilitated a 5% increase in turnover, while the digital lottery turnover share rose to 36.7% from 32.1% in the preceding year.
Game development contributed to maintaining turnover growth for the jackpot games and Saturday Lotto. However, other lotteries, such as scratchies, Set for Life, and Monday and Wednesday Lotto draws, experienced a decline compared to the robust performance in the six months ending December 31, 2020. The operator had expanded its active customer base to 3 million by the conclusion of the reporting period.
Tabcorps gaming and media sector, encompassing its leading betting brand, Sky Racing, and its B2B division Sky Racing World, has reported a 9.8% decrease in income to A$1.07 billion in the initial six months of the year. The decline was attributed to the closure of retail outlets in its largest state market, New South Wales, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The division also includes the totalizator operator Premier Gateway International.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, David Attenborough, stated that the division’s performance reflected “the widespread appeal of the company’s popular products and brands, as well as the success of its omnichannel strategy.”
Tabcorp declared in July of the previous year that it would be separating its lottery and keno divisions into a distinct listed entity, a process anticipated to be finalized in June 2022. The initial court hearing and plan booklet release is expected to occur in April, followed by a demerger plan meeting and a second court hearing in May. If everything proceeds as planned, the demerger is expected to be completed in June, with the establishment of the lottery company.
There had been months of speculation that Tabcorps gambling and media division would be spun off, with companies such as Apollo Global, BetMakers, and Entain submitting bids to acquire it. However, the division will ultimately remain as part of the core business.
In metropolitan areas of New South Wales, retail outlets lost 102 days of trading, compared to just 13 days in the preceding year. Its regional outlets were closed for 74 days, compared to no lost trading time in the first half of 2021.
Retail sales for betting and media experienced a 36% decline as a result of store shutdowns. While online operations were a significant factor, with physical stores facilitating digital transactions and account deposits, income in this sector actually increased by 2% annually. However, profit margins decreased due to incentives, marketing, and promotional efforts as competition for digital customers intensified.
“Despite the substantial impact of retail closures in [New South Wales] and Victoria on the wagering and media business, its performance across all channels has improved since restrictions were eased,” Attenborough remarked.
“The wagering and media business, and its digital performance, will be even stronger when venues are open and customers can fully participate in the omnichannel experience, which is a key strategic differentiator.”
The gaming services division, which provides machines and support services to clubs across Australia, was the smallest contributor to group revenue, although its revenue increased by 6.8% to A$78 million.
This was due to a reduction in property transactions in Victoria and the relatively limited impact of COVID-19 closures in New South Wales.
However, income was affected by Tabcorp’s decision to reduce customer fees to assist them in dealing with COVID-19. Full machine fees were only reinstated on December 1, 2021.
Moving forward, Tabcorp intends to remodel and modify its supply brand Max Venue Services. Roughly half of the electronic gaming machine agreements will continue under a comprehensive service model, whereas a third of the agreements will be ended at the conclusion of their terms.
Tabcorp’s variable contribution – income less variable expenditures associated with production and sales – reached A$942 million, a decrease of 0.9% from the previous year.
Following A$413 million in operating costs, its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) dropped 5.5% to A$529 million. This was almost entirely driven by lottery and Keno, which contributed A$358 million, an increase of 15.1%, to counter declines in wagering and media and gaming services.
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased its earnings before interest and taxes to A$333 million, with interest and tax expenses leading to a pre-significant items net profit of A$187 million, a reduction of 12.7%.
The company then incurred a A$12 million charge related to the lottery and Keno separation, resulting in a statutory net profit of A$175 million, a decrease of 5.4% from the preceding year.
Looking ahead, Attenborough stated that the company’s priorities in the second half of its fiscal year 2022 (ending June 30) are to finalize the separation of lottery and Keno and execute growth plans for each division.
“These include the launch of a new Tab application in 2022, aimed at positioning [the brand] as the preferred option for digital wagering,” he explained.
Were transforming AusLot to provide larger and more regular awards, making it genuinely the ‘Australian Lottery’,” he stated.
He further mentioned that the division is progressing smoothly and will be advantageous for stakeholders as both entities will expand and become more varied.
“We’re enthusiastic about this opportunity to establish two robust, profitable ventures with a promising future,” he remarked.
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